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A light and comforting Vietnamese soup (Canh Bí Đao) featuring tender winter melon, savory minced pork, and umami-rich dried shrimp in a clear, flavorful broth. This classic, refreshing dish is a staple in Vietnamese family meals and is ready in under 40 minutes.
Prepare Ingredients & Marinate Pork
Sauté Aromatics and Pork
Simmer the Soup
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A light and comforting Vietnamese soup (Canh Bí Đao) featuring tender winter melon, savory minced pork, and umami-rich dried shrimp in a clear, flavorful broth. This classic, refreshing dish is a staple in Vietnamese family meals and is ready in under 40 minutes.
This Vietnamese recipe takes 35 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 223.28 calories per serving with 12.73g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner or supper.
Season and Serve
Use bone-in pork ribs, chicken thighs, or large shrimp instead of ground pork. Adjust simmering time until the protein is cooked through and tender.
Omit the pork and dried shrimp. Use vegetable broth and add soft tofu cubes or a variety of mushrooms like shiitake or oyster mushrooms for a savory, meat-free version. Season with soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
Add a few dried shiitake mushrooms (rehydrated with the dried shrimp) or a small piece of dried squid to the broth for extra umami depth.
Winter melon has a very high water content (about 96%), making this soup incredibly hydrating. In traditional Asian medicine, it's known for its cooling properties, making it perfect for warm weather.
This soup is light and low in calories, making it an excellent choice for weight management or as part of a balanced meal without adding excessive calories.
The high water and fiber content in winter melon can help promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation. The clear broth is also gentle on the stomach.
The ground pork provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function, while the clear broth preparation keeps the fat content relatively low.
A single serving of this Winter Melon Soup contains approximately 180-220 calories, making it a light and low-calorie option. The exact count depends on the fat content of the pork and the specific ingredients used.
Yes, it is considered very healthy. Winter melon is low in calories and high in water content, making it hydrating. The soup is a light, clear broth-based dish that is easy to digest and provides lean protein from the pork.
Absolutely. To make it vegetarian, omit the ground pork and dried shrimp. Use vegetable broth, and add soft tofu, mushrooms (like shiitake or oyster), or other vegetables. For a vegan version, also replace the fish sauce with a vegan fish sauce alternative or light soy sauce.
You can substitute ground pork with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option. Alternatively, small pork ribs or even whole shrimp can be used, though you will need to adjust the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
Look for a winter melon that feels heavy for its size, has a firm rind, and is free of soft spots or blemishes. If buying a pre-cut slice, the flesh should be crisp and white.
You can store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove. Note that the texture of the winter melon may become softer upon reheating.
