Steamed Pork Ribs with Black Bean Sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the ribs
   Cut the pork ribs into bite-sized pieces about 3-4 cm long. Place in a bowl and cover with cold water, let soak for 20 minutes to remove excess blood. Drain thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
2. Make the marinade
   In a large bowl, combine the chopped black beans, minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, white pepper, and vegetable oil. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Marinate the ribs
   Add the drained ribs to the marinade and mix thoroughly, ensuring all pieces are coated. Add the cornstarch and mix again. This helps tenderize the meat and thicken the sauce. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. Prepare for steaming
   Transfer the marinated ribs to a heat-proof plate that will fit in your steamer. Arrange in a single layer if possible for even cooking. Sprinkle the sliced chilies over the top if using.
5. Steam the ribs
   Bring water to a boil in your steamer. Place the plate of ribs in the steamer, cover with a lid, and steam over high heat for 20-25 minutes until the meat is tender and fully cooked.
6. Check for doneness
   After 20 minutes, check if the ribs are done by inserting a chopstick into the meat. If it goes through easily, the ribs are ready. If there's resistance, steam for another 5 minutes.
7. Serve
   Carefully remove the plate from the steamer. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately while hot. The dish pairs well with steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.