Salted Black Beans (fermented black soybeans or douchi) are a cornerstone of traditional Chinese and Southeast Asian cooking. Their deep umami and salty aroma enrich countless dishes. Here are the main categories and representative examples:

1. Stir-Fried Dishes

Salted black beans pair perfectly with aromatics like garlic, ginger, and chili.

• Beef with Black Bean Sauce – Thin-sliced beef stir-fried with garlic, bell peppers, and a savory black bean sauce.

• Chicken with Black Bean and Green Peppers – Common in Cantonese restaurants; the beans give a smoky, salty depth.

• Stir-Fried Clams with Black Bean Sauce – Popular coastal dish where the beans amplify shellfish sweetness.

2. Steamed or Braised Dishes

• Steamed Fish with Black Bean and Garlic – The beans are mixed with minced garlic and oil, then spread over fish before steaming.

• Braised Spare Ribs with Black Bean Sauce – Pork ribs slowly cooked in fermented black bean paste, soy sauce, and sugar.

• Tofu with Black Bean Sauce – Soft tofu cubes simmered gently with sauce for a vegetarian entrée.

3. Vegetable and Tofu Combinations

• Eggplant with Black Bean Sauce – A classic Sichuan-style dish where the beans cut through the richness of fried eggplant.

• Bitter Melon with Black Bean Sauce – The salt and umami balance the vegetable’s natural bitterness.

• Braised Tofu Skin Rolls – The beans add savory complexity to soy-based fillings.

4. Seafood Applications

• Steamed Prawns with Black Bean and Chili – Combines heat and umami for a quick, flavorful seafood option.

• Squid Stir-Fry with Black Bean Sauce – A Cantonese favorite with spring onions and peppers.

• Black Bean Mussels – Stir-fried mussels coated in aromatic bean-based gravy.

5. Fusion and Modern Adaptations

• Black Bean Fried Rice or Noodles – Adds depth to fried rice or chow mein.

• Vegan Mushroom Stir-Fries – Enhances earthy notes of shiitake or oyster mushrooms.

• Glazed Eggplant Burgers or Wraps – A creative vegan use of black bean sauce for modern menus.

Culinary Tips

• A small amount (about 1 tablespoon per dish) goes a long way—rinse lightly before cooking to control saltiness.

• Combine with aromatics (garlic, ginger, scallion) and soy sauce for a balanced sauce base.

• Store salted black beans in an airtight container; they keep for months when dry and cool.

Salted black beans are more than a condiment—they’re a flavor foundation across Chinese and Asian cuisines. HONGSING’s consistent, high-quality fermentation and packaging ensure the beans retain their aroma and taste through long-distance transport, making them ideal for professional kitchens and food product manufacturers worldwide.