Gather ’round, fellow food adventurers, because today I’m about to whisk you away on a culinary journey with my take on a mouthwatering Spare Ribs Claypot Rice. Imagine the tender, savory pork mingling with fluffy jasmine rice, all infused with aromatic ginger and garlic—a dish that’s not just a meal, but an experience. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a treat! 🌟
I find the heartwarming comfort of Spare Ribs Claypot Rice impossible to resist. In my world, there is nothing better than the steaming pot of cast iron filled with flavor, jasmine rice, and pork spare ribs that have been cooked to tender perfection with soy sauce and Shaoxing wine.
It is a most satisfying combination of protein and carbs that I can eat any time of day. I think adding some garlic, ginger, and green onions takes this dish over the top in a good way; it provides essential vitamins and antioxidants.
I consider this dish a perfect vehicle for both simple and nutritious eating. It is food that warms hearth and soul.
Spare Ribs Claypot Rice Cast Iron Cooking Recipe Ingredients
- Jasmine Rice: Provides carbohydrates, energy source, subtly fragrant.
- Pork Spare Ribs: Rich in protein, adds flavor, juicy and tender.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami, salty flavor, enhances taste complexity.
- Oyster Sauce: Sweet and savory, enhances depth, slightly thick texture.
- Shaoxing Wine: Aromatic, adds depth, enhances meat flavor.
- Sesame Oil: Rich, nutty flavor, adds aroma, healthy fats.
- Garlic: Aromatic, enhances flavor, boosts immune system.
- Ginger: Spicy, warming, aids digestion, aromatic.
Spare Ribs Claypot Rice Cast Iron Cooking Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 pound pork spare ribs, cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce (for drizzling)
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make this Spare Ribs Claypot Rice Cast Iron Cooking Recipe
1. In a bowl, mix together the pork spare ribs with soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Let the mixture sit in the bowl and marinate for no less than 30 minutes.
2. Wash the jasmine rice with cold water until the water runs clear. Make sure to drain it well.
3. In a cast iron pot, combine 2 cups of water with the rinsed rice. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. When it has reached a boil, turn down the heat and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed most of the water.
5. In the meantime, in a different pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the pork ribs that have been marinated and cook them for 5 to 7 minutes until they are beginning to brown.
6. Take off the cover of the rice pot, and lay the undercooked pork spareribs flat on top of the rice. Drench the ribs with any leftover marinade.
7. Evenly drizzle the sesame oil over the ribs and rice. Cover the pot once more and let it cook on very low heat for 20 more minutes—or until the pork is tender and the rice is fully cooked. (If you have a pot that does not have a tight-fitting lid, you can use aluminum foil to cover it more tightly.)
8. Take off the heat and allow it to sit, covered, for 5 more minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld.
9. Dark soy sauce adds a lot of flavor to the dish, so drizzle it over everything to enhance the umami and overall taste. Salt and pepper are your friends for this dish. Adjust to elevate the flavors to your taste and enjoyment.
10. Top with minced green onions and serve piping hot right from the pot. Enjoy the delicious Spare Ribs Claypot Rice.
Spare Ribs Claypot Rice Cast Iron Cooking Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Chef’s knife
5. Cutting board
6. Cast iron pot or heavy-bottomed pot with lid
7. Frying pan or skillet
8. Wooden spoon or spatula
9. Rice strainer or fine mesh sieve
10. Aluminum foil (optional)
FAQ
- What is the best kind of rice to use for this recipe?Recommended for its fragrant aroma and ideal texture for claypot cooking, jasmine rice is the not-so-secret secret to this dish’s next-level flavor.
- Can I use a regular pot instead of a cast iron pot?A pot with a heavy bottom can work, but a cast iron skillet more effectively imitates the traditional cooking method of using a clay pot.
- Is it necessary to marinate the pork spare ribs before cooking?To increase flavor absorption, it is best to marinate the ribs for a minimum of 30 minutes before cooking. This was done one of two ways as time allowed: with a store-bought marinade in a vacuum-sealed bag or with a homemade marinade in a plastic Ziploc bag. Both methods are effective.
- How long does it take to cook this dish?The whole operation, with the exception of the setup, usually consumes about 90 minutes. This includes testing the circuit, debugging as necessary, and cleaning up after the job is done.
- Can I substitute Shaoxing wine with something else?If you can’t find Shaoxing wine, you can use dry sherry as a substitute.
- What do I do if the rice sticks to the bottom of the pot?It is customary to have rice that is just a little bit crisp, but by controlling the heat and adding just a bit more water, one can arrive at a rice that is non-stick and devoid of too much crispiness.
- Could I add vegetables to this dish?Indeed, adding vegetables such as bok choy or mushrooms can enhance the flavors and yield a well-rounded meal.
Spare Ribs Claypot Rice Cast Iron Cooking Recipe Substitutions and Variations
For jasmine rice, basmati rice or any long-grain rice can be used.
Replace Shaoxing wine in this recipe with either dry sherry or mirin.
If oyster sauce is not available, substitute hoisin sauce or mushroom soy sauce.
For sesame oil, substitute peanut oil or olive oil for a different flavor profile.
In case you cannot get dark soy sauce, blend normal soy sauce with molasses and you will get quite a similar richness in flavor.
Pro Tips
1. Proper Rice Washing: It’s important to wash the jasmine rice thoroughly until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This will help prevent the rice from becoming gummy and ensure it cooks to a nice, fluffy texture.
2. Marination Time: For deeper flavor, consider marinating the pork spare ribs longer than 30 minutes, if time allows. Marinating for several hours, or even overnight in the fridge, can significantly enhance the flavor of the meat.
3. Searing the Ribs: When browning the ribs, make sure the pan is hot before adding the ribs to create a good sear. This caramelization adds depth to the overall flavor of the dish.
4. Check for Doneness: To ensure the rice is perfectly cooked, check it toward the end of the cooking time. If the rice is too firm, add a little more water and continue steaming until it’s done to your liking.
5. Resting Period: Letting the dish rest for a few minutes after turning off the heat can help meld the flavors together. Don’t skip this step, as it allows the rice to absorb any remaining steam and juices from the ribs, enhancing the dish’s taste.
Spare Ribs Claypot Rice Cast Iron Cooking Recipe
My favorite Spare Ribs Claypot Rice Cast Iron Cooking Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large mixing bowl
2. Measuring cups
3. Measuring spoons
4. Chef’s knife
5. Cutting board
6. Cast iron pot or heavy-bottomed pot with lid
7. Frying pan or skillet
8. Wooden spoon or spatula
9. Rice strainer or fine mesh sieve
10. Aluminum foil (optional)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups jasmine rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 pound pork spare ribs, cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce (for drizzling)
- 2 green onions, chopped for garnish
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together the pork spare ribs with soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Let the mixture sit in the bowl and marinate for no less than 30 minutes.
2. Wash the jasmine rice with cold water until the water runs clear. Make sure to drain it well.
3. In a cast iron pot, combine 2 cups of water with the rinsed rice. Cover with a lid and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. When it has reached a boil, turn down the heat and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed most of the water.
5. In the meantime, in a different pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the pork ribs that have been marinated and cook them for 5 to 7 minutes until they are beginning to brown.
6. Take off the cover of the rice pot, and lay the undercooked pork spareribs flat on top of the rice. Drench the ribs with any leftover marinade.
7. Evenly drizzle the sesame oil over the ribs and rice. Cover the pot once more and let it cook on very low heat for 20 more minutes—or until the pork is tender and the rice is fully cooked. (If you have a pot that does not have a tight-fitting lid, you can use aluminum foil to cover it more tightly.)
8. Take off the heat and allow it to sit, covered, for 5 more minutes. This gives the flavors a chance to meld.
9. Dark soy sauce adds a lot of flavor to the dish, so drizzle it over everything to enhance the umami and overall taste. Salt and pepper are your friends for this dish. Adjust to elevate the flavors to your taste and enjoyment.
10. Top with minced green onions and serve piping hot right from the pot. Enjoy the delicious Spare Ribs Claypot Rice.