Get ready to transform your kitchen into a gourmet Chinese restaurant with this mouthwatering steamed ribs recipe that will make your taste buds dance! These tender, succulent ribs are infused with the rich, umami flavors of fermented black beans, creating a dish so delicious that it'll have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine falling-off-the-bone meat with a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and savory notes that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of China.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound pork ribs
- 2 tablespoons fermented black beans
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the pork ribs under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Trim any excess fat if desired.
- Rinse the fermented black beans under cool water to remove excess salt. Roughly chop the black beans and mix them with minced garlic and ginger in a small bowl.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, rice wine, and sugar. Whisk until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Place the pork ribs in a large mixing bowl and pour the sauce mixture over them. Add the black bean, garlic, and ginger mixture. Gently massage the marinade into the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and let the ribs marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-3 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- Prepare a steamer by filling the bottom pot with water. Ensure the water does not touch the steaming rack.
- Line the steaming rack with parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the marinated ribs on the steaming rack, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Place the steaming rack with ribs into the pot.
- Cover and steam the ribs for 25-30 minutes, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls away from the bone.
- Carefully remove the ribs from the steamer and transfer to a serving plate.
- Garnish with freshly chopped scallions and serve hot with steamed rice.
Tips
- Marination is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. The longer the ribs sit in the marinade (2-3 hours is ideal), the more deeply the flavors will penetrate the meat.
- Choose the Right Ribs: Select fresh, high-quality pork ribs with a good meat-to-fat ratio for the most tender and flavorful result.
- Steaming Technique: Ensure your steamer doesn't let water touch the ribs directly. Use parchment paper or cabbage leaves to prevent sticking and maintain the meat's delicate texture.
- Check for Doneness: The ribs are perfectly cooked when the meat easily pulls away from the bone and appears tender.
- Garnish Matters: Fresh chopped scallions aren't just a garnish – they add a bright, fresh contrast to the rich, savory ribs.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, consider toasting the fermented black beans lightly in a dry pan before mixing them with garlic and ginger to enhance their nutty, complex flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 95mg
