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5.0 from 738 votes

Black Bean Sauce

With an incredible depth of flavor, this sauce will work magic on any dish you add it to.  You'll never use store-bought again!

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 18 servings
Calories: 21 kcal
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons fermented black beans , soaked in water about an hour then rinsed and drained (if you prefer a stronger and saltier flavor, use more beans)
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons finely minced ginger
  • 2 green onions , finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine (can substitute dry sherry)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce or sambal oelek , for heat (optional)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Mash soaked and drained fermented black beans with a fork and set aside.
  2. Heat the oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for a minute or two until softened and very fragrant. Add the green onions and cook for another minute. Add the mashed beans and cook for another minute.
  3. Add all remaining ingredients, except for the cornstarch mixture, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes or until the liquid is reduced by half. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and simmer for another minute or until thickened.
  4. Let the black bean sauce cool and store in an airtight container (preferably glass). Will keep for up to 2 weeks.Makes a little more than a cup.  

Notes

  • For an additional touch of flavor (depending on what you're using it for) you can also add a 1/2 teaspoon or so of orange zest. Add it along with the broth and then proceed with the simmering.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1tablespoon Calories 21kcal (1%) Carbohydrates 1g (0%) Fat 1g (2%) Sodium 56mg (2%) Potassium 7mg (0%) Vitamin A 25IU (1%) Vitamin C 0.5mg (1%) Calcium 3mg (0%) Iron 0.1mg (1%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 18servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 21

% Daily Value*

Serving 1tablespoon
Calories 21kcal 1%
Carbohydrates 1g 0%
Fat 1g 2%
Sodium 56mg 2%
Potassium 7mg 0%
Vitamin A 25IU 1%
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1%
Calcium 3mg 0%
Iron 0.1mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.