Spicy Black Garlic Pork Ribs how to cook

A Fusion of Szechuan Spices and Fermented Black Garlic for a Flavorful, Nutritious Dish

The Unique Appeal of Black Garlic Spicy Ribs

“Black Garlic Spicy Ribs” is an innovative fusion dish that cleverly combines the cooking inspiration of the classic Szechuan dish “Kung Pao Chicken” with the modern health star ingredient – black garlic. This dish breaks the limitation of traditional spicy dishes having only a “fiery” taste, adding rich, sweet aftertaste layers.

The ribs are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a fragrant, numbing spiciness, while the black garlic acts like a “flavor surprise” hidden within – soft, sticky, and sweet, perfectly balancing the spiciness and leaving a memorable aftertaste.

Detailed Recipe for Black Garlic Spicy Ribs

This dish is not complicated to make; the key lies in the preparation of the ribs and the stir-frying of the spices.

Ingredients:

  • Main Ingredients: 500g pork ribs, 5-8 heads of black garlic
  • Supplementary Ingredients: Dried chili peppers (large amount), 1 small handful of Sichuan peppercorns, minced ginger, minced garlic, scallion sections, toasted white sesame seeds
  • Marinade: 1 tbsp cooking wine, 2 tbsp light soy sauce, ½ tbsp dark soy sauce, a pinch of white pepper, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp cooking oil
  • Seasonings: Salt, sugar, sesame oil

Detailed Steps:

  1. Prepare and Marinate the Ribs: Cut the ribs into small pieces, soak in clean water for 30 minutes to remove blood, then drain. Place ribs in a bowl, add all marinade ingredients, mix well to ensure each rib is coated. Finally, add 1 tbsp of oil to seal in moisture, marinate for at least 30 minutes (longer for more flavor).
  2. Prepare the Black Garlic: Gently peel the black garlic. After fermentation, black garlic is very soft, like a puree, and can be used directly.
  3. Fry the Ribs: Heat sufficient oil in a wok to 60% hot (small bubbles form around a chopstick). Add the marinated ribs one by one, fry over medium heat until golden brown and set, then remove. Increase heat to high, raise oil temperature to 80% hot, return ribs for a quick second fry (about 30 seconds). This makes the skin crispier and removes excess oil.
  4. Stir-fry Aromatics: Leave some oil in the wok, add dried chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, stir-fry over low heat until fragrant (be careful not to burn). Then add minced ginger and garlic, stir-fry until fragrant. Add the fried ribs, quickly stir-fry to coat them with the spicy aroma.
  5. Add Black Garlic and Season: Add the peeled black garlic, gently press some to release their sweet juice, allowing it to blend fully with the ribs. Season with salt and sugar to taste (sugar enhances freshness and balances spiciness). Add scallion sections, drizzle with a few drops of sesame oil, quickly stir-fry a few times and serve.
  6. Plating: Transfer the stir-fried black garlic spicy ribs to a plate, sprinkle with toasted white sesame seeds for garnish. Your aromatic, healthful delicacy is ready!

Cooking Tips:

How to make ribs crispy outside and tender inside? The secret is “double frying” – first fry until cooked, second fry until crispy.

How to stir-fry dried chilies and peppercorns without burning? Use low heat to slowly toast them, releasing the numbing spice flavor without bitterness.

Can black garlic be substituted? Black garlic is the soul of this dish; its unique flavor cannot be replaced by regular garlic.

Health Benefits of Black Garlic Spicy Ribs

This dish is not only delicious but also a “functional food,” with health benefits primarily coming from the key ingredient – black garlic.

  • Powerful Antioxidant Properties, Anti-Aging: During fermentation, black garlic’s antioxidant content increases significantly, far exceeding regular garlic. It effectively scavenges free radicals, slows cell oxidation, and helps with beauty and anti-aging.
  • Boosts Immunity, Regulates Body Functions: Sulfur compounds and selenium in black garlic positively enhance human immunity. Consuming it during seasonal changes helps build better defense mechanisms.
  • Regulates “Three Highs” (blood sugar, lipids, pressure), Benefits Cardiovascular Health: Studies show black garlic helps regulate blood sugar, lipids, and pressure. It has no pungent odor, is mild, making it ideal for middle-aged and elderly people.
  • Relieves Fatigue, Restores Energy: Allicin in black garlic combined with vitamin B1 forms “allithiamine,” helping eliminate fatigue and restore energy. Paired with protein-rich ribs, it’s an excellent energy-replenishing option.
  • Promotes Digestion, Protects Stomach: Fermented black garlic is soft and much less irritating to the stomach than raw garlic. Its prebiotics help maintain gut flora balance and promote digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Where can I buy black garlic?

A: It’s now readily available in the imported food sections of large supermarkets, health food stores, or major e-commerce platforms (like Amazon, Whole Foods).

Q2: What if I don’t like it too spicy?

A: You can reduce the amount of dried chilies, or before adding them to the wok, cut the dried chilies and soak them in warm water briefly to reduce spiciness while retaining aroma.

Q3: Who is this dish suitable for?

A: Suitable for anyone pursuing healthy eating and innovative flavors. Especially good for those with low immunity or who focus on health maintenance. However, those prone to internal heat should consume in moderation.