Recipes Spareribs with Black Bean Sauce

Spareribs with Black Bean Sauce is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine known for its rich, savory flavors. The combination of tender pork spareribs and the umami-rich black bean sauce creates a mouthwatering meal that is perfect for any occasion. This article will guide you through the ingredients needed, the preparation and cooking process, tips for enhancing the dish, variations you can try, the calorie content, and a final conclusion.

Ingredients

To make Spareribs with Black Bean Sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Spareribs:

• 500g pork spareribs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 1-2 red chili peppers, sliced (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fermented black beans, rinsed and mashed
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup water or chicken stock
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For Garnish:

• 2-3 green onions, chopped
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Preparation and Cooking

Step 1: Marinating the Spareribs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pork spareribs with light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and cornstarch.
2. Mix well to ensure the spareribs are evenly coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for better flavor.

Step 2: Preparing the Sauce

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and sliced chili peppers (if using). Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the mashed fermented black beans, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. Stir well to combine.
4. Pour in the water or chicken stock and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Cooking the Spareribs

1. In the same wok or pan, push the sauce to one side and add the marinated spareribs.
2. Cook the spareribs for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are browned and cooked through.
3. Stir the spareribs into the sauce, ensuring they are well coated.
4. Drizzle with sesame oil and give it a final stir.

Step 4: Serving the Dish

1. Transfer the spareribs to a serving platter.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
3. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for Enhancing the Dish

• Quality of Spareribs: Use fresh, high-quality spareribs for the best flavor. You can ask your butcher to cut them into bite-sized pieces to save time.
• Marination Time: Marinating the spareribs overnight will allow the flavors to penetrate deeper, making the meat more flavorful.
• Balancing Flavors: Adjust the amount of sugar, soy sauce, and black beans according to your taste. Some may prefer a sweeter sauce, while others might like it more savory or spicy.
• Fermented Black Beans: These beans are the key ingredient for authentic flavor. Rinse them lightly before mashing to reduce their saltiness.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the pork spareribs with tofu or seitan for a vegetarian-friendly dish. Use the same sauce recipe for an equally delicious result.
• Spicy Version: Add more chili peppers or a spoonful of chili paste to the sauce for a spicier kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace soy sauce with tamari and ensure that other sauces used are gluten-free.
• Slow-Cooked Ribs: For a tender, fall-off-the-bone texture, you can slow-cook the ribs in a slow cooker for several hours before adding the sauce.

Calorie Content

The calorie content for Spareribs with Black Bean Sauce can vary depending on the portion size and the exact ingredients used. On average, a serving of this dish (about 200g) contains approximately:

• Calories: 350-450 kcal
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 10-15g

To reduce the calorie content, you can use leaner cuts of meat and less oil during the cooking process.

Conclusion

Spareribs with Black Bean Sauce is a delectable dish that brings the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine to your dining table. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or experiment with variations, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. The balance of savory black bean sauce with tender spareribs makes it a satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy the process of cooking this dish, and don’t forget to share the joy of eating it with loved ones!