Ground Pork Soup Recipe

Ground pork soup is one of those comforting, hearty dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s incredibly versatile, packed with flavor, and super easy to whip up on any given day. Whether you’re looking for something quick to make after a busy workday, or you want to impress guests with a homemade meal, ground pork soup is a fantastic option. What makes it so appealing is the balance of flavors, from the savory richness of the pork to the freshness of the vegetables and the depth of the broth. The great thing about this dish is that you can tailor it to your tastes, play with spices, or even add noodles for extra texture.

So, let’s dive into everything you need to know about making this delicious soup from scratch.

Ingredients Needed

Ground Pork: This is the star of the dish. Choose lean ground pork for a lighter soup, or go for fattier pork to add richness and depth. The pork is ground finely, which helps it break down easily in the broth, adding flavor in every bite.
Vegetables: The basic veggie lineup typically includes onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. These provide the aromatic base that gives the soup its deep flavor. You can also toss in mushrooms for an earthy touch or any other vegetables you prefer.
Broth: A good-quality broth is key to enhancing the soup’s flavor. You can use chicken, beef, or vegetable broth depending on what you prefer. Homemade broth will always give a richer taste, but store-bought is perfectly fine for convenience.
Herbs & Spices: Seasoning is important. Fresh thyme, bay leaves, black pepper, and a little salt are typically used, but you can throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Fresh parsley, cilantro, or scallions at the end bring a fresh burst of flavor.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables and ground pork, olive oil provides a neutral base that allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through.
Soy Sauce or Fish Sauce: This is a great way to add some umami depth to the broth, balancing the soup’s flavor profile.
Optional Add-ins: If you want a more filling soup, consider adding noodles (egg noodles, rice noodles, or even rice), tofu, or leafy greens like spinach or kale.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping up your vegetables – onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. You’ll want them to be small enough so that they soften quickly during cooking. If you’re adding mushrooms or greens, have them ready as well.
Brown the Ground Pork: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Brown it until it’s fully cooked and slightly crispy. This gives the soup its rich, meaty flavor.
Sauté the Vegetables: Once the pork is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add another splash of olive oil. Sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until they become soft and aromatic, about 5 minutes.
Add the Broth & Seasonings: Pour in the broth (around 4-5 cups). Stir in soy sauce or fish sauce, black pepper, thyme, and bay leaves. You can also toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick if you like spicy foods. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Simmer the Soup: Once the soup is simmering, return the cooked ground pork to the pot. Let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, so the flavors can meld together. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
Optional Add-ins: If you’re adding noodles or greens, now’s the time to throw them in. Let the noodles cook according to the package instructions, or let the greens wilt for a few minutes before serving.
Finishing Touches: Just before serving, remove the bay leaves, and if desired, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. A squeeze of lemon or a dash of vinegar can also brighten the flavors.

Ingredient Insights

Ground Pork: Pork has a natural sweetness and richness that complements the savory, hearty flavor of the soup. It also absorbs the surrounding flavors very well, making it an ideal choice for broths. If you opt for leaner pork, it helps balance the richness of the soup without making it greasy.
Broth: The broth is the backbone of any good soup. Homemade broth is the gold standard because it adds a deeper flavor, but store-bought can also work in a pinch. Just be sure to choose a good quality option, preferably low-sodium, so you can control the salt levels.
Herbs & Spices: Fresh thyme adds a subtle woodsy flavor, while bay leaves bring a depth of earthy, slightly floral notes. If you’re in a rush, dried herbs are fine, but fresh will always elevate the flavor. Fresh parsley or cilantro at the end adds a burst of brightness to balance the savory elements.
Soy Sauce/Fish Sauce: These are key ingredients for that rich umami flavor. Soy sauce is saltier, while fish sauce adds a bit of funkiness and complexity to the soup. You don’t need much, just a tablespoon or so, but it transforms the flavor significantly.

Expert Tips

Make it Ahead of Time: This soup actually tastes even better the next day. The flavors have time to meld together, and the broth becomes even more flavorful. Make it a day ahead and just reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Adjust the Consistency: If you like a thicker soup, mash some of the vegetables once they’ve softened or add a bit of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken the broth. For a lighter soup, just add more broth and enjoy a thinner consistency.
Add Noodles for Extra Heartiness: If you’re looking to make this into more of a meal, consider adding some cooked noodles. Rice noodles, egg noodles, or even leftover rice can give the soup extra body and make it even more filling.
Use Bone-In Pork for Deeper Flavor: If you have the time, use bone-in pork for the broth. Simmering the bones creates a rich, flavorful broth that adds complexity and depth.
Experiment with Spices: Don’t be afraid to play around with spices. A touch of ginger or turmeric can add an exciting twist to the soup’s flavor. Try experimenting with different herbs too, like rosemary or oregano.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Pork Soup: Add chopped fresh chilies or a teaspoon of chili paste for a spicy kick. If you love heat, a splash of Sriracha or gochujang (Korean chili paste) can really amp up the flavor.
Tom Yum Style: Add lemongrass, lime leaves, and a squeeze of lime juice to create a Thai-inspired version. You can also add mushrooms and shrimp for a more seafood-forward soup.
Korean-Style: Add gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) and a dollop of kimchi to create a spicy, fermented twist. Tofu is also a great addition to a Korean-inspired soup, offering a soft contrast to the rich broth.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground pork for mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives to create a vegetarian version of this soup. The flavor is still rich and satisfying, thanks to the hearty mushrooms and umami-rich broth.

Final Words

Ground pork soup is one of those dishes that really showcases the beauty of simplicity. It’s a forgiving recipe that can be customized based on your preferences, dietary needs, and what’s available in your kitchen. From the comforting combination of tender pork and savory broth to the flexibility of adding your favorite vegetables and spices, this dish has something for everyone.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, takes minimal effort, and delivers a meal that feels like a celebration, no matter the occasion.

Ground Pork Soup Recipe