At the table
Take one piece at a time, separate the meat from the bone and check for small bone fragments. Let hot pieces cool before eating.
Small bones and bone fragments need care. Fermented beans contain soy; seasonings may include sesame, wheat or cooking wine. Ask about chili and allergens before ordering.
Some preparations add garlic and ginger; others include chopped chili. Cooking wine, sesame oil and white pepper may be used, so seasoning and heat vary.
The small steamed pork pieces become tender and moist, and are easy to share with rice. Remove any small bones, check for optional chili, and let the meat cool before serving.
Recipes vary. Ask the restaurant about ingredients and serving before you order.
GET TO KNOW THE DISH
What goes into it?
Explore some key ingredients below. Preparations may use additional seasonings and ingredients.
Some preparations add garlic and ginger; others include chopped chili. Cooking wine, sesame oil and white pepper may be used, so seasoning and heat vary.
Typical ingredients
In some versions
Recipes vary by restaurant.
How does it taste?
Savoury pork with salty fermented-bean depth.
- Chili heat
- Texture
- Tender, juicy meat around small pieces of bone.
- How it’s made
- Marinate chopped pork ribs with seasonings and starch, add fermented black beans, then steam until cooked.
Some preparations add garlic and ginger; others include chopped chili. Cooking wine, sesame oil and white pepper may be used, so seasoning and heat vary.
A CONNECTION TO PLACE
Origin & regional roots
Associated with Guangdong.
About this regional connection
Guangdong: Guangdong association; no exclusive origin claim.
Ask if they have it first
请问你们有豉汁蒸排骨吗？
Do you have this item?
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO READ
Story & history
A race for steamed ribs at morning tea
One Guangzhou regular recalled weekend morning tea at Datong Restaurant as a child: when the dim sum carts appeared, he and the other children raced to catch a favorite basket, often steamed pork ribs. He also remembered diners paying by plate color. Guangzhou’s yum cha custom entered Guangdong’s provincial intangible cultural heritage list in 2022.