Oriental Black Bean Sauce Recipe

Unlock the secret to restaurant-quality Asian cuisine with this intensely flavorful Oriental Black Bean Sauce! Made with fermented soybeans (easily found in Asian markets), this recipe delivers a complex, savory depth that elevates any stir-fry. Perfect for beef, chicken, or your favorite veggies like bok choy, asparagus, and baby corn, this sauce is a culinary adventure. Note: This sauce is naturally high in sodium, so extra salt is unnecessary. Make a big batch and store it in the freezer for quick weeknight meals!

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Calories 94.7 kcal
Protein 2g
Rating 4.0 (2 Reviews)
Oriental Black Bean Sauce

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Oriental Black Bean Sauce

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How to Make Oriental Black Bean Sauce

  1. Drain the 1 (15-ounce) can of fermented black beans. Place in a bowl, cover with fresh cold water, and soak for 30 minutes.
  2. Rinse the beans thoroughly in a colander under cold running water. Drain and lightly mash with a fork on a wooden board.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, grated ginger, minced garlic, and minced chilies. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions soften.
  4. Add the mashed fermented black beans to the pan. Mash them lightly with the back of a wooden spoon while stirring.
  5. Stir in 2 tablespoons Asian chili sauce, 2 tablespoons mirin, 4 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1/2 cup stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more brown sugar if needed. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Add to the sauce and cook until slightly thickened.
  7. In a separate wok or large pan, stir-fry 4 cups of your favorite vegetables until tender-crisp. Add the cooked sauce and 1 cup of sliced cooked beef or chicken (if using).
  8. Toss to combine and heat through. Serve over steamed rice or cooked noodles.
  9. Garnish with crispy fried noodles, chopped cilantro, or roasted cashews, if desired.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

8 g

Sugar

6g

Fat

6g

Carbs

2g