Ahbing Teaches You How To Cook – Steamed Spare Ribs with Salted Fish

Today I will teach you how to make Steamed Spare Ribs with Salted Fish (咸鱼蒸排骨). This is Nonya style cooking, originated from Penang if I am not mistaken. I learn this dish from a recipe book. Borrowed from a friend of mine, Mr.Tsen.

I wanted to try some dishes from that cook book, but I always do not bother to borrow him. Last week, he finally handed over the cookbook to me, “go back and cook for me” he said. I accepted his request immediately. He is my dai kor, I cannot say NO because he drives Mazda 6 series.

Okay let’s start.

Ingredients:

500g spare ribs, cut into serving pieces
50g salted fish
5 shallots
1 tablespoon shredded ginger
3 chili padi
1 red chili

Seasoning:

1½ tablespoon sugar
½ tablespoon pepper
½ tablespoon light soya sauce
½ tablespoon sesame oil
¼ tablespoon salt

Method:

Cut chili, red onions and ginger into small pieces. Chop spare ribs too. Very easy.

Heat up oil, pan-fry salted fish until fragrant and crispy. Remove. My whole kitchen smell so nice. This is Danau salted fish, personal favourite! I am lucky to find it in the chinese convenient store. My friend drop by and asked “wahh, what’s that smell? so goood”

Combine all ingredients, seasoning and marinate for 2-3 hours, including the salted fish. To speed up the marinate process, I stomped the ingredients together with a wooden spoon. The ginger and red onion mix so well together. I feel like I can eat it straight.

Steam at high heat for 25-30 minutes or until spare ribs are tender.