Battle of the East

Steamed dishes, they pop up on our dinner table at least twice a week . I guess most of us know the many benefits of steaming our food pretty well. Less oily, retains nutrients, colors and smell, most of all our body will love us for it. Added to that, there's this big fat bonus of it being the easiest, fastest and cleanest method. No greasy kitchen to clean up after. Simply put, the return is high, little effort, huge benefits in terms of healthy eating, time, effort and cost! So, steam, steam and steam we must! Steam anything from fish, prawns, cuttlefish, chicken, meat to vegetables and fruits!

Being a Chinese, I steamed pork ribs quite often. I learnt two new ways of steaming pork ribs recently. One with the Korean Kimchi and the other with the Japanese Miso. Fresh new ways of steaming pork ribs provided one is able to embrace these two gems from the East. I think, the love for them is something that needs to be acquired. Not everyone takes an instant liking (some never) to them (am not sure for those who grew up with it).

The taste of ribs steamed with Miso is closer to the Chinese style of steaming with fermented yellow soybeans.

Steaming with Kimchi, is rather unique. It has a little spiciness to it and eating it together with the meat makes the meat juicier.

Which one is better? Again, I have supporters on both side of the fence (with myself sitting on it)! They are delicious served piping hot with rice. Maybe it's not fair to compare them as their taste are quite unique in their own ways. Now, the next time I do pork ribs, I will need to decide whether it's going to be Chinese (Yellow Soybeans), Korean (Kimchi) or Japanese(Miso), talk about giving yourself headaches!

Steamed Miso Pork Ribs
Source : Assorted Lunch Boxes by Jamie Jong

Ingredients

• 300g pork ribs

Marinade

• 2 tbsp miso
• 1tbsp chopped garlic
• 1 red chilli, seeded and chopped (omitted)
• 2 tbsp rice wine
• 2 tbsp soya sauce
• 1/2 tbsp cornflour

Method

1. Mix ingredients for marinade.
2. Mix marinade with pork ribs.
3. Leave to marinate for 30 minutes.
4. Steam over high heat for 20 minutes until pork ribs are cooked through.

Steamed Kimchi Pork Ribs
Source : Steamed Cuisine by Hoe Yee

Ingredients

• 300g pork ribs
• 100g kimchi

Marinade

• 1/2 tbsp light soya sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1/2 tbsp corn flour
• 1 tbsp water
• 1/2 tbsp cooking oil

Method

1. Mix ingredients for marinade.
2. Mix marinade with pork ribs.
3. Leave to marinate for 30 minutes.
4. Mix Kimchi with marinated pork ribs.
5. Steam over high heat for 20 minutes until pork ribs are cooked through.

Posted in: Pork,Steamed Dishes