Description

This homemade black bean paste is a versatile condiment that transforms meals with its deep, savory aroma and rich, umami flavor. It’s an easy way to add incredible depth to family dinners, even when time is limited.

Ingredients

Scale

100 g fermented black beans (douchi)
120 ml (0.5 cup) neutral vegetable oil (like canola, grapeseed, or avocado oil)
20 g (1-inch piece) fresh ginger, thinly sliced
4 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly smashed
6–8 whole dried red chilies (adjust heat)
2 whole star anise pods
1 small (2.5 cm / 1 inch) cinnamon stick
5 g (1 tsp) smoked paprika
10 g (2 tsp) granulated sugar (or coconut sugar)
30 ml (2 tbsp) soy sauce (or low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option)
60 ml (0.25 cup) water, plus more if needed
45 g (3 tbsp) roasted sesame paste (tahini)
5 g (1 tsp) toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

Rinse and Rehydrate Beans: Rinse fermented black beans well, then soak in warm water for 15 minutes to soften. Drain thoroughly.
Prepare Aromatics: Mince garlic and ginger finely. Prepare whole red chilies, star anise, and cinnamon stick. (A mini food processor makes this quick.)
Saute Base Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet or wok. Add minced garlic and ginger, chilies, star anise, and cinnamon. Saute for 5-7 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
Combine and Simmer Paste: Add black beans, paprika, soy sauce, sugar, and water to the skillet. Simmer on low for 10-15 minutes, mashing until thick and aromatic. Stir in tahini. (If too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons water.)
Cool and Store: Let the paste cool completely. Transfer to an airtight jar. (For smoother black bean paste, pulse briefly in a food processor.)

Notes

For a smoother paste, pulse briefly in a food processor after cooling. If the paste becomes too dry during simmering, add 1-2 tablespoons of water. Store in an airtight jar. Look for pliable fermented black beans, not overly dry or hard.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (15 g)
Calories: 50 calories
Sugar: 0.4 g
Sodium: 200 mg
Fat: 4 g
Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: black bean paste, homemade, condiment, savory, umami, Asian, easy, versatile, stovetop, weeknight meal