This Instant Pot Chinese pork rib soup is rooted in traditional Chinese home cooking – the kind of soup you’d find simmering on a grandmother’s stove for hours. Made with tender pork ribs, sweet red dates, and papaya, it’s a deeply nourishing, immunity-boosting soup that’s gentle on the body and comforting to the soul.
If you grew up in a Chinese household, this soup might taste like home. This Instant Pot Chinese pork rib soup is inspired by the slow-simmered versions passed down for generations — made easier and quicker with the pressure cooker.
It’s a warm, nourishing soup featuring tender pork ribs, sweet red dates, and green papaya, coming together in a naturally sweet and savory broth. In Chinese culture, soups like this are more than just meals – they’re a form of care and wellness, often enjoyed to boost energy, improve circulation, and support overall balance in the body.
Whether you’re craving something cozy or want a light and flavorful dish to reset your week, this recipe brings comfort in every bowl.
Why This Chinese Soup Is So Nourishing
This is more than just comfort food – it’s traditional Chinese food therapy in a bowl:
- Pork ribs offer protein and collagen, becoming soft and tender after pressure cooking.
- Red dates are used in Chinese medicine to nourish the blood, calm the mind, and support digestion.
- Green papaya helps tenderize meat and supports milk production for breastfeeding moms.
- Ginger warms the body and reduces inflammation.
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on sauté mode or stovetop.
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Instant Pot Chinese Pork Rib, Red Date & Papaya Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork ribs chopped into chunks
- 8 –10 dried red dates pitted
- 1/2 green papaya peeled, deseeded, cut into chunks
- 4 –5 slices of ginger
- 6 cups water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Blanch the pork ribs: Blanching gives you a clear, clean-tasting broth. Just boil pork ribs for 3–5 minutes, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Add everything to the Instant Pot: Place pork ribs, red dates, ginger slices and papaya chunks. Pour in 6 cups of water.
- Pressure cook: Set the Instant Pot to Manual / High Pressure for 30 minutes.
- Natural release: Let the pressure naturally release for 10–15 minutes. Open the lid carefully.
- Season and serve: Add salt to taste. The soup is ready when the pork ribs are fall-off-the-bone tender and the broth is slightly sweet and golden from the papaya and dates.
[…] also a great way to use up leftovers and clean out your fridge. Pair it with a cucumber salad or pork rib soup for a complete […]