Steamed pork spare ribs with cordyceps flower is a simple Cantonese home dish. Marinate bite-size ribs, top them with soaked cordyceps flower, goji berries, and a little ginger, then steam over high heat for 15 to 20 minutes. The cordyceps flower turns tender and lends a light, savory note; serve it straight over rice.
Key takeaways
- Soak dried cordyceps flower about 5 minutes; save the soaking liquid to steam with.
- Marinate the ribs 15 minutes to 1 hour.
- Steam over high heat 15 to 20 minutes until the ribs are cooked through.
- Cordyceps flower is used here as a light, savory culinary ingredient.
What is cordyceps flower
Cordyceps flower is the everyday name for cultivated cordyceps militaris, with slender orange-gold stalks. In the kitchen it is treated like any dried mushroom-style ingredient: soaked, then cooked. It has a mild, savory taste that suits a clean steamed dish, and it pairs naturally with pork.
What you will need
- 1 lb (about 450 g) pork spare ribs, cut into bite-size pieces
- A small handful (about 10 g) dried cordyceps flower
- 1 tablespoon goji berries
- A few slices fresh ginger, plus a little julienned for garnish
- Marinade: 1 tablespoon light soy sauce, 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, a pinch each of salt and white pepper
How to steam the ribs
- Soak. Rinse the cordyceps flower and soak about 5 minutes until softened; save the soaking liquid. Soak the goji berries a few minutes.
- Marinate. Pat the ribs dry, mix with the marinade and 1 tablespoon of the reserved cordyceps liquid, and rest 15 minutes to 1 hour.
- Assemble. Spread the ribs in a single layer on a heatproof plate, then scatter the cordyceps flower, goji, and ginger slices over the top.
- Steam. Steam over high heat 15 to 20 minutes, until the ribs are cooked through and tender.
- Serve. Garnish with julienned ginger and serve hot over rice.
Tips
- Cut the ribs small and even so they steam quickly and cook through at the same rate.
- Reserve the cordyceps soaking liquid; it carries flavor into the dish.
- A little cornstarch in the marinade helps keep the ribs tender.
For more ways to cook with it, see our guide to cooking cordyceps militaris and what to look for when buying cordyceps to cook with.
Frequently asked questions
What is cordyceps flower?
Cordyceps flower is cultivated cordyceps militaris, recognizable by its slender orange-gold stalks. It is used as a culinary ingredient, soaked and then cooked.
Do I need to soak it first?
Yes. Soak the dried cordyceps flower about 5 minutes until softened, and save the soaking liquid to add flavor to the marinade or the plate.
Can I use ribs on the bone?
Yes. Bite-size spare ribs are traditional. For larger, meatier pieces, extend the steaming time until cooked through.
How long should I steam the ribs?
Steam bite-size pieces over high heat for 15 to 20 minutes, until cooked through and tender.
