Chinese Steamed Spare Ribs (with Black Beans)

Chinese Steamed Spare Ribs (aka 豉汁蒸排骨) - This classic Chinese dish is made with fermented black beans aka douchi. This ingredient adds a delicious flavor to the gently browned and then steamed spare ribs!

What is Fermented Black Beans?

Fermented black beans, also known as douchi (豆豉), are black soybeans that have been preserved through fermentation and salting. This process softens the beans, giving them a deep, savory flavor that's sometimes described as pungent or intensely umami.

They're a staple ingredient in Chinese cooking and are often used to season stir-fries, sauces, and steamed dishes - including this spare ribs recipe. Since douchi is naturally salty, you usually won't need to add as much salt or soy sauce when using it.

What Type of Pork Spare Ribs Should I Use?

At most Asian supermarkets, you'll often find cross-cut pork ribs already prepared. These are ideal for this dish - all you need to do is cut them between the bones to create shorter pieces that steam evenly.

If you buy larger, traditional pork spare ribs instead, you'll just need to cut them down yourself into pieces about 1 to 1.5 inches long. This size helps the ribs cook through more quickly while still staying tender and juicy.

How to Steam Spare Ribs (4 Methods)

There are several ways to steam Chinese spare ribs, depending on the tools you have at home. Whether you're using a wok, bamboo steamer, rice cooker, or Instant Pot, the key is gentle steam that keeps the meat tender and juicy. (Want more info on tools? Check out my article on Asian cooking tools.)

Method 1: Wire Rack with Wok/Pot

This is the simplest option if you don't have a bamboo steamer, rice cooker, or Instant Pot. Place a heatproof bowl or pan with the ribs on a wire rack inside a wok or large pot. Add water until it just covers the rack, bring to a simmer, cover, and steam.

Method 2: Bamboo Steamer with Wok/Pot

This is the traditional way in Chinese cooking. Arrange the ribs in a shallow bowl inside the bamboo steamer. Add about two inches of water to the wok, bring it to a simmer, then set the steamer basket over the pot and cover. If you're using multiple tiers, you can steam veggies or other small dishes at the same time!

Method 3: Rice Cooker

This is the way I prefer to steam my spare ribs. You can use your rice cooker by placing the spare ribs in a heatproof dish or in the rice cooker pan (depends on what style your rice cooker is), and then adding water to the outside layer of the rice cooker and turn it on to steam.

Method 4: Instant Pot (Steaming Method)

The Instant Pot works well as a steamer for Chinese spare ribs. For best results, use the Steam function (not Pressure Cook) so the ribs gently steam in their own juices.

1. Prepare the ribs according to the recipe: marinate the pork ribs, then briefly stir-fry them with ginger, fermented black beans, and chili peppers to build flavor.
2. Transfer the ribs (including all the juices) to a shallow heatproof bowl that fits inside the Instant Pot.
3. Pour 1½ cups of water into the Instant Pot inner pot.
4. Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot, then carefully set the bowl of ribs on top of the trivet.
   Optional: Loosely tent the bowl with foil to prevent condensation from dripping in.
5. Close the lid and set the valve to Venting.
6. Select Steam and set the time for 18-20 minutes.
7. Carefully remove the lid and bowl. The ribs should be fully cooked and tender. If needed, steam for an additional 3-5 minutes.

A Note on Other Steamers

I don't recommend collapsible metal steamers or perforated metal inserts for this recipe, since they allow too much liquid to drip away. You want the ribs to steam in their juices for the best flavor.

How to make Chinese Steamed Spare Ribs (Step by Step)

First, gather your ingredients:

• 1 lb pork cross cut short ribs or pork spare ribs, cut in to 1-1.5 inches
• 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon michiu (aka rice wine)
• 2 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon dried fermented black bean
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 inch of ginger, sliced
• Red chili peppers, (optional)

Cut your spare pork ribs in to 1 to 1.5 inch pieces if you have no done so already.

In a large bowl, add cut pork ribs, light soy sauce, michiu, cornstarch, sugar and mix well, making sure all ribs are covered. Let it marinade for at least 15 minutes (up to overnight).

Rinse dried fermented black beans with water and place aside.

After marinating the pork, in a cooking pan, add cooking oil, ginger, black beans, and red chili peppers (optional) and stir fry for about a minute.

Add the pork ribs in and cook for about another minute, just for it to brown a little. Then remove from heat and transfer to steamable/heatproof bowl/pot/pan (depending on how you want to steam).

Steam which ever method you have selected (see my "How to steam the spare ribs?" section) for about 20 minutes or until ribs are cooked thoroughly. If you ever run out of water for steaming, you can add additional water as needed. (I'm steaming using my rice cooker, so I place the pork in to the rice cooker pot.)

Remove from heat and serve!

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Chinese Steamed Spare Ribs with Black Beans Recipe

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Chinese Steamed Spare Ribs (aka 豉汁蒸排骨) - This classic Chinese dish is made with fermented black beans aka douchi. This ingredient adds a delicious flavor to the gently browned and then steamed spare ribs!

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Ingredients

• 1 lb pork cross-cut short ribs or pork spare ribs, cut into 1–1.5 inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon michiu (Chinese rice wine)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon dried fermented black beans (douchi), rinsed
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 inch fresh ginger, sliced
• Red chili peppers, optional
• Green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine pork ribs, light soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, and sugar. Mix well so each rib is coated. Marinate at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).
2. Rinse the fermented black beans with water and set aside.
3. Heat a pan with cooking oil over medium heat. Add ginger, black beans, and chili peppers (if using). Stir-fry about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the marinated pork ribs and stir-fry for another minute to lightly brown. Transfer ribs to a heatproof dish for steaming.
5. Steam for about 20 minutes, or until ribs are cooked through (see Notes for different steaming methods).
6. Remove from heat, garnish with green onions if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

Steaming Methods:

• Wire rack with wok/pot: Place dish on rack in wok/pot with simmering water, cover, steam ~20 minutes.
• Bamboo steamer with wok/pot: Place dish in bamboo steamer over simmering water, cover, steam ~20 minutes.
• Rice cooker: Place dish in rice cooker, use steam function ~20 minutes.
• Instant Pot: Place dish on rack inside, use steam function for 15–20 minutes.

Tip: Avoid perforated steamers — you want the ribs to steam in their own juices.

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  BirdRock Home 10 Inch Bamboo Steamer for Cooking Vegetables and Dumplings - Classic Traditional 2 Tier Design - Healthy Food Prep - Great for Dim Sum, Chicken, Fish, Veggies - Steam Basket - Natural
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  Wan Ja Shan Organic Aged Soy Sauce, 33.8fl.oz

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 422Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 326mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 38g

The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information.

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More Delicious Pork Recipes

Looking for more tasty pork dishes? Try these:

• Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs (糖醋排骨): Tender pork ribs braised in a tangy-sweet sauce with soy, vinegar, garlic, and chili peppers - a homestyle favorite that pairs perfectly with rice.
• Savory Ground Pork with Napa Cabbage: A comforting stir fry made with ground pork simmered in soy sauce and rice wine, with tender napa cabbage that soaks up all the flavor.
• Broccoli Pork Stir Fry: Succulent pork cooked with crisp broccoli in a flavorful stir fry sauce for an easy weeknight dinner.
• Taiwanese Pork Chop: Pork chops marinated, lightly coated, and pan-fried until golden brown and juicy inside - a Taiwanese classic.

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