Pairing the Sweet Ginger Ribs with 'The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane' by Lisa See and a refreshing Ginger Mojito complements both the culinary and literary journey. The ginger in the ribs finds a harmonious match in the intricate story of tea and culture in See's novel. The Ginger Mojito, with its bright and lively flavors, complements the ribs perfectly while offering a refreshing counterpoint. This trio allows you to savor a symphony of flavors and narratives in one delightful evening.
Ingredients
- 2 racks of pork ribs (about 4 pounds total)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. This can be done by sliding a knife under the membrane and pulling it off with your fingers. Pat the ribs dry with paper towels.
- Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), brown sugar, and ketchup until well combined.
- Marinate the Ribs: Place the ribs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the ribs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top.
- Bake the Ribs: Remove the ribs from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the ribs on the prepared rack, bone side down. Cover the ribs with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulling away from the bones.
- Broil the Ribs: Preheat your broiler. Remove the foil from the ribs and brush them with some of the remaining marinade. Broil the ribs for 3-5 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and sticky.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the ribs rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot, and enjoy!
The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane
A powerful story about a family, the lives they lead, and the inevitability of fate. In the isolated mountain village in China where Li-yan and her family have lived for centuries, life goes on as it always has. Then one day, a jeep appears at the village gate—the first automobile any of them have ever seen—and the world will enter a new era.
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Lisa See, “one of those special writers capable of delivering both poetry and plot” (The New York Times Book Review), a moving novel about tradition, tea farming, and the bonds between mothers and daughters. In their remote mountain village, Li-yan and her family align their lives around the seasons and the farming of tea. For the Akha people, ensconced in ritual and routine, life goes on as it has for generations—until a stranger appears at the village gate in a jeep, the first automobile any of the villagers has ever seen. The stranger’s arrival marks the first entrance of the modern world in the lives of the Akha people. Slowly, Li-yan, one of the few educated girls on her mountain, begins to reject the customs that shaped her early life. When she has a baby out of wedlock—conceived with a man her parents consider a poor choice—she rejects the tradition that would compel her to give the child over to be killed, and instead leaves her, wrapped in a blanket with a tea cake tucked in its folds, near an orphanage in a nearby city. As Li-yan comes into herself, leaving her insular village for an education, a business, and city life, her daughter, Haley, is raised in California by loving adoptive parents. Despite her privileged childhood, Haley wonders about her origins. Across the ocean Li-yan longs for her lost daughter. Over the course of years, each searches for meaning in the study of Pu’er, the tea that has shaped their family’s destiny for centuries. A powerful story about circumstances, culture, and distance, The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane paints an unforgettable portrait of a little known region and its people and celebrates the bond of family.
Discussion Questions
- How does Lisa See portray the themes of family and sacrifice in the novel?
- Discuss the role of tea within the story. What does it symbolize for Li-yan and for others in the book?
- How does See use Li-yan's personal journey to comment on broader cultural themes and changes in society?
- What is the significance of identity and heritage in the novel?
- How did the relationship between Li-yan and her daughter evolve throughout the story?
- In what ways does the novel highlight the tension between tradition and progress?
- How does the setting of the story contribute to its development and themes?
- What impact does the author's detailed descriptions of the tea-making process have on the narrative?
- How does the concept of fate versus choice play out in Li-yan's life?
- What can we learn about global cultural exchanges from the interactions depicted in the book?
Authors:
Lisa See
ISBN: 9781501154829
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published Date: 2017-03-21
ISBN: 9781501154829
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Published Date: 2017-03-21
Ginger Mojito
A vibrant twist on the classic mojito, this Ginger Mojito combines the refreshing taste of mint and lime with a spicy kick from fresh ginger, creating a delightful cocktail perfect for pairing with Sweet Ginger Ribs.
Ingredients
- 10 fresh mint leaves
- 2 ounces white rum
- 1/2 ounce fresh ginger juice
- 1 lime, juiced
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- Club soda
Instructions
- In a glass, muddle the mint leaves together with the sugar and lime juice to extract the flavors.
- Add the white rum and ginger juice into the glass.
- Fill the glass with ice, then top off with club soda and stir well.
- Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge if desired.