Garlic Steamed Pork Ribs is a flavorful and tender dish commonly found in Cantonese cuisine, especially in dim sum restaurants. The ribs are marinated with garlic, soy sauce, and seasonings before being steamed to perfection, creating a juicy and aromatic dish. It’s easy to make at home and pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tender & Juicy – Steaming makes the pork ribs incredibly soft and flavorful.
- Easy to Make – Requires minimal preparation with simple ingredients.
- Rich Garlic Flavor – A deliciously fragrant dish for garlic lovers.
- Perfect for Dim Sum Fans – Recreates the classic dim sum experience at home.
- Healthy Cooking Method – Steaming retains the natural flavors without excess oil.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pork spare ribs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Garlic, minced
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- Sesame oil
- Sugar
- White pepper
- Cornstarch
- Fermented black beans (optional, for extra umami)
- Chopped scallions (for garnish)
- Red chili slices (optional, for spice)
Directions
- Prepare the Ribs – Rinse the pork ribs and pat them dry. Trim any excess fat if needed.
- Marinate – In a bowl, mix the ribs with minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, and cornstarch. Add fermented black beans if using. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Prepare the Steamer – Fill a pot or wok with water and bring it to a boil. Place a steaming rack or bamboo steamer over the pot.
- Steam the Ribs – Transfer the marinated ribs to a heatproof dish. Place the dish in the steamer and cover. Steam over high heat for 25-30 minutes until the ribs are tender and fully cooked.
- Garnish & Serve – Sprinkle with chopped scallions and red chili slices before serving. Enjoy hot with steamed rice.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-3
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinate Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or fresh chopped chili peppers to the marinade.
- Extra Umami: Mix in a teaspoon of fermented black bean paste.
- Lighter Option: Use lean pork ribs and reduce the amount of soy sauce.
- Cantonese-Style: Add a splash of chicken stock for a more savory sauce.
- Crunchy Texture: Top with crispy fried garlic before serving.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze marinated raw ribs in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Steam when ready.
- Reheating: Steam for 5-10 minutes or microwave with a splash of water to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use baby back ribs instead of spare ribs?
Yes! Baby back ribs will work, but spare ribs have more fat, making them juicier.
What if I don’t have a steamer?
You can use a deep pan with a lid and place the dish on a heatproof rack inside.
How do I cut spare ribs into small pieces?
Ask your butcher to cut them into bite-sized pieces, or use a cleaver to chop them at the joints.
Can I marinate the ribs overnight?
Yes! Overnight marination enhances the flavor even more.
Why add cornstarch to the marinade?
Cornstarch helps tenderize the meat and creates a silky texture when steamed.
Can I make this dish without oyster sauce?
Yes, replace it with hoisin sauce or a bit of soy sauce with a pinch of sugar.
Can I add vegetables to the steamer?
Yes! Steaming bok choy or mushrooms alongside the ribs adds a delicious side.
What dipping sauce goes well with these ribs?
A simple soy sauce with chopped chilies and a dash of vinegar pairs well.
How do I prevent the ribs from drying out?
Cover the steaming dish with foil or a lid to retain moisture.
Can I use boneless pork for this recipe?
Yes, but bone-in ribs provide more flavor and tenderness.
Conclusion
Garlic Steamed Pork Ribs is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings the authentic flavors of Cantonese dim sum to your home. With its juicy, garlicky, and savory taste, it pairs perfectly with steamed rice or as part of a larger Chinese meal. Try different variations, add extra toppings, and enjoy this classic dish in the comfort of your kitchen!
Print
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: Total Time:
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Tender and juicy pork ribs steamed to perfection with garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of spice.
Ingredients
- 1 lb pork spare ribs, cut into small pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp rice wine (optional)
- 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate Ribs: In a bowl, mix pork ribs with garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, cornstarch, and rice wine. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare Steamer: Set up a steamer with boiling water. Place ribs in a heatproof dish.
- Steam: Cover and steam over high heat for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles.
- Add chili flakes for extra spice.
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