Braised Ribs with Rice Cakes

Name: Braised Ribs with Rice Cakes
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs, cut into pieces pork ribs; 8 oz, sliced rice cakes; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp dark soy sauce; 2 tbsp rock sugar; 4 cloves, minced garlic; 1 inch, sliced ginger; 2 pieces star anise; 2 tbsp cooking wine; 2 cups water

Tender pork ribs braised in a savory-sweet sauce, served with soft chewy rice cakes. A comforting classic that balances rich meat flavors with the subtle sweetness of rice cakes.

1h 5m

Medium

0 favorites

Story

This hearty dish brings together two beloved Chinese ingredients—succulent ribs and delicate rice cakes—cooked low and slow until everything melts in your mouth. The sauce clings to each piece, delivering deep umami in every bite.

Ingredients

pork ribs 1.5 lbs, cut into pieces

rice cakes 8 oz, sliced

soy sauce 3 tbsp

dark soy sauce 1 tbsp

rock sugar 2 tbsp

garlic 4 cloves, minced

ginger 1 inch, sliced

star anise 2 pieces

cooking wine 2 tbsp

water 2 cups

Instructions

Prep the ribs

Blanch the ribs in boiling water for 3 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and rinse clean. This step ensures a clearer sauce and cleaner flavor.

Build the base

Heat oil in a wok over medium heat. Add rock sugar and stir until it melts into a golden caramel. Toss in ginger, garlic, and star anise—cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Braise everything together

Add the ribs to the wok and stir-fry until lightly browned. Pour in cooking wine, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce. Add water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 35 minutes.

Add rice cakes

Drop the rice cake slices into the pot. Continue cooking uncovered for another 10 minutes, stirring gently now and then so they soak up the sauce. The sauce should thicken and coat everything nicely.