Steamed Cantonese-Style Pork Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pork spare ribs steamed gently with fermented black beans and aromatic spices, a classic Cantonese dim sum favorite. This chinese-inspired pork ready in about 75 minutes blends pork spare ribs, cut into 2-inch pieces, garlic cloves, minced, ginger, finely grated 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 380 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.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb pork spare ribs cut into 2-inch pieces, 2 tbsp chopped fermented black beans, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/4 tsp white pepper. Mix thoroughly and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the marinated ribs and sear for 2 minutes, just to lock in flavors, then transfer the ribs and marinade to a shallow heatproof dish.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp water to the dish, cover tightly with foil, and place in a steamer over boiling water. Steam for 25-30 minutes until the ribs are tender and juicy.
  4. Step 4: Remove from the steamer and serve immediately, spooning any residual sauce over the ribs for maximum flavor.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Steamed Cantonese-Style Pork Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (40 min prep + 35 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 Spare 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 Spare 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 Spare 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 Spare 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.

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