Bak Kut Teh (Spicy Sparerib Consomme)

http://asiarecipe.com/

Ingredients:

• 1 lb 6 oz beef/mutton sparerib (cut into bite-size pieces)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 tablespoons shortening
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cloves garlic (bashed)
• 1 teaspoon preserved brown soya beans, pounded
• 1 teaspoon dark soya sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 piece of cinnamon bark (1 inch)
• 1 teaspoon peppercorns
• 2 segments star anise
• 3 pints of boiling water
• some crispy Chinese crullers ("Yu-Char-Koay", sliced)
• 1 tablespoon crispy shallots

Directions:

1. Rub salt on spareribs.
2. Heat pan till very hot. Add 2 tablespoons of shortening. Fry spareribs till well-browned. Set aside for later use.
3. Using a clean pan, heat 1 tablespoon shortening. Add sugar and caramelize until light brown. Add soya beans. Stir-fry for 1/2 minute. Then put in the fried sparerib and peppercorns.
4. Let the consomme boil on high heat for 10 minutes. Then turn down the heat, let simmer for another 1.5 - 1.75 hours (or until the meat is tender). Discard excess oil from the surface before serving.
5. Serve hot with cruller slices.