Name: Steamed Ribs With Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487081H16M27S
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb pork ribs (cut into small, bite-sized pieces); 6 cloves fresh garlic (finely minced); 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp cornstarch; Salt and pepper to taste; Sliced chili or green onion (optional for garnish)

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Steamed ribs with garlic sauce is a tender, juicy dish that’s full of bold garlic flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. I love how steaming locks in the moisture and keeps the meat incredibly soft while allowing the garlicky sauce to infuse every bite. It’s a comforting, no-fuss dish that’s both satisfying and simple to make.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s gentle on the prep and big on flavor. The ribs come out incredibly tender without needing an oven or grill, and the garlic sauce delivers that deeply savory punch that makes every bite crave-worthy. It’s one of my favorite ways to cook ribs when I want something flavorful but lighter and easier to digest than traditional roasted versions.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pork ribs (cut into small, bite-sized pieces)
Fresh garlic (finely minced)
Soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
Sugar
Sesame oil
Cornstarch
Salt and pepper
Sliced chili or green onion (optional for garnish)

directions

I start by cutting the ribs into individual or small pieces and rinsing them under cold water. I pat them dry before marinating.
In a bowl, I combine the ribs with minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, a pinch of sugar, salt, pepper, sesame oil, and cornstarch. I mix everything well so the sauce clings to the ribs.
I let the ribs marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavor—sometimes longer if I have the time.
I place the ribs in a heatproof dish and set it in a steamer over boiling water. I steam them covered for 35–45 minutes, until they’re fully cooked and tender.
Once done, I garnish with sliced chili or green onions and serve hot with steamed rice.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 3–4 people. It takes 15 minutes to prep, at least 30 minutes to marinate, and 35–45 minutes to steam. The total time from start to table is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes add black beans or fermented black bean sauce for a deeper umami twist.
A few slices of ginger in the marinade bring extra warmth and flavor.
For a spicier version, I add chili garlic sauce or a spoon of chili oil.
If I want a slightly crisp finish, I briefly broil the steamed ribs after cooking.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I either steam them again or warm them in the microwave with a splash of water to keep them moist. I avoid pan-frying, as it can dry out the tender meat.

FAQs

Do I need a special steamer for this dish?

No, I often use a bamboo steamer, a metal steamer basket, or even a plate set over a pot of boiling water with a tight-fitting lid.

Can I use spare ribs or baby back ribs?

Yes, I’ve used both. I prefer smaller, meatier pieces for quicker steaming and better flavor absorption.

What’s the purpose of cornstarch in the marinade?

Cornstarch helps the sauce cling to the meat and keeps the ribs moist and glossy during steaming.

Can I make this dish ahead?

Yes, I often marinate the ribs overnight and steam them fresh the next day. It saves time and deepens the flavor.

What can I serve with steamed ribs?

I usually serve them over white jasmine rice with a side of stir-fried greens or steamed bok choy for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Steamed ribs with garlic sauce is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect when I want something tender, juicy, and packed with garlicky depth. I love how easy it is to prepare and how it turns a humble cut of meat into something rich and satisfying. It’s one of those go-to recipes I keep coming back to when I want comfort food with minimal effort.