Sichuan Spicy Pork Soup with Bamboo Shoots
A warming broth of tender pork and crunchy bamboo shoots simmered in a fragrant, spicy-savory base of doubanjiang and Sichuan peppercorns. This sichuan-inspired soups ready in about 50 minutes pairs Pork shoulder, Bamboo shoots, Doubanjiang for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 10 oz Pork shoulder
- 6 oz Bamboo shoots
- 2 tbsp Doubanjiang
- 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns
- 2 tbsp Ginger
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Rice wine
- 4 Green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Trim 10 oz pork shoulder into 1-inch cubes. Slice 6 oz bamboo shoots into thin strips.
- Step 2: Heat a pot over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook for 5 minutes until browned on all sides.
- Step 3: Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp minced ginger, and 2 tbsp doubanjiang, stirring for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 tbsp rice wine, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Step 5: Add bamboo shoots and simmer for 15 minutes to soften.
- Step 6: Add 1 tsp toasted Sichuan peppercorns and simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Step 7: Garnish with 4 sliced green onions and serve hot in bowls.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sichuan Spicy Pork Soup with Bamboo Shoots take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sichuan Spicy Pork Soup with Bamboo Shoots?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sichuan Spicy Pork Soup with Bamboo Shoots?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sichuan Spicy Pork Soup with Bamboo Shoots for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Sichuan Spicy Pork Soup with Bamboo Shoots?
Sichuan soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This soup transformed my Sichuan cooking. The aroma alone had my whole family begging for seconds - even the picky eaters!
- ★★★★★
The spiciness hit just right and the bamboo shoots were perfectly crisp. Made it for my in-laws and they kept asking for the recipe!
- ★★★★☆
Loved the complex flavors, but the pork needed more tenderizing time. Still a 4-star for the bold broth!
