Steamed Pork Spare Ribs with Rice Flour (Fen Zheng Pai Gu)

Steamed Pork Spare Ribs with Rice Flour, known as “粉蒸排骨” in Chinese, is a traditional Sichuan cuisine delicacy that combines tender spare ribs with the subtle fragrance and texture of rice flour. This dish is renowned for its harmonious blend of ingredients, resulting in a delectable and satisfying meal.

The key components of this dish include pork spare ribs, sweet potatoes, and an essential ingredient called “蒸肉米粉” (steamed meat rice flour). The star of the show, however, is the sweet potatoes, which absorb the flavors of the dish and infuse it with their own unique essence. The spare ribs, once steamed to perfection, are remarkably tender and flavorful. Each rib is coated in a delicate layer of rice flour, providing a delightful contrast in texture.

To prepare this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Pork spare ribs
• Sweet potatoes
• Sichuan spicy bean paste
• Dark soy sauce
• Garlic
• Shaoxing wine (or substitute with regular cooking wine)
• White sugar
• Salt
• Chicken bouillon
• Steamed meat rice flour
• Spring onions (scallions)
• Cooking oil

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Steamed Pork Spare Ribs with Rice Flour:

1. Begin by cutting the pork spare ribs into 3-centimeter segments. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes, and finely chop the garlic and spring onions.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the Sichuan spicy bean paste, a small amount of dark soy sauce (mainly for color), minced garlic, Shaoxing wine, a touch of white sugar, chicken bouillon, a pinch of salt, and some cooking oil. Mix these ingredients together and then add the pork spare ribs, coating them evenly. Next, add the steamed meat rice flour to the mixture, ensuring that each rib is evenly coated with a layer of rice flour.
3. Prepare a steaming basket and place a layer of diced sweet potatoes at the bottom. Arrange the coated spare ribs on top of the sweet potatoes. Steam the dish over high heat for 45-60 minutes.
4. Once the dish is fully steamed, garnish it with finely chopped spring onions, and it’s ready to serve.

Steamed Pork Spare Ribs with Rice Flour is a classic Sichuan dish that captures the essence of Chinese cuisine with its rich flavors, tender meat, and delightful textures. It’s a true masterpiece that offers a delightful culinary experience.

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