pork ribs with soy sauce

How to Make Steamed Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce

Steamed spare ribs with black bean sauce is a Cantonese classic, loved for its tender meat and savory umami flavor. Here’s a simple guide to recreate this dish at home.

Ingredients:

500g pork spare ribs, 2 tbsp fermented black beans (rinsed and chopped), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp ginger (grated), 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tsp dark soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and a pinch of white pepper.

Steps:

1. Marinate the ribs: Rinse ribs and pat dry. In a bowl, mix black beans, garlic, ginger, soy sauces, sugar, wine, white pepper, and cornstarch. Add ribs, coat evenly, and marinate for 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).

2. Steam: Arrange ribs in a heatproof dish, reserving marinade. Bring water to a boil in a steamer. Place the dish inside, cover, and steam over medium heat for 25–30 minutes until ribs are tender.

3. Finish: Drizzle reserved marinade over the ribs during the last 5 minutes of steaming for extra richness. Garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro.

Tips: For a caramelized touch, lightly sear ribs before steaming. Adjust soy sauce to your preference—use less for a lighter taste. Serve hot with steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce! This dish balances salty, sweet, and funky flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!