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East Asia

Basic Bone Stock (Gao Tang)

China, broadly

Basic Bone Stock (Gao Tang)

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.