Chinese Winter Melon Soup is a light, comforting Cantonese soup that simmers winter melon with pork or chicken to create a naturally sweet, clear broth. This classic Chinese soup is simple, nourishing, and widely loved for its clean flavor and health-forward qualities.
Course: Appetizer / Soup
Cuisine: Chinese recipe, Cantonese dish
Servings: 4
This traditional Cantonese winter melon soup or Dong Gwa Tong (冬瓜汤) is a staple in Southern Chinese households. It’s commonly served as a daily soup because it’s easy to digest, low in calories, and highlights the natural flavors of fresh ingredients.
Why Winter Melon Soup Is So Popular
Winter melon is valued in Chinese cooking for its subtle sweetness and high water content. In Cantonese cuisine, soups like this focus on balance and clarity rather than heavy seasoning. When simmered with pork or chicken, winter melon absorbs savory flavors while keeping the broth light and refreshing—making it ideal for both everyday meals and special family dinners.
INGREDIENTS FOR CHINESE WINTER MELON SOUP
- Winter melon: mild-flavored gourd that softens and turns translucent when cooked
- Pork ribs or chicken: provides natural richness and savory depth
- Ginger: aromatic warmth that balances the soup
- Garlic: subtle savory base
- Scallions: fresh garnish and mild onion flavor
- Salt: essential seasoning
- White pepper: gentle heat
- Water: clean soup base
HOW TO MAKE CHINESE WINTER MELON SOUP
- Peel the winter melon, remove the seeds, and cut into large chunks.
- Blanch pork ribs or chicken briefly, then rinse clean to remove impurities.
- Add protein, ginger, garlic, and water to a soup pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer until the meat becomes tender.
- Add winter melon and continue simmering until translucent and soft.
- Season lightly with salt and white pepper.
- Garnish with scallions and serve hot.
DIETARY INFORMATION
- Dairy-free
- Naturally gluten-free
- Low-calorie
- Can be made vegetarian or vegan
- Suitable for light and clean eating
Chinese Winter Melon Soup (Dong Gwa Tong)
Ingredients
- 1½ lb winter melon peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 lb pork ribs or chicken
- 4 slices fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic
- 8 cups water
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- 2 scallions sliced
Instructions
- Blanch pork ribs or chicken for 2–3 minutes, then rinse clean.
- Add protein, ginger, garlic, and water to a large pot and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Add winter melon and simmer another 15 minutes until translucent.
- Season with salt and white pepper.
- Garnish with scallions and serve hot.
Notes
Calories: 165 (8%)
Carbohydrates: 7g (3%)
Protein: 17g (34%)
Fat: 5g (6%)
Saturated Fat: 1.3g (7%)
Cholesterol: 50mg (17%)
Sodium: 380mg (16%)
Fiber: 1g (4%)
Sugar: 3g
Recipe Tips & Substitutions
- For vegetarian or vegan winter melon soup, replace meat with firm tofu and use vegetable broth.
- To make it even lower calorie, use skinless chicken breast.
- Soup can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Skim the surface during simmering for the clearest broth.
Serving Ideas
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice
- Pair with Chinese stir-fried vegetables
- Enjoy alongside dim sum dishes
- Serve as a light starter before noodle or rice-based meals
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