| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 250 | 18g | 6g | 5g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 2g | 0.5g | 17g | 1.2g |
Many recipes transport me right back to the open fields of Nebraska, but few do it with as much flair as the Steamed Pork Ribs with Rice Paddy Herb. Nestled in the gentle embrace of the Midwest, my culinary journey has always been about blending comfort with creativity. This recipe, rich in both tradition and innovation, embodies everything I cherish about hearty, wholesome meals.
A Balance of Flavors
The Steamed Pork Ribs with Rice Paddy Herb brings together an intriguing medley of flavors. The savory goodness of soy, fish, and oyster sauces melds perfectly with the sweet undertone of sugar and the sharp punch of black pepper. And just when you think it couldn’t get any better, the unique aroma of rice paddy herb elevates the dish to an entirely new level. They say, “God is in the details,” and in this recipe, it’s in every sprinkle of herb and dash of garlic.
Health Benefits
It’s easy to adore this dish for purely gustatory reasons, but it’s worth noting that it also offers some wonderful health benefits. Pork ribs are a good source of protein and essential vitamins like B12, which play a key role in maintaining nerve and blood cells. The rice paddy herb, often used in traditional Vietnamese cuisine, has been known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Coupled with garlic, which is celebrated for boosting the immune system, and chillies that are packed with antioxidants, this recipe not only comforts the soul but also nourishes the body.
This dish could become a staple centerpiece during family dinners, perfectly complimenting other comfort foods like mashed potatoes or even a light cucumber salad to balance the richness. You might also find this recipe similar to classic Asian steamed dishes, making it a delightful companion to steamed buns or jasmine rice.
For those who love to explore their culinary boundaries while still rooting their food in good old comfort, the Steamed Pork Ribs with Rice Paddy Herb is an excellent go-to. It’s a celebration of flavor, tradition, and health—all in one steaming, aromatic dish.
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs pork ribs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 bunch rice paddy herb (also known as ngo om or Limnophila aromatica), chopped
- 2 scallions, finely chopped
- 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
Method
Step One
In a large bowl, combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, ground black pepper, minced garlic, and cornstarch. Mix well to create the marinade.
Step Two
Add the pork ribs to the bowl with the marinade. Toss to coat the ribs evenly. Let the ribs marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Step Three
While the pork ribs are marinating, prepare your steamer. Fill the bottom of the steamer with water, making sure the water level is below the steamer basket. Bring the water to a boil.
Step Four
Place the marinated pork ribs in a heatproof dish that fits inside your steamer. Pour the 1/4 cup of water over the ribs to ensure they stay moist during steaming.
Step Five
Place the dish with the pork ribs inside the steamer basket. Cover the steamer with a lid and steam the ribs over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until the ribs are fully cooked and tender.
Step Six
During the last 5 minutes of steaming, sprinkle the chopped rice paddy herb, scallions, and red chili (if using) over the ribs. Continue steaming for the remaining time to allow the herbs to infuse their flavor into the dish.
Step Seven
Once the pork ribs are done, carefully remove the dish from the steamer. Serve the steamed pork ribs hot with steamed rice or as part of a larger meal. Enjoy!
