Hunan Cuisine: Fragrant-and-Hot Spare Ribs

Fragrant-and-Hot Spare Ribs

Revolutionary Chinese Cookbook by Fuchsia Dunlop

2.5 lb meaty spare ribs, 3 1/4-inch sections
2 quarts aromatic broth (see below)
2 tsp garlic, finely chopped
2 tsp fresh ginger, finely chopped
1 tsp chili bean paste
1 tsp chopped salted chilies
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried chili flakes
2 tsp sesame seeds
2 Tbsp finely chopped red bell pepper
3 scallions, green parts only, finely sliced
2 tsp sesame oil
Peanut oil for deep-frying

Blank the ribs in boiling water.  Drain.

Simmer the ribs in aromatic broth for about 40 minutes, until tender.  Drain.

Heat the oil to 350F.  Deep-fry the ribs until golden.  Drain.

Add 3 Tbsp oil to wok.  Add 2 tsp garlic, 2 tsp giner, 1 tsp chili bean paste, 1 tsp chopped slated chilies and stir-fry until fragrant.  Add 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp dried chili flakes, and 2 tsp sesame seeds and stir a couple times.

Add 3 Tbsp water and the fried ribs and toss them in the sauce.  Add red bell pepper and scallions.  Off heat, stir in the 2 tsp sesame oil.

Aromatic Broth

2 quarts stock or water
1 1/2-inch piece fresh ginger, peel left on, sliced
2 scallions
4 Tbsp Shaoxing wine
1 Tbsp light soy sauce
1.5-2 tsp salt
Caramel color if you want a golden broth

(some of all of the following spices)
small handful dried chilies
2 Tbsp Sichuan peppercorns
1 Tbsp fennel seeds
3 slightly crushed dried/red cadamom (cao guo)
few pieces of cassia bark
6 bay leaves
4 star anise
6 gloves
6 cardamom (green?) pod