Thai Pork Daikon Soup Recipe

Name: Thai Pork Daikon Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 cups water; 2 coriander root; 3 cloves garlic (minced); ½ onion (finely chopped); 1 bouillon cube; 2 oz carrot; 8 oz daikon; 1 tbsp light soy sauce; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp white pepper powder; 8 oz ground pork; green onions (optional garnish, to taste); cilantro (optional garnish, to taste)

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This Thai daikon soup with pork meatballs is easy, comforting, and made with simple pantry staples. It’s a quick and delicious meal with light seasoning, perfect for fall and winter when you want something warm but not heavy.

Thai daikon soup with pork meatballs, sliced carrots, and clear broth served in a deep green ceramic bowl.

For more comforting dishes like this, try my cabbage soup and winter melon soup too!

What is daikon soup

Daikon soup is a light, clear soup made with daikon radish, often simmered with pork, broth, and light seasonings. The daikon turns tender and slightly sweet, while the broth is clean and comforting. It’s a popular dish in many Asian cuisines, especially during cooler months.

Thai pork daikon soup with white radish, pork meatballs, and carrot slices floating in a light savory broth, topped with cilantro.

More about this recipe

The most popular version of Asian daikon soup is made with pork ribs.

Since there are already so many versions using pork bones out there, I wanted to share something a little different, so my recipe uses pork meatballs instead!

It’s a comforting dish that even kids (and elders) will love, and a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables. I added carrot and onion, but feel free to customize it with whatever you have on hand.

In Thailand, we enjoy this soup any time of day. It’s also perfect as part of a shared meal alongside rice and other side dishes.

You’ll love how easy it is to pull together, especially on busy days when you still want something warm and homemade!

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My cookbook is a combination of authentic Thai recipes and Western dishes cooked with Thai flavors and ingredients. It’s a great starting point if you’re new to Thai cooking or want to cook it more often.

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Ingredient notes & substitutes

You can grab everything you need for this recipe at your nearest Asian grocery store or market. For exact measurements, head to the recipe card below!

For the meatballs (optional)

Ground pork – Just like in khao tom, I like adding meatballs here for extra flavor and texture. Use pork with a bit of fat, so the meatballs stay juicy and tender.
Salt & black pepper – Season the meatballs to your taste before shaping.

For the soup

Water – No stock needed; the bouillon will give the soup enough depth.
Daikon – A mild white radish that becomes tender and slightly sweet when simmered.
Carrot – Adds natural sweetness and color; feel free to swap in other vegetables.
Onion
Coriander root – Essential in Thai soups for its earthy, aromatic flavor.
Garlic – Adds richness and a mellow kick once simmered.
Light soy sauce – Provides saltiness and umami.
Bouillon cube – Use pork or chicken-flavored for best results; no extra stock needed.
White pepper powder – Adds a gentle heat.
Salt – Taste and adjust, especially if your bouillon is already salty.
Cilantro – Optional garnish.
Green onions – Optional garnish.

How to make pork daikon soup

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients. Peel and slice the daikon and carrot. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and roughly chop coriander root. Set everything aside on a plate or cutting board so it’s ready to go.

Plate with sliced daikon, carrots, onions, garlic, and coriander root.

Step 2: Start the soup base. Bring water to a boil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and coriander root. Let it simmer gently for a minute or two to draw out the aroma.

Aromatics like onion, garlic, and coriander root simmering in water as the soup base begins.

Step 3: Add the sliced vegetables. Add the daikon and carrots to the pot and let it simmer until they have softened slightly.

Freshly sliced daikon, carrots, and onions simmering in broth at the start of cooking.

Step 4: Season the broth. Drop in the bouillon cube, salt, and white pepper powder. Set the heat to low-medium and let everything simmer together while you prepare the pork.

Soup pot with sliced daikon, carrots, and onions topped with white pepper and seasoning.

Step 5: Season and roll the pork meatballs. While the soup is bubbling away, season the ground pork with a bit of salt and pepper to taste. Mix well, then roll the mixture into small meatballs using a spoon or your hands.

Plate of freshly scooped raw pork meatballs.

Step 6: Add meatballs to the soup. Carefully drop the raw pork meatballs into the simmering soup. They’ll firm up and float once fully cooked.

Raw pork meatballs being gently dropped into simmering daikon soup with carrots and onions.

Step 7: Finish. Once everything is tender and the broth is flavorful, turn off the heat. Serve warm, garnished with green onions or cilantro if desired.

Recipe variations

Make it spicy: Serve with chili oil or chili flakes on the side.
Use bone-in pork: Swap meatballs for pork ribs or bone-in pork belly for a more traditional version. Adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Extra veggies: Add napa cabbage, bok choy, mushrooms, or winter melon for more texture.
Protein variations: Use ground beef or chicken for a leaner, high-protein option.
Vegetarian option: Simply skip the meatballs!

Frequently asked questions

How long to cook daikon in soup?

Simmer daikon in soup for about 10 minutes until just tender. It softens quickly and takes on a mild, slightly sweet flavor without turning mushy.

How to cut daikon for soup?

Peel the daikon and slice it into thick rounds or half-moons, about 1 cm thick. This size helps it stay tender and hold its shape while simmering.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Soy sauce is not gluten-free but you can use a gluten-free alternative like tamari.

More Thai soups to try

This Thai daikon soup recipe is easy and perfect for cozy days or anytime you need a light, nourishing meal. Let me know which version you’ll try in the comments, and don’t forget to leave a star rating if you enjoyed it. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!