Tom Saep (Isan Hot and Sour Pork Rib Soup)
Local name: ต้มแซ่บ
In short: A hot and sour northeastern pork rib soup with lemongrass, galangal, lime leaf, toasted chili flakes and fresh herbs, finished with lime. It takes about 1 h 15 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 1 h
- Total
- 1 h 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 280 kcal
Tom saep is the northeastern answer to tom yum: a thin, sour, hot broth with tender pork ribs, lemongrass, galangal and lime leaf, finished with toasted chili flakes and fresh herbs. Saep means delicious in the Isan dialect. The ribs simmer slowly so the broth tastes deeply of pork, and the sourness comes at the end from fresh lime juice. It is eaten with sticky rice alongside grilled meats and papaya salad.
Instructions
- Put the ribs and water in a large pot and bring to a boil. Skim off the foam, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
- Add the lemongrass, galangal, shallots and half the lime leaves. Simmer, partly covered, for 45 to 50 minutes, until the ribs are very tender.
- Toast the chili flakes in a dry pan for 1 minute, until darker and fragrant, and set aside.
- Add the mushrooms and remaining lime leaves to the pot and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Take the pot off the heat. Stir in the fish sauce, lime juice, toasted chili flakes and rice powder, if using.
- Taste: it should be sour, salty, hot and savory. Add the spring onions and coriander and serve in bowls with sticky rice.
Tips
- Pork neck bones, which are cheaper, also work. Chicken wings are a quicker alternative, needing only 20 minutes of simmering.
- Add the lime juice off the heat so the broth stays sharp and fresh. Boiled lime juice turns bitter.
Questions and answers
How is tom saep different from tom yum?
Tom saep is a rustic Isan soup built on pork ribs and toasted chili flakes, with no shrimp or chili paste. Tom yum uses seafood or chicken and is usually more fragrant.
Can I make tom saep ahead of time?
Yes. Simmer the ribs up to 2 days ahead. Reheat, then add the mushrooms, lime juice and seasoning just before serving.
How spicy is it?
Quite hot, since the chili flakes are the main heat. Use 1 teaspoon for a mild version and let each person add more at the table.
How long does it take to make Tom Saep (Isan Hot and Sour Pork Rib Soup)?
About 1 h 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 1 h of cooking.
How many calories are in Tom Saep (Isan Hot and Sour Pork Rib Soup)?
About 280 kcal per serving, with 25 g of protein, 4 g of carbohydrates and 18 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 280 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 1100 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
