As the weather cools down, there’s nothing like a warm and comforting bowl of soup to cozy up with. And when it comes to pork, you can’t go wrong! With its rich flavor and tender texture, pork makes for a delicious addition to any soup recipe. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and simple or spicy and adventurous, we’ve got you covered.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 20 mouth-watering pork soup recipes that are sure to become new family favorites. From hearty and comforting to flavorful and exotic, there’s something on this list for everyone. So grab a spoon, get cozy, and let’s dive into the world of pork soups!
Classic pork and vegetable soup
Classic Pork and Vegetable Soup Recipe
This hearty soup is a comforting blend of tender pork, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a cozy evening meal or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 large potato, peeled and diced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup water
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the pork cubes over medium-high heat until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the chopped carrots, onion, garlic, and potato. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the pork is tender.
4. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Hearty pork and lentil soup
This comforting soup is a perfect blend of rich pork flavor and nutritious lentils, simmered to perfection for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the pork over medium-high heat until browned on all sides.
2. Add onions and garlic; cook until softened.
3. Add lentils, broth, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-50 minutes or until lentils are tender.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Spicy pork tortilla soup
This hearty soup combines the flavors of slow-cooked pork, bold spices, and crunchy tortilla strips for a satisfying meal. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 8-10 corn tortillas
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: chopped cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream, or shredded cheese for toppings
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until pork is tender.
4. Meanwhile, cut tortillas into strips and fry in hot oil until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
5. Serve soup with crunchy tortilla strips, salt, and pepper. Add your choice of toppings.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Slow-cooked pork and bean soup
Warm up with a hearty bowl of slow-cooked pork and bean soup!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. In a large Dutch oven or slow cooker, combine pork, diced tomatoes, beans, onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure that all the ingredients are covered.
3. Cover the pot or slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-6 hours.
4. Remove the pork from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded pork to the pot and stir to combine.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 hours (low) or 4-6 hours (high)
Japanese tonkotsu ramen soup
This Japanese-inspired soup is a hearty and comforting meal that warms the soul. A rich pork broth, infused with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, serves as the base for this creamy tonkotsu ramen.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups pork bones (you can use leftover bones from cooking pork or buy them at an Asian market)
– 4 cups water
– 1/4 cup grated ginger
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
– 8 ounces ramen noodles
– Green onions and bean sprouts for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine pork bones, water, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours.
2. Strain the broth through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean pot. Discard solids.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a pan and cook onion until softened. Add to the pork broth.
4. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream or half-and-half. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
7. Ladle hot soup into bowls, then add cooked noodles.
Cooking Time: Approximately 3 hours (including simmer time)
Creamy pumpkin and pork soup
As the weather cools down, warm up with this comforting and flavorful soup that combines the sweetness of pumpkin with the richness of pork. This creamy soup is perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small pumpkin (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, cook the pork shoulder over medium heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the pumpkin, chicken broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender.
4. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, let it cool and blend in batches.
5. Stir in the heavy cream. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Vietnamese pho with pork
This classic Vietnamese noodle soup recipe features tender pork, rich broth, and springy rice noodles. With this simple recipe, you can create a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork bones (or pork neck bones)
– 2 pounds beef or chicken broth
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon fish sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
– 8 ounces rice noodles
– 1 pound cooked pork (such as shoulder or belly), sliced
– Fresh herbs (basil, mint, cilantro) for garnish
– Lime wedges for serving
Instructions:
1. In a large stockpot, combine pork bones, broth, onion, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, cinnamon, and cumin.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
3. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions.
4. Assemble pho by placing cooked noodles in bowls, adding sliced pork, and serving with hot broth and garnished with fresh herbs.
5. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Pork and wild rice soup
A hearty and comforting soup that combines the rich flavors of pork with the nutty taste of wild rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup wild rice blend
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the pot; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in the wild rice blend and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add the chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender.
6. Return the pork to the pot and cook until heated through.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Thai-style pork and coconut soup
This comforting and flavorful soup is a staple of Thai cuisine, perfect for warming up on a chilly day. With its rich coconut milk base, tender pork, and aromatic spices, this recipe will transport your taste buds to the streets of Bangkok.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, and curry paste to the pot. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat to low, add the coconut milk, pork, and salt. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the pork is tender.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Pork and barley mushroom soup
A hearty and comforting soup that combines the rich flavors of pork, mushrooms, and barley, perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup pearled barley
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the pork in 2 tablespoons of oil until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the mushrooms, onion, and garlic; cook until the vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
3. Add the chicken broth, barley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the barley is cooked.
4. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Smoky pork and corn chowder
A hearty and flavorful soup that combines the richness of smoked pork with the sweetness of corn, perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless smoked pork shoulder, diced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add diced pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in corn kernels, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let soup cook for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the pork is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Pork and miso soup with greens
This hearty and comforting soup combines tender pork, savory miso paste, and a variety of greens for a nutritious and flavorful meal. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork shoulder or boneless pork loin, sliced into thin strips
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, kale, and collard greens)
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add mixed greens, chicken broth, miso paste, and soy sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the pork is tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Caribbean-style pork and okra soup
Experience the warm flavors of the Caribbean with this hearty and comforting pork and okra soup. This recipe is a perfect blend of tender pork, crunchy okra, and aromatic spices that will transport your taste buds to the islands.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup okra, sliced
– 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, chopped (optional)
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups water
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onions, garlic, okra, and Scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Cook until vegetables are tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Add cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
4. Pour in chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until pork is tender.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Sichuan spicy pork noodle soup
Sichuan Spicy Pork Noodle Soup Recipe
A classic Sichuan dish that combines the richness of pork with the spiciness of chili peppers, this noodle soup is a staple of Chinese cuisine. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
• 1 lb ground pork
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 inches ginger, peeled and grated
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and crushed
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 8 oz rice noodles or egg noodles
• Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic, onion, and ginger; cook until onion is translucent.
3. Add pork, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch mixture. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, until pork is cooked through.
4. Add chicken broth, water, Sichuan peppercorns, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Cook noodles according to package instructions.
6. Serve soup over noodles, garnished with scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Pork and black bean soup
This hearty soup combines tender pork with creamy black beans, onions, garlic, and spices to create a flavorful and filling meal. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, cook pork over medium-high heat until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add onions, garlic, black beans, red bell pepper, chicken broth, cumin, salt, and pepper to the pot.
3. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until pork is tender.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes.
French onion soup with shredded pork
This recipe combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with the tender, shredded pork. The result is a hearty and comforting bowl that’s perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 cup shredded pork (cooked and seasoned)
– 4 cups beef broth
– 1/2 cup grated Gruyère cheese
– 4 slices baguette, toasted
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until caramelized, stirring occasionally (about 20 minutes).
2. Add shredded pork, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
3. Preheat broiler.
4. Ladle soup into oven-proof bowls. Top each bowl with toasted baguette slice and grated Gruyère cheese.
5. Broil until cheese is melted and bubbly (about 2-3 minutes).
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pork and sweet potato soup
This hearty soup is a perfect blend of tender pork, sweet potatoes, and aromatic spices that will fill your home with a cozy aroma. It’s an easy and comforting meal for any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 4 cups chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the pork cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the sweet potato cubes, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and add back the browned pork cubes.
6. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Greek avgolemono soup with pork
This hearty and comforting soup is a staple of Greek cuisine, made with tender pork, eggs, lemon juice, and vegetables. Serve warm with a swirl of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a cozy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless pork shoulder or butt, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 medium carrots, chopped
– 2 stalks celery, chopped
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the pork, carrots, and celery in a little olive oil until the vegetables are tender.
2. Add chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the pork is cooked through.
3. Stir in eggs and lemon juice until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Pork and cabbage soup with caraway
A hearty and comforting soup that combines the richness of pork with the earthy flavor of caraway, all wrapped up in a savory cabbage broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
– 1 teaspoon ground caraway
– 4 cups chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the pork cubes and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
2. Remove the pork from the pot and set aside. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the shredded cabbage and ground caraway to the pot. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and add the browned pork back to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the pork is tender.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Mexican pork pozole rojo
Pozole rojo, a hearty and flavorful stew from Mexico, gets its rich color and depth of flavor from the addition of roasted ancho chilies. This recipe serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork shoulder, cut into large chunks
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt, to taste
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup hominy, drained and rinsed
– Lime wedges, for serving
– Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Roast the ancho chilies in the oven for 10 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high. Add pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add onion, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, about 10 minutes.
5. Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, hominy, and roasted ancho chilies. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until pork is tender.
6. Season with salt to taste. Serve hot, garnished with lime wedges and chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Cozy up to a warm and comforting bowl with these 20 delicious pork soup recipes. From classic combinations like pork and vegetable soup to international twists like Japanese tonkotsu ramen and Thai-style coconut soup, there’s something for everyone. Hearty options like lentil and bean soups will fill your belly, while lighter choices like pumpkin and sweet potato soups are perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Whether you’re in the mood for spice or simplicity, these pork soup recipes have got you covered.
