What Are Fermented Black Beans?
Learn what fermented black beans are, what douchi tastes like, how Chinese recipes use them, how to buy and store them, and what to substitute.
Fermented black beans, called douchi in Chinese, are salted and fermented black soybeans used as a powerful savory seasoning. They are common in steamed dishes, stir-fries, sauces, fish recipes, tofu dishes, and black bean sauce.
They are not the same as regular canned black beans used in Latin American cooking.
Quick Answer
Fermented black beans are small, salty, fermented soybeans used to add deep umami to Chinese dishes. Rinse or chop them if needed, then cook them with garlic, ginger, oil, meat, seafood, tofu, or vegetables.
What Do Fermented Black Beans Taste Like?
Fermented black beans taste salty, savory, earthy, and intense. A small amount can season a whole dish.
Because they are concentrated, many cooks rinse them briefly or chop them before cooking so the flavor spreads more evenly.
Douchi vs Black Bean Sauce
Douchi refers to the fermented beans themselves. Black bean sauce is usually a prepared sauce made from fermented black beans, garlic, oil, soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings.
If a recipe calls for fermented black beans, black bean sauce can sometimes work, but it will add extra liquid, salt, and seasonings.
How Fermented Black Beans Are Used In Chinese Cooking
Fermented black beans are often cooked with garlic and ginger to create a savory base. They are common in steamed fish, steamed ribs, bitter melon stir-fries, tofu dishes, clams, chicken, and sauces for vegetables.
They work best when cooked briefly in oil or sauce so their strong flavor mellows into the dish.
How To Prepare Fermented Black Beans
Check the package and taste one bean. If it is very salty, rinse briefly and drain well. Chop the beans if you want a smoother sauce.
Do not add too much extra soy sauce until you taste the dish, because douchi already brings salt.
Best Fermented Black Bean Substitute
Prepared black bean garlic sauce is the easiest substitute. Use less than the amount of dry beans at first because the sauce includes salt and other seasonings.
Miso can add fermented depth in a pinch, but it will not taste the same.
How To Store Fermented Black Beans
Keep fermented black beans sealed in a cool, dry place before opening. After opening, store them tightly sealed, and refrigerate if the package recommends it or if your kitchen is warm.
FAQs
Are fermented black beans the same as regular black beans?
No. Fermented black beans are salted fermented soybeans, not regular canned black beans.
What is douchi?
Douchi is the Chinese name for fermented black soybeans used as a savory seasoning.
Can I use black bean sauce instead of fermented black beans?
Yes, in many recipes, but use less at first because black bean sauce already contains salt, oil, and other seasonings.
Do fermented black beans need to be rinsed?
Sometimes. If they taste very salty or dusty, rinse briefly and drain well before using.
Conclusion
Fermented black beans are a small but powerful Chinese seasoning. Use them sparingly, balance their salt, and cook them with aromatics so their deep flavor spreads through the dish.
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