Hong Kong Style Steamed Pork Ribs with Fermented Black Beans
Tender, succulent pork ribs steamed to perfection with the savory, umami-rich flavor of fermented black beans and garlic. This classic Cantonese dish is a staple in dim sum and a beloved home-cooked meal.

🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb Pork Spareribs(cut into 1.5 to 2-inch pieces)
- 2 tbsp Fermented Black Beans(rinsed and lightly mashed)
- 3 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
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 0.5 tsp White Pepper
- 2 stalks Spring Onions(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the pork spareribs and pat them thoroughly dry. If not already cut, chop them into 1.5 to 2-inch pieces.
- 2
In a bowl, combine the rinsed and lightly mashed fermented black beans, minced garlic, minced ginger, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, and white pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
- 3
Add the pork ribs to the marinade and toss until evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
- 4
Arrange the marinated pork ribs in a single layer on a heatproof plate or shallow steaming dish. Ensure they are not overlapping too much for even cooking.
- 5
Prepare your steamer by bringing water to a boil in a wok or pot. Once boiling, carefully place the dish of ribs into the steamer, cover, and steam over medium-high heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through and tender.
- 6
Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot with steamed rice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Rinsing the fermented black beans helps to reduce their saltiness.
- ✓Marinating for longer (up to 4 hours in the fridge) will allow the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.
- ✓Ensure your steamer is large enough to accommodate the dish without the lid touching the ribs.
🔄 Variations
- Add a few dried shiitake mushrooms (rehydrated and sliced) to the marinade for extra flavor.
- For a touch of heat, add a small amount of chopped chili pepper to the marinade.