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Black Bean Sauce

Black bean sauce, also known as "dou-chi jiang" or "doubanjiang," is a popular and versatile Chinese condiment made from fermented black soybeans, salt, and a variety of spice blends. It has a tangy, savory and slightly sweet taste, with a deep umami flavor that enhances various dishes. The sauce's dark brown color and thick, chunky texture make it ideal for braising, stir-frying, and as a marinade or dip. Home cooks and consumers will find black bean sauce to be the perfect addition to their pantry, as it can elevate dishes such as tofu, vegetables, and meat, especially fish and seafood. Its distinctive taste pairs well with flavors like garlic and ginger, and the sauce can be incorporated in traditional Asian recipes or as an added ingredient to create fusion dishes.
#64
IN SAUCES
165
CAL / 100G
$0.46
AVG / OZ
black bean sauce
54%
CARBS
26%
FAT
20%
PROTEIN
Black Bean Sauce FAQ
Cooking with black bean sauce can sometimes be intimidating because of its assertive flavor. The most common mistake that people make is using too much of it, which can overwhelm other ingredients and make the dish too salty. To get the most out of your black bean sauce, always balance its flavor with other ingredients like sugar or wine vinegar to cut through the saltiness. A little goes a long way, so start by adding a small quantity, taste and adjust as needed. Another hack is to use black bean sauce as a marinade for meat or tofu. It infuses them with a deep flavor and keeps them tender while cooking. When stir-frying with black bean sauce, add it towards the end of the cooking process. This method protects the sauce from burning and retains its authentic flavor. Lastly, don’t hesitate to experiment! Try adding a spoonful of black bean sauce to your regular pasta or salad dressing for a delicious and unique flavor twist.
Why is my dish too salty when I use black bean sauce?
Can I use black bean sauce as a marinade?
What can I cook with black bean sauce?
How do I stir-fry with black bean sauce?
Can I add black bean sauce to non-Asian dishes?
My dish became too dark after adding black bean sauce. Why is that?
What flavors go well with black bean sauce?
Can black bean sauce be used as a dip?
Can I substitute black bean sauce with something else in a recipe?
Can black bean sauce be used in a soup?
Expiration & Storage Tips
When does black bean sauce expire?
Black bean sauce, when unopened, can last up to two years past the printed date on the package if stored correctly at room temperature. After the seal is broken, its shelf life is substantially reduced, but can still last between 6 months and 1 year in the refrigerator. However, if you freeze it, you can expect it to last indefinitely so long as the sauce is kept at a steady 0 degree Fahrenheit.
How do you tell if black bean sauce is bad?
Black bean sauce has a strong, unique aroma to begin with, so sniffing it might not be the best way to tell if it's gone bad because it could be easily confused with its natural pungent smell. Instead, look for changes in its usual dark brown color or any signs of mold. If you notice mold or if the sauce starts to develop an extremely unpleasant smell, it's best to discard the bottle. Also, if the sauce develops a very watery consistency, it might be a sign that it's starting to spoil.
Tips for storing black bean sauce to extend shelf life
• After opening, always store the sauce in the refrigerator to prolong its life. A constant cooler temperature slows down the growth of bacteria. • Use a clean utensil every time you scoop out sauce to prevent contamination. • You can freeze the black bean sauce in small portions in airtight containers or sealable plastic bags. This way, you only need to defrost the amount you need. When ready to use, just transfer it to the fridge to thaw for a few hours. • Keeping the black bean sauce away from direct light and heat can help maintain its quality and extend its life, even when unopened.
EXPIRES WITHIN
10 - 16
MONTHS
Health Info
Macros
2g
CARBS
1g
FAT
0g
PROTEIN
Allowed on these diets
LOW FAT
HIGH CALCIUM
VEGETARIAN
MEDITERRANEAN
VEGAN
LACTOSE FREE
Contains these allergens
WHEAT
SOYBEANS
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