Oriental Black Bean Sauce Recipes

CHINESE BLACK BEAN SAUCE

Steps:

• Rinse black beans thoroughly and dry. Remove about 1/4 cup and set aside. Roughly chop the rest of the beans.
• Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add chiles, shallot, ginger, and garlic. Fry until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Do not let the ingredients burn. Reduce the heat if necessary. The objective is to slow cook the ingredients. Add all the beans; both chopped and whole. Simmer, stirring often, until the beans are soft, about 2 minutes. Add tamari, rice wine, brown sugar, ground Sichuan pepper, and five spice. Simmer until thickened, stirring often. Remove from heat; let cool, about 10 minutes.
• Mix in sesame oil and cover. As the sauce rests, the beans will settle and the oil will float, creating a barrier which will protect it from mold. The sauce is ready to use or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

ORIENTAL BLACK BEAN SAUCE

Steps:

• Drain the tinned beans, then place in a bowl, cover with fresh cold water and soak 30 minutes.
• Rinse well in a colander under cold running water, drain, then lightly mash with a fork on a wooden board.
• Heat the oil in a small pan, add the onions, red pepper, ginger, garlic and chili pepper (if used), and saute on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions have just softened.
• Add the fermented black beans, and mash them lightly with the back of a wooden spoon while stirring them in.
• Add the Asian chili sauce (in place of the chili pepper if wished), mirin, soy sauce, brown sugar and stock, bring to the boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Taste, and add the brown sugar (if desired), then the cornflour mixed with a little water, and cook briefly until the sauce has just thickened.
• When ready to serve, add the sauce to four cups of lightly stir-fried vegetables (as suggested above), along with some sauteed beef or chicken strips if desired.
• Toss and heat through in a wok, and serve over steamed rice or coooked noodles.
• If you wish, garnish the finished dish with crispy fried noodles, chopped fresh cilantro, or roasted cashew nuts.