Steaming Spare Ribs: A Tasty, Healthy Cooking Method

Steamed spare ribs are a delicious and easy-to-make dim sum dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. The recipe typically includes spare ribs, fermented black beans, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, sugar, cornstarch, and soy sauce. The ribs are marinated in a mixture of these ingredients and then steamed, resulting in a juicy and tender meat dish that is full of flavour. This dish is typically served with steamed white rice and can be prepared in a stovetop steamer, Instant Pot, or pressure cooker.

How to prepare the spare ribs

Preparing the spare ribs is a relatively simple process, but it does require some time and attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the spare ribs for steaming:

Step 1: Procuring the Spare Ribs

Start by obtaining your spare ribs. You can either buy pre-cut spare ribs or purchase a full rack of ribs and ask your butcher to cut them into strips for you. If you are cutting them yourself, use a sharp knife or a cleaver to cut the ribs into 1-inch strips lengthwise, between the bones. This step can be a little tricky, so be careful when handling the knife or cleaver.

Step 2: Marinating the Ribs

Once you have your spare ribs cut into the desired size, it's time to marinate them. Place the ribs in a large bowl and add your chosen marinade ingredients. Common ingredients used in the marinade include soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine or rice cooking wine, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, sugar, salt, and white pepper. You can also add fermented black beans to the marinade, but these should be rinsed first to remove excess salt and reconstitute them. After adding all the ingredients to the bowl, mix and massage the ribs for a minute or so to ensure that the marinade is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Adding Starch

At this point, you can add starch to the ribs. Potato starch or cornstarch can be used, depending on your preference. The starch will help thicken the sauce and allow it to coat the ribs better, enhancing the flavour and texture. Add the starch to the marinated ribs and mix well until a slurry forms and coats each piece of meat.

Step 4: Preparing for Steaming

Now it's time to prepare the ribs for steaming. Place the marinated ribs on a plate or in a shallow bowl, ensuring that they are spread out in a single layer. This helps the ribs cook more evenly and quickly. If desired, you can drizzle a small amount of oil on top of the ribs at this point.

Step 5: Steaming the Ribs

To steam the ribs, you will need a steamer basket, a wok, or a pot with a lid. If using a bamboo steamer, it is recommended to soak it in water first to prevent it from catching on fire. Place the plate of ribs in the steamer basket, making sure that none of the ribs are covered by others. You can also add garnishes like sliced chilli peppers or green onions at this point.

Step 6: Cooking the Ribs

Add water to the wok or pot, ensuring that it reaches just below the bottom of the steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil and carefully place the steamer basket with the ribs inside. Cover the wok or pot, set it to the highest heat setting, and steam the ribs for 10-20 minutes. The exact steaming time will depend on your preference for doneness, but be careful not to overcook the ribs, as this will make them tough and rubbery.

By following these steps, you will be well on your way to preparing delicious steamed spare ribs. Just remember to take your time, pay attention to the details, and adjust the ingredients and cooking times to suit your personal taste.

How to make the marinade

To make the marinade for steamed spare ribs, you'll need a few key ingredients: fermented black beans, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine or rice cooking wine, sesame oil, sugar, and salt. You can also add in some minced ginger, green onions, and red chilli peppers for an extra kick of flavour.

Start by rinsing and rehydrating your fermented black beans. Place them in a bowl and give them a quick rinse under running water for about 15-20 seconds. Drain the water and let the beans sit for a bit to rehydrate. If you're using dried mandarin orange peel, you can also rehydrate this with the beans. This ingredient is optional but adds a nice fragrance to the dish.

Next, cut your spare ribs into small pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches in length. You can ask your butcher to cut them for you, or you can do it yourself at home. Just be careful when handling the ribs and use a thick wooden or plastic cutting board.

Now, it's time to make the marinade! In a separate bowl, combine your rehydrated black beans, garlic, ginger, oyster sauce, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, sugar, and salt. Mix everything together until you have a well-combined marinade. You can also add in your minced green onions and red chilli peppers at this point if you're using them.

After your marinade is ready, it's time to combine it with the ribs. Place your rib pieces in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until the ribs are fully coated. Make sure to get in there and really coat each rib evenly!

Once your ribs are nicely coated, it's time to let them marinate. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge to chill. For the best results, let the ribs marinate overnight. However, if you're short on time, you can get away with a minimum of 20 minutes of marination.

While the ribs are marinating, you can prepare the rest of your ingredients and set up your steamer. If you don't have a steamer, don't worry! You can create a makeshift one by using a pair of wooden chopsticks crisscrossed at the bottom of a wok or pan.

After the ribs have finished marinating, it's time to add the final touch to your marinade—the potato or corn starch. This ingredient is crucial as it helps to thicken the sauce and allows it to coat the ribs nicely. Add the starch to the bowl of marinated ribs and mix well until everything is combined.

And there you have it! Your marinade is now ready to be steamed. Simply place the ribs on a heatproof plate or dish, set up your steamer, and let the ribs cook until they're tender and juicy. Enjoy!

How to steam the ribs

Steaming ribs is a great way to cook them, and it's not as hard as you might think! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Preparing the Ribs

Firstly, you'll want to cut the ribs into bite-sized pieces. Ask your butcher to cut them lengthwise into strips, and then cut them into 1-inch pieces at home. This makes them easier to eat and quicker to cook.

Marinating the Ribs

Next, it's time to marinate the ribs. Place the ribs in a bowl and add your choice of seasonings and flavourings. This could include ingredients such as sugar, salt, wine, sesame oil, white pepper, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Mix everything together until the ribs are well coated. Cover the bowl and let the ribs marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes, or overnight for the best results.

Adding Starch

If you want a thicker sauce, add some potato or cornstarch to the ribs and mix well. This will help the sauce coat the ribs and give them a great mouthfeel.

Preparing the Steamer

Now it's time to set up your steamer. You can use a bamboo steamer, a metal steamer, or even make a makeshift steamer by placing a plate on top of a pot or wok with a little water at the bottom. If you're using a bamboo steamer, it's a good idea to give it a quick soak by running it under water first.

Steaming the Ribs

Place the ribs on a heatproof plate or bowl and put them in the steamer. Make sure they are in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If you're using a metal steamer or wok, bring some water to a simmer before placing the plate inside. Cover and steam the ribs for 10-20 minutes, depending on their size and your desired level of doneness. For more tender ribs, steam them for a longer period.

Serving

Once the ribs are cooked to your liking, remove them from the steamer and serve them as a delicious dim sum dish or over rice for a hearty meal. Enjoy the juicy, tender, and flavourful steamed ribs!

What to serve with the ribs

Steamed spare ribs are a delicious and flavourful dish, often served as a dim sum appetizer or as a main course. This dish is usually served with steamed white rice, but there are several other side dishes that can complement it. Here are some ideas on what to serve with steamed spare ribs:

Rice

Rice is a classic accompaniment to steamed spare ribs. The savoury and salty flavours of the ribs are balanced by the simplicity of steamed white rice. This combination creates a hearty and satisfying meal.

Noodles

For a more substantial meal, serve the ribs with a side of Cantonese soy sauce pan-fried noodles. The noodles provide a contrasting texture to the tender ribs, and the soy sauce adds a savoury touch that complements the ribs' flavour profile.

Dim Sum Style Dishes

If you're looking to create a dim sum experience at home, pair the steamed spare ribs with other dim sum dishes such as pork puffs and potstickers. These dishes often feature a variety of flavours and textures that will enhance your dining experience.

Vegetables

To add some colour and nutrition to your plate, consider serving steamed or stir-fried vegetables as a side dish. Thin slices of taro or pumpkin can be placed under the ribs during steaming, absorbing the delicious sauce. Alternatively, a simple stir-fried vegetable dish or a fresh salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavours of the ribs.

Shrimp Dishes

For a flavourful pairing, try serving a shrimp dish as a side. Chinese ketchup shrimp stir-fry or scrambled eggs and shrimp are excellent choices to accompany the ribs. The combination of savoury shrimp and the ribs' garlicky sauce creates a delicious and indulgent meal.

With these side dish suggestions, you can create a well-rounded and flavourful meal centred around steamed spare ribs. Each of these options offers a unique complement to the ribs, ensuring a satisfying dining experience.

How to adjust the recipe to your taste

There are several ways to adjust the steamed spare ribs recipe to your taste. Here are some suggestions:

Marinade

You can experiment with different types of marinades to find your preferred flavour. Some recipes suggest a simple combination of light soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and salt, while others include additional ingredients such as oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Adjusting the amount of each ingredient can also make a difference—for example, reducing the amount of salt if using bottled black bean sauce instead of fermented black beans.

Type of ribs

The type of ribs you use can also impact the taste and texture of the dish. While spare ribs are the most commonly used cut, you could try using pork shoulder or belly for a different ratio of fat to meat. Ask your butcher to cut the ribs into the desired size—smaller bite-sized pieces are easier to eat and quicker to cook.

Cooking time

The cooking time will depend on your preference for the texture of the meat. For tender and juicy ribs, it is important not to overcook them. Steaming for 10-20 minutes should be sufficient, but you can steam them for longer if you prefer more tender meat.

Garnishes and sides

Adding garnishes or serving the ribs with sides can also enhance the dish. Some suggestions include sliced chilli peppers, green onions, taro or pumpkin, and steamed white rice.

Frequently asked questions