Spareribs with Black Bean Sauce

Spareribs with Black Bean Sauce Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spareribs with Black Bean Sauce is a delicious and savory dish that combines tender spareribs with a flavorful black bean sauce. This dish is popular in Chinese cuisine and is perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.

History

The origins of Spareribs with Black Bean Sauce can be traced back to traditional Chinese cooking. Black beans have been used in Chinese cuisine for centuries, adding a rich and savory flavor to dishes. Spareribs are a popular cut of meat in Chinese cooking, known for their tender and juicy texture. The combination of spareribs and black bean sauce creates a delicious and comforting dish that is loved by many.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) baby back spareribs
2 tbsp fermented black beans (also called salted black beans)
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp minced ginger
2 tbsp dark soy sauce
3 tbsp oil for stir-frying, or as needed
1 small red chili pepper, de-seeded and chopped
1 cup chicken broth or water
1 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tsp brown sugar
a few drops sesame oil
2 scallions (spring onion, green onion) cut into 3 - 4 pieces

How to prepare

Cut the spareribs into individual pieces.
Thoroughly rinse the fermented black beans and then finely chop them (avoiding rinsing will prevent excessive saltiness).
Combine the chopped beans with minced garlic, ginger, and dark soy sauce.
Set the mixture aside.
Heat a wok over medium-high to high heat and add 2 tbsp of oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the spareribs and stir-fry them until they turn brown (approximately 4 to 5 minutes).
Remove the spareribs from the wok.
If necessary, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil.
Add the chopped red chile and the mashed bean mixture to the wok.
Stir-fry the mixture until it becomes aromatic.
Return the spareribs to the wok and mix them with the bean mixture.
Pour in the broth.
Stir in the soy sauce and sugar.
Reduce the heat and cover the wok to braise the ribs until they become tender (around 10 minutes).
Turn off the heat and add a few drops of sesame oil.
Serve the dish garnished with scallions.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or onions for added flavor and texture.
Use pork spare ribs instead of baby back ribs for a different taste.
Add a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to rinse the fermented black beans thoroughly to remove excess saltiness.

- Stir-fry the spareribs until they are browned to enhance their flavor.

- Braising the spareribs in the black bean sauce allows the flavors to meld together and creates a tender and juicy dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Spareribs with Black Bean Sauce with steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying the spareribs until browned.

- Braising the spareribs in the black bean sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use tamari or coconut aminos as a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.

- Substitute honey or maple syrup for brown sugar.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the black bean sauce mixture in advance and marinate the spareribs for a few hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Spareribs with Black Bean Sauce 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 microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 300 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 5g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 20g per serving

Saturated Fat: 6g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 2mg per serving

Calcium: 30mg per serving

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

Spareribs with Black Bean Sauce is a high-protein dish that is rich in fats and calories. It also contains iron and calcium, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Summary

Spareribs with Black Bean Sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender spareribs with a savory black bean sauce. This dish is perfect for a comforting meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the first time I saw this recipe for Spareribs with Black Bean Sauce. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in China. My grandmother, who was an amazing cook, had learned the recipe from a traveling chef who had passed through our village.

I remember watching in awe as my grandmother deftly prepared the spareribs, marinating them in a fragrant mixture of black bean sauce, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the final dish.

As the spareribs simmered on the stove, my grandmother told me the story of how she had come to learn the recipe. She had been a young bride at the time, eager to impress her new husband with her cooking skills. When the traveling chef had arrived in the village, she had begged him to teach her his secrets.

The chef, a gruff but kind-hearted man, had taken pity on her and agreed to show her how to make the spareribs with black bean sauce. He had patiently guided her through each step, from marinating the meat to cooking it to perfection. And when the dish was finally ready, my grandmother had served it to her husband with trepidation, unsure of what he would think.

To her relief, he had taken one bite and declared it the best thing he had ever tasted. From that day on, my grandmother had been known throughout the village for her delicious spareribs with black bean sauce.

I listened to my grandmother's story with rapt attention, hanging on her every word. I could see the pride in her eyes as she recounted the tale, and I knew that I wanted to learn how to make the dish myself.

Over the years, I watched my grandmother make the spareribs countless times, committing each step to memory. I helped her chop the garlic, grate the ginger, and mix the marinade, soaking up every bit of knowledge she had to offer.

When I finally left home to start a family of my own, I took the recipe for spareribs with black bean sauce with me. It became a staple in our household, a dish that I would make for special occasions and family gatherings.

As the years passed, I shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, passing down the tradition that had been handed to me by my grandmother. And each time I made the dish, I felt a connection to her and to the generations of women who had come before me.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, preparing the spareribs with black bean sauce for yet another family dinner, I can't help but think of my grandmother and the legacy she left behind. Her love of cooking and her dedication to perfecting her craft have inspired me in so many ways, and I am grateful for the memories and the recipes she has passed down to me.

As I take the first bite of the tender, flavorful spareribs, I savor the taste and the memories that come flooding back. And I know that as long as I continue to cook and share this recipe with others, my grandmother's spirit will live on, bringing joy and nourishment to those who taste her delicious creation.