Introducing Homemade Black Bean Sauce
Yes, you can buy bottled black bean sauce from the grocery store, but the homemade version contains more fresh aromatics, does not use additional starch to thicken the sauce, and contains no additives. I always suggest that you make your own for a more delicious and healthier option.
How to use homemade black bean sauce
You can use the sauce for cooking, as a marinade, a dipping sauce, or you can use it to make noodle salad. The sauce uses oil to cover the rest of the ingredients, so it will be preserved for longer time in the fridge. To use the sauce, simply scoop out the portion you need with a bit of oil.
More Chinese sauce recipes
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Homemade Black Bean Sauce
This is one of the most versatile Chinese sauces that go well with almost any ingredients, and is also suitable for stir frying, baking, grilling, and steaming.
Chinese Black Bean Sauce Recipe
For those of you who know what Chinese black bean sauce is, you already know the wonders it does for your Asian-inspired dishes. You’ll also be happy to know how incredibly quick and easy it is to make yourself (all of 15 minutes). PLUS, it tastes even better than store-bought stuff AND you know exactly what’s in it…and what isn’t!
What is Black Bean Sauce?
Let’s begin with the central ingredient: Fermented black beans. No, they’re not your typical black beans, aka turtle beans, that you find in dishes like Black Beans & Rice or in South American cuisine. (Yes, I have seen several well-intentioned recipes online calling for regular black beans.) No, these black beans are actually black soybeans.
BEST Chinese Black Bean Sauce
An incredible depth of flavor, this sauce will work magic on any dish you add it to. The the absolute BEST, you'll NEVER use store-bought again!
Did you make this recipe?
Add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of black bean sauce to your next stir fry. Take your veggie or beef stir fry to the next level by stirring some black bean sauce into the dish during the last 30 seconds of cooking. Plan to use 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of black bean sauce for every 1 pound (450 g) of vegetables and meat.
Community Q&A
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Tips
If you have extra dried fermented black beans, store them in the refrigerator until you plan to use.
About This Article
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jessica Gibson. Jessica Gibson is a Writer and Editor who's been with wikiHow since 2014. After completing a year of art studies at the Emily Carr University in Vancouver, she graduated from Columbia College with a BA in History.
Chinese Black Bean Sauce
"Fermented black beans mixed with traditional ingredients creates one of the most popular stir-fry sauces on a Chinese menu," says Buckwheat Queen. "This pungent and earthy sauce is easy to make and will last in the refrigerator up to a month. It can also be frozen in small portions to easily be used for a quick stir-fry.
Chicken with Green Peppers in Black Bean Sauce
Ready in about 45 minutes. Black bean sauce provides the flavorful base for this simple chicken, onion, and bell pepper dish. Enjoy the flavorful sauce served over rice. "Loved this!" raves Btownjenn. "I just used a bag of stir fry mixed veggies because I wanted more variety. Turned out perfect!"
Quick Tofu Stir-Fry
This recipe is ready in about 25 minutes. "Crumbled tofu, frozen vegetables, and black bean sauce create a fast and easy dinner or lunch. Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal."
Bitter Melon and Black Bean Sauce Beef
This flavorful beef and black bean sauce stir-fry also features bitter melon, onion, garlic, and ginger. "A classic Chinese dish that can be made with chicken instead of beef," says Doug Wah. "If chicken is used, cooking time will be more depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces."
Sichuan Mapo Tofu
With black bean sauce on hand, you can make this spicy mapo tofu with ground pork in next to no time. It's on the table in about 30 minutes.
Chinese Green Bean Stir-Fry
A great, simple side dish to make in the wok. You'll stir fry fresh green beans with garlic and ginger, and finish with black bean sauce. "I have always loved this dish when eating out at Chinese restaurants," says Esmee Williams. "It was really great to discover this recipe so that I could make it at home whenever I want." You might also like:
Grilled Chicken with Ginger and Black Bean Sauce
Black bean sauce with garlic, minced ginger, and a splash of sesame oil are all you need to build a marinade with big flavor. "Tender, juicy, grilled chicken thighs you can enjoy with new potatoes, corn, and a fresh garden salad," says Denis Terrien.