Recipe: Steamed Spareribs in Black Bean Sauce

Steamed Spareribs in Black Bean Sauce
alt.food.asian/lesliemm/2002

This is a Cantonese country dish.

1 pound small extra-lean spareribs
2 tablespoons fermented black beans
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tablespoons oil
Seasonings:
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 tablespoon tapioca powder
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons pale dry sherry
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt

Have butcher cut the spareribs crosswise into 1-inch pieces. Rinse and drain, then pat dry with paper towels. Put ribs in a bowl and add the seasonings. Mix, then let sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes.

Rinse the black beans, and combine with garlic in a small bowl. Crush beans with the handle of a cleaver into a paste, and then stir in the oil. Add bean mixture to spareribs and blend well.

Transfer ribs to an 8-inch dish with a 1-inch-high rim. Steam spareribs over high heat for 20 minutes, then serve hot.

Serves 3 with rice, vegetable, and a thick soup.