Spareribs with Black Bean Sauce

Description
Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients

 * 2 pounds baby back spareribs
 * 2 tablespoons fermented black beans (also called salted black beans)
 * 1 teaspoon minced garlic
 * 1 teaspoon minced ginger
 * 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
 * 3 tablespoons oil for stir-frying, or as needed
 * 1 small red chili pepper, de-seeded and chopped
 * 1 cup chicken broth or water
 * 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
 * 1 teaspoon brown sugar
 * a few drops sesame oil
 * 2 scallions (spring onion, green onion) cut into 3 - 4 pieces

Directions

 * 1) Cut apart the spareribs.
 * 2) Rinse the fermented black beans thoroughly and then mince (not rinsing the beans will make the taste too salty).
 * 3) Mash the beans together with the minced garlic and ginger, and the dark soy sauce.
 * 4) Set aside.
 * 5) Heat the wok over medium-high to high heat and add 2 tablespoons oil.
 * 6) When the oil is hot, add the spareribs and stir-fry until browned (4 to 5 minutes).
 * 7) Remove.
 * 8) Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, if needed.
 * 9) Add the chopped red chile and the mashed bean mixture.
 * 10) Stir-fry until aromatic.
 * 11) Add the spareribs back into the wok and mix with the bean mixture.
 * 12) Add the broth.
 * 13) Stir in the soy sauce and sugar.
 * 14) Turn down the heat and braise, covered, until the ribs are tender (about 10 minutes).
 * 15) Turn off the heat and stir in a few drops of sesame oil.
 * 16) Serve garnished with the scallion.