Garlic steamed pork ribs are a flavorful and tender dish that brings the essence of Chinese comfort food to your table. Steamed with aromatic garlic, ginger, and savory sauces, these ribs are perfect for pairing with a bowl of steamed white rice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender and Juicy: The steaming method ensures the pork ribs remain moist and tender.
- Aromatic Flavors: Garlic, ginger, and a medley of sauces create a rich, savory flavor profile.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal ingredients, this dish is accessible even for beginners.
- Perfect for Sharing: A great dish for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb pork ribs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for cleaning the ribs)
- 1 tablespoon black bean garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice cooking wine
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Pinch of pepper
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2-3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Clean the Ribs
- Rinse the pork ribs thoroughly under cold water.
- Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the ribs and mix well to remove any impurities. Rinse again to wash away excess cornstarch.
Marinate the Ribs
- In a large bowl, mix black bean garlic sauce, oyster sauce, rice cooking wine, cornstarch, pepper, salt, oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
- Add the cleaned ribs to the marinade and mix thoroughly until evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and let the ribs marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
Steam the Ribs
- Arrange the marinated ribs in a single layer on a steaming plate.
- Place the plate in a steamer over boiling water. Cover and steam for 20-30 minutes, or until the ribs are tender and fully cooked.
Serve
- Garnish the steamed ribs with chopped green onions.
- Serve hot with steamed white rice for a satisfying meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy version.
- Herbal Twist: Add a few slices of Chinese dried mushrooms or a sprig of fresh cilantro for extra depth.
- Soy Sauce Substitute: Replace black bean garlic sauce with light soy sauce for a simpler flavor profile.
- Vinegar Tang: Add a splash of black vinegar to the marinade for a tangy touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover steamed ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the ribs in a steamer or microwave until warmed through.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked marinated ribs for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before steaming.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, pork belly or spare ribs work well as alternatives to baby back ribs.
Do I need a steamer to make this recipe?
If you don’t have a steamer, you can use a large pot with a trivet and a heatproof plate. Cover the pot tightly to trap the steam.
What is black bean garlic sauce?
It’s a savory, fermented sauce made from black beans, garlic, and seasonings, commonly used in Chinese cooking.
Can I skip the marinating step?
Marinating enhances the flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time. However, the taste may be milder.
How do I know when the ribs are fully cooked?
The ribs are done when they are tender and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Yes, adding slices of mushrooms, bell peppers, or bok choy to the steaming plate complements the dish well.
Is it necessary to clean the ribs with cornstarch?
This step helps remove impurities and excess blood, resulting in a cleaner taste and appearance.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of black bean garlic sauce?
Fresh garlic adds flavor, but it won’t replicate the depth of black bean garlic sauce. Consider adding soy sauce for a similar effect.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and use multiple steaming plates or steam in batches.
How do I make the dish less salty?
Reduce the amount of black bean garlic sauce and salt in the marinade, or dilute the sauce with water.
Conclusion
Garlic steamed pork ribs are a delightful dish bursting with savory, aromatic flavors. Easy to prepare and rich in taste, they’re perfect for a comforting meal or to impress at dinner gatherings. Serve them with rice and enjoy the tender, flavorful meat infused with garlic and ginger. Try this recipe today and savor the delicious simplicity of this Chinese classic!
Print
Garlic Steamed Pork Ribs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Savor the flavor of tender, garlic-infused steamed pork ribs with a hint of ginger and rich black bean garlic sauce. This easy Chinese-inspired recipe pairs perfectly with steamed rice for a comforting and aromatic meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork ribs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for cleaning the ribs)
- 1 tablespoon black bean garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice cooking wine
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Pinch of pepper
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2–3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Clean the Ribs:
- Rinse the pork ribs thoroughly under cold water.
- Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the ribs, mix well, and rinse again. This helps remove impurities and tenderizes the ribs.
- Marinate the Ribs:
- In a large bowl, mix together black bean garlic sauce, oyster sauce, rice cooking wine, cornstarch, pepper, salt, oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
- Add the cleaned ribs and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally overnight, to enhance the flavor.
- Steam the Ribs:
- Arrange the marinated ribs in a single layer on a heatproof steaming plate.
- Place the plate in a steamer and steam over medium-high heat for 20–30 minutes, or until the ribs are tender and cooked through.
- Serve:
- Garnish the steamed ribs with chopped green onions.
- Serve hot with steamed white rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
This flavorful and tender dish is a must-try for fans of savory, aromatic meals. Pair it with your favorite side dishes for a delicious family dinner
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