Taiwanese beef Rib and Daikon Soup

Name: Taiwanese Beef Rib and Daikon Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Taiwanese
Ingredients: 1 lb beef ribs, cut into chunks; 1 lb daikon radish, chopped; 1 inch ginger, thinly sliced; 5 cloves garlic, peeled; Water (enough to cover ingredients); Salt and white pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro or scallions for garnish

Published: December 14, 2025

by Simon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting Flavor: The combination of tender beef and sweet daikon creates a soup that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Nutrient-Rich: Packed with protein, minerals, and collagen, this soup supports overall health.
Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main course or side dish; it complements various meals beautifully.
Garnish Options: Customize your bowl with cilantro or scallions for added freshness.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare Taiwanese beef Rib and Daikon Soup, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring spoons
Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Ideal for cooking large batches of soup, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping ingredients quick and easy, enhancing safety in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

1 lb beef ribs (chop into 1 inch chunks)
1 lb daikon (chop into chunks or cubes)
1 inch ginger (thinly sliced)
5 cloves garlic (peeled)
water

Seasoning

2 tsp salt (more to taste)
1 tsp white pepper (more to taste)

Garnish

Cilantro or scallions (for garnish)

How to Make Taiwanese beef Rib and Daikon Soup

Step 1: Blanch the Beef Ribs

Place beef ribs into a large pot and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat and blanch the beef for 3-4 minutes. This step removes impurities from the meat, helping to keep your broth clear. After blanching, drain the beef ribs and set them aside.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Return the blanched beef ribs to the pot along with the chopped daikon radish, sliced ginger, and peeled garlic. Fill the pot with about 2 liters of water or enough to fully submerge all ingredients. Bring this mixture to a boil before reducing it to a simmer.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 45 minutes to an hour. Cook until the beef ribs are tender and flavorful.

Step 4: Season Your Soup

Once cooked, season your soup with salt and white pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning according to preference.

Step 5: Serve Hot

Garnish your Taiwanese beef Rib and Daikon Soup with fresh cilantro or sliced scallions before serving hot. Enjoy this comforting bowl on its own or alongside your favorite side dishes!

How to Serve Taiwanese beef Rib and Daikon Soup

Serving Taiwanese beef Rib and Daikon Soup can be a delightful experience. This dish is not only flavorful but also versatile, allowing for various accompaniments to enhance its taste and texture.

With Steamed Rice

Steamed rice is the perfect base for this soup. It absorbs the rich broth, making every bite satisfying.

Accompanied by Pickled Vegetables

Pickled vegetables add a tangy contrast to the savory soup, balancing its flavors nicely.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

Fresh cilantro or scallions on top adds a burst of freshness and enhances the visual appeal of the dish.

Alongside Crispy Fried Tofu

Crispy fried tofu offers a delightful crunch that complements the tender beef and daikon in the soup.

Served with Chili Sauce

A side of chili sauce provides an option for those who enjoy a spicy kick with their meal.

How to Perfect Taiwanese beef Rib and Daikon Soup

To create the ultimate Taiwanese beef Rib and Daikon Soup, follow these tips. They will ensure your soup is rich in flavor and perfectly cooked.

Use quality beef ribs – Choosing fresh, high-quality beef ribs will result in a richer broth full of flavor.
Don’t skip blanching – Blanching the beef before cooking helps remove impurities, resulting in a clearer broth.
Adjust seasoning gradually – Taste as you go when adding salt and pepper to achieve your desired flavor profile.
Simmer gently – Cooking at a low simmer allows flavors to meld while keeping the meat tender without overcooking it.

Best Side Dishes for Taiwanese beef Rib and Daikon Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Taiwanese beef Rib and Daikon Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

Stir-Fried Bok Choy – Lightly sautéed bok choy adds a vibrant green element full of nutrients.
Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad provides crunch and acidity to balance the soup’s richness.
Scallion Pancakes – These crispy pancakes have layers of flavor that complement the soup well.
Steamed Dumplings – Serve steamed dumplings filled with vegetables or meat for added texture.
Sesame Noodles – Cold sesame noodles offer a nutty flavor that contrasts nicely with the warm soup.
Fried Rice – A bowl of fried rice with veggies can be a hearty addition to your meal.
Vegetable Spring Rolls – Crispy vegetable spring rolls make for an excellent finger food alongside the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Taiwanese beef Rib and Daikon Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Skipping the blanching step: Blanching the beef ribs is crucial for a clear broth. It removes impurities that can cloud your soup.
Using too little water: Ensure you add enough water to fully submerge all ingredients. This helps extract flavors and keeps the soup balanced.
Not adjusting seasoning: Taste your soup before serving. You might need extra salt or pepper for optimal flavor.
Overcooking or undercooking the ribs: Keep an eye on the cooking time. Beef ribs should be tender but not falling apart; aim for 45 minutes to an hour of simmering.
Neglecting garnishes: Garnishes like cilantro or scallions add freshness. Don’t skip this step as it enhances flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Taiwanese beef Rib and Daikon Soup

Use a freezer-safe container or bag.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Taiwanese beef Rib and Daikon Soup

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warm.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, in short intervals until hot, stirring in between.
Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Taiwanese beef Rib and Daikon Soup.

What can I serve with Taiwanese beef Rib and Daikon Soup?

You can pair this soup with steamed rice or noodles. They both complement the flavors well and make the meal more filling.

Can I use other meats in Taiwanese beef Rib and Daikon Soup?

Yes! While this recipe features beef ribs, you can substitute chicken or turkey for a different flavor profile.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Taiwanese beef Rib and Daikon Soup?

Try adding herbs like bay leaves or spices such as star anise during cooking. These will elevate the taste of your soup significantly.

How do I know when the beef is done cooking?

The beef ribs should be fork-tender after simmering for about 45 minutes to an hour. If they’re tough, continue cooking until they soften further.

Final Thoughts

Taiwanese beef Rib and Daikon Soup is a comforting dish that combines nourishing ingredients with rich flavors. Its versatility allows for various customizations based on your preferences, such as adding different vegetables or spices. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious meal that warms both body and soul!

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