Steamed Spareribs
排骨 · Pái Gǔ
🌶
📍 Easy to find in Chengdu
Steamed Spareribs are a must-order dim sum item. Small pieces of pork spareribs are marinated with fermented black beans (douchi), garlic, sugar, and a touch of chili, then steamed until the meat is tender enough to fall off the bone. The sauce — a combination of pork juices, black bean flavor, and garlic — is meant to be sopped up with rice. The key is in the cut: the ribs should be small and meaty, with a good balance of fat and lean.
📖 History
Steamed spareribs with black beans is a classic Cantonese technique dating back centuries. The combination of fermented beans and pork is considered a perfect umami pairing in Cantonese cuisine.
🍽 Where to eat it:
Available at every dim sum restaurant. The best versions have a slight bounce to the meat, not mushy.
Available at every dim sum restaurant. The best versions have a slight bounce to the meat, not mushy.