This Old Cucumber Soup is a staple in many Chinese households. In a typical Chinese meal, we often serve three dishes and one soup for a family of four. Soup is more than just an extra dish on the table. It is prepared with purpose, often for its nutritional value and health benefits.
Old cucumber soup is especially popular during hot weather. It is believed to help cool the body from the inside, making it perfect for hot humid climates. I actually cook this almost every week, since the weather here is usually warm and sticky.
The best part is how simple it is to make. With just 15 minutes of preparation, you place all the ingredients in a pot and let it gently simmer for two to three hours. The result is a nourishing, flavourful soup that is comforting and easy to enjoy with any meal.
The flavour profile of this soup recipe is similar to the ones served at eateries here in Malaysia. It has a clean, mellow flavour that’s naturally sweet from the old cucumber and red dates, with a rich, savoury depth from the pork bones and umami sweetness from the dried squid. The texture of the soup is light and smooth, while the old cucumber turns soft and tender after simmering, almost melting in your mouth.
What is Old Cucumber?
Old cucumber, or lao huang gua (老黄瓜), is simply a mature cucumber left to ripen on the vine. Its outer skin turns brown, and the flesh becomes firmer and drier compared to young cucumbers. When cooked, it becomes soft but not mushy and adds a unique, slightly sweet flavour to soups. It’s also rich in fiber and said to have cooling properties in traditional Chinese medicine. When preparing this soup, do not peel off the skin.
What meat can I substitute for this Old Cucumber Soup recipe?
You can also use chicken bones/chicken thigh with bones for this recipe.
What does dried squid and dried oyster do?
Dried squid and dried oysters are traditional soup ingredients used to add a natural umami sweetness and slightly smoky flavour to the soup. When simmered for long periods, it helps enrich the broth with deep seafood flavours. These 2 ingredients are totally optional. You don’t have to add them.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Deep, Mellow Flavours – The long simmering process brings out subtle sweetness from the old cucumber and a light smokiness from the dried squid.
Wholesome and Light – No oil, no stir-frying—just a gentle simmer for a clean-tasting, feel-good soup.
Simple Ingredients, Minimal Prep – Just chop, rinse, and let it simmer.
If you love this Old Cucumber Soup Recipe, you might also like my Lotus Root with Peanut Soup Recipe.
Cooking Tips for Old Cucumber Soup Recipe:
Choosing old cucumber – Choose those that have a firm body and without blemishes on the skin.
Thorough cleaning and blanching the meat – Always rinse the pork ribs until the water runs clear. Then blanch ribs or bones before simmering to keep your soup clear and reduce porky taste.
Simmer gently, not boil – A gentle simmer extracts the best flavours and keeps the broth light.
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Print Recipe for Old Cucumber Soup Recipe:
Old Cucumber Soup
Ingredients
- 1 dried squid 1个鱿鱼干/吊片
- 2 red dates 2个红枣
- 3 dried oysters 2个蠔豉
- 800 +/- grams old cucumber 800+/- 克老黄瓜
- 500 grams pork ribs 500克猪骨
- 2500-3000 ml water 2500-3000毫升水
- 20 grams goji berries 20克枸杞
- salt to taste 适量盐
Instructions
- Rinse dried ingredients
- Rinse and soak the dried squid for 10 minutes. Then remove the plastic-like strip and eyes. Rinse the oyster, red dates (remove pit), and goji berries. Set aside.
- Prepare the old cucumber
- Clean the skin. You can use a clean cloth to scrub or use a brush. Cut into half lengthwise, remove seeds, and slice into chunks. No need to peel the skin.
- Blanch the pork ribs
- Place pork ribs in a pot of water. Bring water to a boil. You will see impurities and scum floating on the water. Off the stove. Then discard the water. soup.
- Assemble the soup
- In a large pot, combine pork ribs, old cucumber, dried squid, dried oysters, red dates, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer.
- Simmer
- Simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours. The old cucumber will turn soft and the soup will be flavourful.
- Season
- Add goji berries in the last 10 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
- Serve
- Serve hot. Enjoy it on its own or with rice as part of a wholesome family meal.