Are you ready to dive into a dim sum classic that’s bound to become a family favorite? Let me introduce you to the Chinese Steamed Spareribs with Black Bean Sauce, or as it’s lovingly called in Cantonese, ‘pai kuat.’ This recipe is a nostalgic nod to my modest beginnings and my Hong Kong roots. I still remember those weekend dim sum outings with my Gong Gong (grandfather), eagerly waiting as the cart pushers announced their mouth-watering specialties, with the black bean spareribs always making it to our table.

In this recipe, I’ll guide you on how to select the perfect spareribs and how to masterfully use pre-made Chinese black bean sauce straight from the jar – a fantastic shortcut that doesn’t skimp on flavor. And the best part? You can bring this dim sum favorite to your dinner table in just about 30 minutes! Let’s get steaming and create some delicious memories of your own!

Chinese Steamed Spareribs with Black Bean Sauce Recipe

Why This Chinese Steamed Spareribs Recipe Works:

  • Tender and Juicy Ribs: This recipe is a surefire way to achieve tender ribs every time. Steaming the pork spare ribs locks in moisture, resulting in juicy pork ribs that rival your favorite Chinese restaurant.
  • Great for First-Timers: If this is your first time attempting a spare ribs recipe, fear not! The process is straightforward and yields best results, even for beginners. You’ll feel like a pro, and your taste buds will thank you.
  • Convenient Ingredient Sourcing: All main ingredients for this dish, including the crucial black bean sauce, can be easily found at Asian grocery stores. It’s a good thing to explore these markets, as they often have the best selection for authentic ingredients.
  • Authentic Dim Sum Experience: The charm of this dish lies in its roots in Cantonese food. It’s like bringing the magic of dim sum carts right into your home. Prepare to be transported to the bustling streets of Hong Kong with every bite!
  • Versatile as a Main Course: While typically a favorite dish for dim sum, these Chinese steamed spare ribs can also serve as a delightful main course for any meal. Pair it with some rice or vegetables, and you’ve got a full, satisfying meal.
  • Simple Yet Flavorful: The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The main ingredients work together seamlessly, creating a balance of flavors that makes this one of the most beloved Chinese dishes. It’s a testament to how a few key components can create something incredibly tasty.
  • A Nod to Family Traditions: Making this dish is not just about enjoying juicy meat; it’s about keeping traditions alive. Each bite is a reminder of family, heritage, and the joy of sharing your favorite dish with loved ones.

Ingredients:

  • pork sparerib tips 
  • black bean sauce
  • Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
  • cornstarch
  • grated fresh ginger
  • cloves garlic
  • black pepper or ground white pepper
  • cooking oil
  • sesame oil
  • sugar

How to Buy the Right Type of Spareribs

If you are lucky enough to live near a large Asian supermarket that has a meat section, the pork riblets are easy to find.

Cut the ribs in between the bones to get small pieces, easy for steaming and eating.

No Asian market? Bribe your butcher to cut normal spareribs cross-wise to get small 1-1/2″ riblets.

Black Bean Sauce Shortcut

In the traditional version of this dish, whole black beans are typically used, lending to that authentic, deeply savory flavor unique to Chinese cuisine. However, these can be quite a challenge to find unless you have access to Chinese markets. But don’t worry, I’ve got a convenient and equally delicious workaround for you! I’ve opted to use jarred black bean sauce in this recipe, which is a substitute made from fermented black beans. 

This sauce captures the essence of the traditional ingredients and is widely available in the ethnic section of most supermarkets, making it easy for you to bring this dish to your table. What’s even better? The preparation is a breeze – it only takes about 5 minutes to get everything ready. After that, it’s just a matter of steaming the spareribs for about 20-30 minutes. So, you can enjoy this classic dim sum dish without the hassle of hunting down hard-to-find ingredients!

chinese spareribs black bean sauce recipe

A brand that’s easy to find is Lee Kum Kee (even Walmart sells this brand.)

There are many different types of bean sauce, so make sure you get the right one. It should say BLACK bean sauce.

This is NOT black bean sauce:

In a large bowl, toss the riblets with the Black Bean Sauce and the rest of the sauce ingredients.

Chinese Style Steamers

There are different sizes of bamboo steamers. Some are very small, for single serving (like you see at Dim Sum restaurants), while others are larger for family-size.

How to Make Chinese Steamed Spareribs – Step by Step

Fill up a large pot or wok with water and place a steamer stand (or upside down shallow bowl) into the water to prop up the steamer basket.

The bamboo steamer should NOT sit in the water. Place pork ribs on top.

Cover and steam pork ribs.

It’s important to make sure you have enough water in the pot so you don’t run out of steam! If you don’t see steam rising, add more water.

Done!

Serve hot.

FAQ: Chinese Steamed Spareribs with Black Bean Sauce Recipe

Q: Can I add green onions to the recipe?
A: Yes, adding chopped green onions towards the end of the cooking process or as a garnish can enhance the flavor and add a fresh touch to the dish.

Q: What is the best way to serve these spareribs?
A: These spareribs are traditionally served as a dim sum dish. For a fuller meal, you can pair them with steamed white rice, which complements the rich flavors of the black bean sauce perfectly.

Q: Is this recipe considered a classic in Chinese cuisine?
A: Absolutely! Steamed spareribs with black bean sauce is a staple in Chinese cuisine, particularly in Cantonese cooking and is a popular choice at Chinese dim sum restaurants.

Q: Can I include chili pepper for extra heat?
A: If you enjoy a bit of spice, adding a small amount of finely chopped chili pepper to the black bean sauce recipe can give it an extra kick. Adjust the quantity according to your heat preference.

Q: Are there different ways to steam the spareribs?
A: Yes, while the traditional method involves steaming in a wok, you can also use a steam basket in a pot. The key is to ensure that the ribs are evenly cooked in the steam.

Q: Is it difficult to make this dim sum dish at home?
A: While it might seem intimidating, making this dish at home is quite straightforward. The cooking process is simple, and the recipe is very forgiving, making it a great option for those new to Chinese cuisine.

Chinese Steamed Spareribs with Black Bean Sauce

Chinese Steamed Spareribs with Black Bean Sauce Recipe

Chinese Steamed Spareribs with Black Bean Sauce

Jaden
4.64 from 25 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4 people
Calories 386 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound pork sparerib tips
  • 2 tablespoons black bean sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger grate on microplane grater
  • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or ground white pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

Instructions
 

  • Cut between each sparerib to separate each rib tip. In a large bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients. Add in the ribs and toss well to coat the spareribs evenly.
  • Transfer spareribs and sauce into a shallow, heatproof pan that will fit inside your wok (a pie plate or 9” cake pan works great.)
  • Set steaming rack inside of wok and fill with water almost up to height of rack. Turn heat to high and when water is boiling, turn heat to medium-high. Set pan with spareribs on top of a steaming rack in wok. Steam on med-high heat for 18-20 minutes until ribs are no longer pink. Make sure that when you are steaming that you don't run out of water in the wok. Replenish with additional water, if needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 386kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 17gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 143mgPotassium: 299mgSugar: 1gVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.2mg
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