Heart-Healthy Steamed Pork Ribs

Delight in the comforting flavors of "Heart-Healthy Steamed Pork Ribs," a guilt-free twist on a classic dish that's perfect for those seeking a wholesome, nutritious meal. This easy-to-make recipe features tender, bite-sized pieces of lean pork ribs marinated in a fragrant blend of low-sodium soy sauce, fresh garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and a touch of rice vinegar for a delicate balance of savory and tangy notes. Steamed to perfection, these ribs are not only succulent but heart-smart, with reduced sodium and minimal oils to fit into any balanced diet. Serve them with vibrant, steamed broccoli for a burst of color and nutrients, topped with fresh scallions for an aromatic finish. With just 15 minutes of prep time and no frying required, this dish is a winner for health-conscious food lovers who don’t want to compromise on flavor.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean pork ribs
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 2 stalks scallions, sliced thinly
• 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 cups broccoli florets (for serving, optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the pork ribs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim away any visible fat to make the dish more heart-healthy.

Step 2

Cut the ribs into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 to 2 inches long.

Step 3

In a large bowl, mix together the low-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and optional red chili flakes. Whisk the ingredients until they are well combined.

Step 4

In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in the water. Add the mixture to the marinade and stir until evenly incorporated.

Step 5

Add the pork ribs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and let the ribs marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor).

Step 6

Set up a steamer by boiling water in a large pot or wok and placing a steaming rack over it. Make sure the water level is below the rack.

Step 7

Lay the marinated pork ribs in a heatproof shallow dish that fits into the steamer. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure uniform cooking.

Step 8

Place the dish on the steaming rack and cover the pot or wok with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 9

Steam the ribs over medium heat for 25 to 30 minutes, or until tender and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C).

Step 10

If serving with broccoli, add the florets to the steamer in the last 5 to 7 minutes of cooking time or until tender-crisp.

Step 11

Carefully remove the ribs and optional broccoli from the steamer. Garnish the pork ribs with sliced scallions and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(743.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1575.2

Total Fat 111.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 37.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.8g
Cholesterol 426.4mg	0%
Sodium 1438.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 22.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.0g	0%
Total Sugars 4.0g
Protein 126.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 223.5mg	0%
Iron 8.1mg	0%
Potassium 1927.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.7%

Protein: 31.7%

Carbs: 5.6%