Ca Xiang Gu

Ca Xiang Gu Recipe - Authentic Hong Kong Spare Ribs Dish

Region / culture: Hong Kong | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Ca Xiang Gu is a traditional Chinese dish made with spare ribs, spring onion, and a flavorful sauce. This dish is known for its rich and savory flavors, making it a popular choice for those looking for a hearty and satisfying meal.

History

Ca Xiang Gu has been a staple in Chinese cuisine for centuries. The dish is believed to have originated in the Sichuan province of China, where it was traditionally made with local ingredients such as tea and shaoxing wine. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of seasonings and spices, making it a versatile and delicious dish enjoyed by many.

Ingredients

600 g spare ribs
6 stalks spring onion
2 slices ginger

Seasoning

3 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp dark soy sauce
2 tbsp shaoxing wine
3 tbsp sugar
250 ml tea

How to prepare

Chop the ribs and spring onion into short pieces, approximately 50 mm in length.
Heat a wok with 2 tbsp of oil, then add ginger and spring onion.
Stir fry well, then add the ribs and stir fry with the sauce until well mixed.
Reduce the heat to low and cook for 45 minutes.
Dish up and serve while hot.
Alternatively, let it chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then serve it cool.

Variations

For a spicy kick, add chili peppers or Sichuan peppercorns to the sauce.
Substitute the spare ribs with chicken or tofu for a lighter alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to chop the spare ribs and spring onion into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Stir fry the ribs and sauce well to ensure that the flavors are evenly distributed.

- Cooking the dish on low heat for 45 minutes allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.

- For a different twist, try serving the dish chilled after refrigerating for 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Ca Xiang Gu with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir frying the ribs and sauce on low heat allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute shaoxing wine with dry sherry or rice vinegar.

- Use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with chopped spring onion or cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Ca Xiang Gu with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of steamed bok choy.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a wok or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

350 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

20g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

This dish contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Ca Xiang Gu is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a satisfying and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Ca Xiang Gu is a delicious and nutritious Chinese dish made with spare ribs, spring onion, and a flavorful sauce. This dish is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed as a main course with steamed rice and vegetables. With its rich flavors and tender meat, Ca Xiang Gu is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Ca Xiang Gu. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old box of recipes that I had collected over the years. As I sifted through the yellowed pages and faded index cards, my eyes landed on a small scrap of paper with the words "Ca Xiang Gu" written in elegant script.

I had never heard of this dish before, but something about the name intrigued me. I could almost taste the flavors just by saying it out loud. Without hesitation, I set out to uncover the secrets of this mysterious recipe.

I turned to my trusted sources - my friends, family, and neighbors - but none of them had heard of Ca Xiang Gu. Undeterred, I decided to take matters into my own hands and embark on a culinary adventure to uncover the origins of this tantalizing dish.

I spent hours pouring over cookbooks, scouring the internet, and even reaching out to food experts in search of clues. But no matter where I looked, I could not find a definitive recipe for Ca Xiang Gu. It seemed as though this dish was a well-kept secret, known only to a select few.

But I was determined to crack the code and unlock the flavors of Ca Xiang Gu. I began experimenting in my kitchen, combining different ingredients and flavors in search of the perfect balance. I tried various combinations of fish, spices, and herbs, but nothing seemed to capture the essence of the elusive dish.

Just when I was about to give up hope, a chance encounter with an elderly woman at the local market changed everything. As we discussed our favorite recipes and culinary experiences, I mentioned my quest for Ca Xiang Gu. To my surprise, her eyes lit up with recognition.

"You're looking for Ca Xiang Gu?" she exclaimed. "I know just the recipe you need."

She reached into her bag and pulled out a tattered old cookbook, its pages worn and stained from years of use. As she flipped through the well-loved recipes, she finally landed on the page that I had been searching for.

"This is the recipe for Ca Xiang Gu," she said with a smile. "I learned it from my grandmother, who learned it from her grandmother before her. It has been passed down through generations, and now I am passing it on to you."

I couldn't believe my luck. Here, in the pages of this ancient cookbook, was the recipe that had eluded me for so long. I thanked the woman profusely and hurried home to try my hand at making Ca Xiang Gu.

The ingredients were simple yet exotic - fresh fish, fragrant spices, and a medley of herbs and vegetables. As I followed the instructions carefully, I could almost feel the history and tradition of the dish coming to life in my kitchen.

The aroma that filled the air as the dish simmered on the stove was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It was a symphony of flavors, each one complementing the others in perfect harmony. I knew that I had finally unlocked the secret of Ca Xiang Gu.

When I served the dish to my family that evening, their eyes widened with delight as they took their first bite. The flavors danced on their tongues, transporting them to a world of culinary bliss. They showered me with praise and compliments, declaring that Ca Xiang Gu was now their new favorite dish.

From that day on, Ca Xiang Gu became a staple in my household. I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, spreading the joy and delight of this exquisite dish far and wide. And as I watched the smiles and heard the sounds of merriment at the dinner table, I knew that I had truly captured the essence of Ca Xiang Gu.

As I sit here now, recounting the tale of how I learned to make Ca Xiang Gu, I am filled with a sense of pride and satisfaction. It was a journey filled with mystery and discovery, but in the end, it was all worth it. And now, as I pass on this recipe to you, I hope that you too will experience the joy and wonder of creating Ca Xiang Gu in your own kitchen.