Chinese Black Bean Sauce

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This black bean sauce recipe with garlic, chiles, and ginger creates a popular Chinese stir-fry sauce that's pungent and earthy. It's easy to make and will last in the refrigerator for up to a month. Because of the saltiness of the beans, there is no need to add salt in the recipes where you use this sauce.

Submitted by Buckwheat Queen
Updated on November 21, 2024
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
35 mins
Servings:
15
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 15 servings

  • 8 ounces dried fermented black beans

  • 1 ½ cups vegetable oil

  • 4 Thai chiles, chopped

  • 1 medium shallot, minced

  • 1 (2 inch) piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium tamari

  • 2 tablespoons Shaoxing rice wine

  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar

  • ½ teaspoon ground Sichuan pepper

  • ½ teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Directions

  1. Rinse black beans thoroughly and dry. Remove about 1/4 cup and set aside. Roughly chop the rest of the beans.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

Recipe Tips

The sauce can be frozen in small portions for a quick, easy stir-fry. 

Use about 1/4 cup for a stir-fry for 4 people. Dilute with a bit of broth, water, or soy sauce.

Makes a great marinade for ribs, chicken, or fish.

Add a dollop to your favorite ramen dish, as it is a perfect base for noodle dishes or soups.

Editor's Note:

Not to be confused with regular black beans, fermented black beans can be found in your local Asian food store or online. They are either canned in liquid or dried and sold in resealable bags. If using the canned type, drain before rinsing.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

211 Calories
22g Fat
3g Carbs
1g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 15
Calories 211
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22g 28%
Saturated Fat 4g 18%
Sodium 203mg 9%
Total Carbohydrate 3g 1%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 1g
Protein 1g 2%
Vitamin C 30mg 33%
Calcium 7mg 1%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 67mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.