Basic Bone Stock (Gao Tang)

Origin: China, broadly. A general-purpose white stock made from pork or chicken bones simmered with ginger and scallion, forming the everyday base used across countless Chinese soups, braises, and stir-fry sauces.

Flavor Profile: Savory and clean, functioning as a versatile building block rather than a standalone dish.

Culinary Uses: General-purpose base for soups, congee, and sauce-thinning across Chinese home cooking.

Regional Variations: Regional versions vary in whether pork or chicken bones (or both) are used; some households add dried shrimp or kombu for extra umami.

Storage: Refrigerate 4–5 days; freezes well for a couple of months.