Steamed Cantonese-Style Pork Ribs with Black Bean Sauce
Delicately steamed pork ribs infused with fermented black beans and garlic, resulting in tender, flavorful bites typical of Cantonese dim sum. This chinese-inspired pork ready in about 60 minutes blends rinsed and mashed fermented black beans, finely minced garlic cloves, soy sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces pork spare ribs
- 1 tbsp, rinsed and mashed fermented black beans
- 3, finely minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb bite-sized pork spare ribs with 1 tbsp cornstarch, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tsp sugar, 1/4 tsp white pepper, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Mix well and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp mashed fermented black beans; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir into the pork ribs.
- Step 3: Arrange the pork ribs evenly in a heatproof dish suitable for steaming. Place the dish in a steamer preheated to boiling water.
- Step 4: Steam the pork ribs over high heat for 25 minutes until tender and cooked through.
- Step 5: Carefully remove the dish from the steamer and serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped scallions or cilantro.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Steamed Cantonese-Style Pork Ribs with Black Bean Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (35 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Steamed Cantonese-Style Pork Ribs with Black Bean Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Steamed Cantonese-Style Pork Ribs with Black Bean Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Steamed Cantonese-Style Pork Ribs with Black Bean Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Steamed Cantonese-Style Pork Ribs with Black Bean Sauce?
Chinese pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
