Black bean sauce is a pungent, salty dark brown sauce, that has a thick paste-like consistency. Black bean sauce is made from fermented soybeans and often contains a range of other flavours such as garlic, ginger, and even tangerine peel. Sometimes sugar is added to give the sauce a subtle sweetness. Black bean sauce is used in cooking in order to add flavour and colour to food as well as make a useful condiment. Black bean sauce is very popular in Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine. Noodles, stir-fries, steamed dishes, as well as meat-based casseroles work well together with this sauce. Also, the sauce is easily accessible in supermarkets plus it is not a challenge finding black bean sauce because it is an everyday ingredient. The sauce is normally found on the Asian section of your supermarket. However, if you cannot find it in your regular supermarket or if you have run out and need something to use in place in the middle of preparing your meal there are other alternatives you can consider. Below are some black bean sauce substitutes worth considering.
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Hoisin Sauce
One of the first black bean sauce substitutes worth considering is hoisin sauce. Hoisin sauce is a good alternative to black bean sauce because it can be used in most recipes that call for the original ingredient. Hoisin sauce has a thick texture that makes it a useful condiment for dipping dumplings, meat, and fried foods. It also adds colour to your noodles, stir-fries, and meat. Peking Duck is an excellent example of how hoisin sauce can transform ordinary poultry into a delicious dish. Every sauce has its own unique characteristics and hoisin is no exception. The addition of chili in most brands will give your dish a spicier kick. Hoisin sauce has a slightly sweeter flavour compared to black bean sauce which is salty, It also has an umami boost that black bean sauce provides so you can add it in almost any dish that you use black bean sauce in.
Miso Paste
Another excellent alternative to black bean sauce is Miso paste. Miso paste will provide your food with a fermented soy flavour that is similar to what you get from black bean sauce. You may need to add a few splashes of soy sauce to create a more of a paste like texture in your meals. You can also pour in a small amount of molasses or even sugar to give it a bit of sweetness. It is important to note that when choosing a miso paste, choose the red variety over the white one if you have both options available. Miso paste has a longer fermentation process which results in a more intense umami flavour which is perfect for Asian cuisine. However, miso paste will not mimic the flavour, texture, or colour of black bean sauce the way hoisin sauce does, but it is still a good substitute. If you are one that does not enjoy the flavour of black bean sauce and want something a bit different, miso sauce is recommended.
Oyster Sauce
Also on our list of substitutes for black bean sauce is oyster sauce. Oyster sauce is a great substitute for black bean sauce because it brings a salty umami flavour to any ingredient it gets mixed into or coated over. You can use oyster sauce for any recipe that practically calls for black bean sauce. However, there are some differences between oyster sauce and black bean sauce. First, oyster sauce is made using oysters so it has a subtle briney, oyster feel to it and you will find that oyster sauce is sweeter. These differences are not that obvious, but a seasoned lover of Asian food will notice these differences. For a lot people, the changes will be an improvement.
Tianmian Sauce
Another alternative to black bean sauce is tianmian sauce. Tianmian sauce is also a thick, dark sauce that is made from fermented wheat flour and a small portion of soybean. It has a mild, savoury flavour and it is commonly used in Chinese and Korean-Chinese recipes like jajangmyeon and Peking duck. The addition of tianmian sauce to your meals will add up some sweetness in your dish. It is best to add a little amount than the recipe requires for and then gradually add more if you need to. You can use it in any dish that requires black bean sauce.
Home Made Sauce
Lastly, you can make your own sauce at home as a substitute for black bean sauce. Whipping up a batch of black bean sauce is also a great way to get yourself out of a bind. In fact, creating your own home made sauce can be your best option if you want an authentic-flavoured meal that stays true to your recipe. Simply follow these steps to make your own black bean sauce.
You will need;
- A cup of fermented black beans, that is rinsed already,
- half white onion, minced
- 8 crushed garlic cloves,
- 1/3 of a cup of vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup of light soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of Shaoxing wine
- 4 cup of sugar
- 1 piece of ginger,
Steps;
- Pulse beans, onion, and garlic in a food processor until it forms a coarse paste with a chunky texture,
- Heat your oil, then add the bean mixture to a saucepan on a medium-low heat and cook it until the beans have absorbed the oil,
- Add your soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and sugar and let them simmer for 10 minutes, or until the onions turn translucent, whilst stirring constantly.
- Grate your ginger and then add it to your pan. Cook until the oil begins to float on the top of the sauce then pour everything into a large bowl to cool.
- Transfer your sauce to an airtight container or jars and store in the refrigerator for up to one month.
Making your own sauce is one of the best ways to substitute for black bean sauce. However, if you do not have the time or ingredients to do so you can consider some of the black bean substitutes already mentioned.
