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Best Easy Cantonese Steamed Spare Ribs Recipe

Name: Best Easy Cantonese Steamed Spare Ribs Recipe
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 220 g
Ingredients: pork spare ribs 2 lbs; cornstarch 2 tbsp; garlic 2 cloves; scallions 2 stalks; fermented black beans 2 tbsp; soy sauce 1.5 tbsp; Shaoxing wine 1 tbsp; sugar 1 tsp; sesame oil 1 tsp; white pepper 0.5 tsp

Savory Cantonese steamed spare ribs with black bean sauce are a protein-rich dim sum classic. Perfect for a family meal with bold, fresh flavors.

Cook 40 min Difficulty NORMAL 370 kcal

#high protein #dim sum #pork #family dinner

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

pork spare ribs 2 lbs
cornstarch 2 tbsp
garlic 2 cloves
scallions 2 stalks

Seasonings/Sauce

fermented black beans 2 tbsp
soy sauce 1.5 tbsp
Shaoxing wine 1 tbsp
sugar 1 tsp
sesame oil 1 tsp
white pepper 0.5 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 7 g 8%

Protein 22 g 24%

Fat 28 g 68%

Serving size 220g

Cooking steps

1

Rinse the pork spare ribs under cold water, then cut them into bite-sized 1-inch pieces. Pat dry thoroughly to promote sauce adherence.
2

In a mixing bowl, combine the ribs with cornstarch, minced garlic, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix well until ribs are evenly coated. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes for better flavor infusion.
3

Roughly chop the fermented black beans and finely slice the scallions. Stir both into the marinated ribs, ensuring even distribution.
4

Arrange the ribs in a single layer on a heatproof plate that fits inside your steamer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even steam penetration.
5

Steam over high heat for 18–22 minutes, covered, until the ribs are cooked through and tender but still juicy. Test by piercing with a fork; meat should pull off easily without drying out.
6

Garnish with extra scallions if desired, and serve hot immediately, preferably with steamed rice to soak up the savory sauce.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?

The key ingredient is pork spare ribs, which provide the signature bite and succulent texture. The use of fermented black beans also defines the classic Cantonese flavor profile, delivering depth and umami.

Q. Which seasoning makes the biggest impact on flavor?

Fermented black beans are essential for the iconic savoriness of this dish. Combined with soy sauce and Shaoxing wine, they deliver layers of umami and a distinct, bold aroma typical of Cantonese steamed ribs.

Q. What should I watch for to ensure perfectly steamed ribs?

Steam the ribs over high heat for 18–22 minutes, ensuring the setup maintains full steam throughout. Cutting the ribs into 1-inch pieces and spreading them in a single layer prevents uneven cooking and retains juiciness.

Q. How can I prevent the ribs from becoming tough or dry?

Marinating for at least 20 minutes with cornstarch, wine, and soy sauce helps tenderize the meat. Avoid over-steaming; pierce with a fork at the 18-minute mark—when the meat pulls off easily and remains moist, it's ready.

Q. How many calories and protein does each serving contain?

Each 220g serving has approximately 370 kcal, with 22g of protein (24% of total calories), making it a protein-rich choice for a balanced family meal.

Best Easy Cantonese Steamed Spare Ribs Recipe

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