Spare ribs with black bean sauce is a classic Chinese dish, known for its rich, savory flavor and tender, juicy ribs. The combination of pork ribs and black bean sauce creates a wonderful balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors that is sure to please any palate. The dish is popular in many Chinese households and restaurants, and it can be served as part of a family meal or at a special gathering.
What Are Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce?
Spare ribs with black bean sauce is a traditional Chinese dish made by braising pork ribs in a flavorful sauce that includes fermented black beans, soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings. The ribs are usually cooked until tender, allowing the sauce to penetrate and enhance the meat’s flavor.
Why Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce Is a Must-Try
Rich flavor: The combination of fermented black beans, soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings creates an umami-packed sauce that clings to the ribs.
Tender meat: Spare ribs are cooked slowly until they become soft and fall off the bone.
Simple ingredients: Despite the bold flavor, the ingredients are easy to find and the recipe is straightforward to follow.
Versatile: Serve the ribs with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Before we begin, let’s take a look at the key ingredients you’ll need to make spare ribs with black bean sauce:
For the Spare Ribs:
Spare ribs (about 1 pound / 500 grams) – Cut into small pieces (2-3 inches long)
Salt (½ teaspoon)
White pepper (¼ teaspoon)
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon) – To coat the ribs
Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Black Bean Sauce:
Fermented black beans (2 tablespoons) – Rinsed and roughly chopped
Garlic (3-4 cloves) – Minced
Ginger (1-inch piece) – Minced
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon)
Sugar (1 teaspoon)
Rice wine or Shaoxing wine (1 tablespoon)
Water or chicken broth (½ cup)
Sesame oil (1 teaspoon) – Optional, for added flavor
Scallions (1-2 stalks) – Chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Spare Ribs
Start by preparing the spare ribs. Choose fresh pork spare ribs from your local butcher or supermarket. It’s best to ask the butcher to cut the ribs into small pieces, about 2-3 inches long. If they aren’t pre-cut, you can use a sharp knife or cleaver to chop them into manageable sizes.
Once cut, rinse the ribs under cold water to remove any bone fragments and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is essential for ensuring that the ribs are clean and ready for cooking.
2. Marinate the Ribs
Marinating the ribs will help enhance their flavor and ensure they are tender once cooked. In a large bowl, combine the spare ribs with:
½ teaspoon of salt
¼ teaspoon of white pepper
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
Mix everything well until the ribs are evenly coated. The cornstarch helps to create a slight crispness when frying the ribs and also thickens the sauce later. Let the ribs marinate for about 15-20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
3. Prepare the Black Bean Sauce
While the ribs are marinating, you can prepare the black bean sauce. Fermented black beans (douchi) are the key to this dish’s deep, savory flavor. You can find them in most Asian grocery stores, and they often come in a small jar or bag.Rinse the fermented black beans under cold water to remove excess salt, then roughly chop them.In a small bowl, combine the chopped black beans with the minced garlic and ginger. Set this aside.
4. Fry the Spare Ribs
Heat about 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated spare ribs in a single layer. Fry the ribs for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown and slightly crispy.You don’t need to cook the ribs all the way through at this stage; you’re just browning them. Once browned, transfer the ribs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Cook the Black Bean Sauce
In the same pan (remove excess oil if necessary, leaving about 1 tablespoon), add the minced garlic, ginger, and fermented black bean mixture. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure the garlic doesn’t burn.
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
1 teaspoon of sugar
1 tablespoon of rice wine or Shaoxing wine
½ cup of water or chicken broth
6. Combine the Ribs and Sauce
Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the fried spare ribs back into the pan with the black bean sauce. Stir the ribs gently to coat them evenly in the sauce.
Lower the heat to medium, cover the pan, and let the ribs simmer in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes. During this time, the ribs will absorb the flavors of the sauce and become tender.
If the sauce reduces too much, you can add a bit more water or broth to keep the dish moist. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary (add more soy sauce for saltiness, sugar for sweetness, or water to mellow the flavors).
SEE ALSO: Authentic Chinese Chicken and Corn Soup
Conclusion
Spare ribs with black bean sauce is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With its rich, umami-packed sauce and tender, flavorful ribs, it’s sure to impress family and friends. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional Chinese cuisine or just looking to try something new, spare ribs with black bean sauce is a must-try recipe. Serve it with steamed rice, and you’ve got a complete meal that’s full of flavor and comfort. Enjoy!
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