Steamed Pork Ribs with Black Bean Sauce
Tender, succulent pork ribs marinated in a savory and aromatic black bean sauce, then steamed to perfection. This classic Cantonese dish is a staple in dim sum and a beloved home-cooked meal, known for its rich umami flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Pork spare ribs(cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 2 tbsp Fermented black beans(rinsed and lightly mashed)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Ginger(minced)
- 2 tbsp Light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 3 tsp Cornstarch
- 0.25 tsp White pepper
- 2 tbsp Water
- 2 stalks Spring onions(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the pork spare ribs and pat them dry. Cut into 1-inch pieces if not already separated.
- 2
In a bowl, combine the rinsed and mashed fermented black beans, minced garlic, minced ginger, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, white pepper, and water. Mix well to create the marinade.
- 3
Add the pork ribs to the marinade and mix thoroughly, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- 4
Arrange the marinated pork ribs in a single layer on a heatproof plate or in a steaming dish.
- 5
Prepare a steamer by bringing water to a boil. Place the dish of pork ribs in the steamer, cover, and steam over medium-high heat for 18-20 minutes, or until the ribs are cooked through and tender.
- 6
Garnish with chopped spring onions before serving hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a more intense flavor, marinate the ribs overnight in the refrigerator.
- ✓Ensure the black beans are well mashed to distribute their flavor evenly.
- ✓Avoid overcrowding the steaming dish to ensure even cooking.
🔄 Variations
- Add a finely chopped red chili for a touch of heat.
- Some recipes include a small amount of baking soda for extra tenderness, but this can alter the flavor if not used carefully.