The 15 Best Substitutes For Black Bean Sauce: A Comprehensive Guide

As someone who loves to cook Chinese cuisine, I know how essential black bean sauce is in many dishes. However, there are times when you run out of black bean sauce or can’t find it in your local grocery store.

Luckily, there are many substitutes you can use that will still give you the flavor and texture you’re looking for.

In this article, I’ll be sharing the 15 best substitutes for black bean sauce that you can use in your cooking.

Whether you’re a vegetarian or vegan looking for a plant-based alternative, or you simply want to try something new, these substitutes will come in handy.

I’ve scoured the internet and compiled a list of the most popular and highly recommended substitutes for black bean sauce. From hoisin sauce to fermented black beans, you’ll find a variety of options to choose from. So, let’s get started and explore these substitutes in more detail.

Key Takeaways

• Black bean sauce is a staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine, but there are many substitutes available.
• The 15 best substitutes for black bean sauce include hoisin sauce, fermented black beans, and miso paste.
• Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply want to try something new, these substitutes will give you the flavor and texture you’re looking for.

The 15 Best Substitutes For Black Bean Sauce

When it comes to Asian dishes, black bean sauce is a popular condiment used to add a savory and umami flavor to stir-fries and as a dipping sauce. However, if you can’t find black bean sauce or want to try something new, there are plenty of substitutes to choose from. Here are the 15 best substitutes for black bean sauce:

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet-and-spicy sauce that is commonly used in Chinese cuisine. It has a dark brown color and a glossy sheen. The taste of hoisin sauce is sweet and salty, with a hint of spice. The texture is smooth and sticky. Hoisin sauce can be used as a substitute for black bean sauce.

Fermented Black Soybean Paste

Fermented black soybean paste, also known as douchi, is a popular ingredient in Chinese cuisine. It is made from fermented black soybeans and has a salty and savory flavor. The paste is often used in stir-fries and as a condiment for Peking duck.

Miso Paste

Miso paste is a thick mix made from fermented soybeans, salt, rice, barley, and a mold called koji. The mix ferments for several months and grows darker and darker while the flavor grows stronger. Miso paste has a salty and savory flavor and is often used in Japanese cuisine.

Tianmian Sauce

Tianmian sauce, also known as sweet bean sauce or Tian Mian Jiang, is a thick sauce made from fermented wheat flour and soybeans. It has a sweet and savory flavor and is commonly used in Chinese cuisine.

Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce is a thick, dark brown sauce made from oysters, sugar, salt, and soy sauce. It has a savory and slightly sweet flavor and is commonly used in Chinese and other Asian dishes.

Chee Hou Sauce

Chee Hou sauce is a Cantonese sauce made from soybean paste, garlic, ginger, and other spices. It has a sweet and savory flavor and is commonly used in Cantonese cuisine.

Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is a thick, sweet-and-salty sauce made from soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. It has a glossy appearance and is commonly used in Japanese cuisine.

Light Soy Sauce

Light soy sauce is a thin, salty sauce made from soybeans and wheat. It is commonly used in Chinese and other Asian dishes.

Tamari Sauce

Tamari sauce is a thicker, richer version of soy sauce made from soybeans and little to no wheat. It has a deep, savory flavor and is commonly used in Japanese cuisine.

Kecap Manis

Kecap manis is a sweet and savory Indonesian sauce made from soy sauce, palm sugar, and spices. It is often used as a dipping sauce and marinade.

Sweet Bean Sauce (Tian Mian Jiang)

Sweet bean sauce, also known as Tian Mian Jiang, is a thick sauce made from fermented wheat flour and soybeans. It has a sweet and savory flavor and is commonly used in Chinese cuisine.

Black Beans With Condiments And Aromatics

Black beans can be used as a substitute for black bean sauce when combined with condiments and aromatics such as fish sauce, tamari, vinegar, dark miso paste, and ginger.

Soy Sauce And Plums

Soy sauce can be combined with plums to create a sweet and savory sauce that can be used as a substitute for black bean sauce.

Fermented Black Beans (Douchi) Or Homemade Black Bean Sauce

Fermented black beans, also known as douchi, can be used as a substitute for black bean sauce. They can also be used to make homemade black bean sauce by mashing them with garlic, ginger, and other spices.

Chunjang

Chunjang is a Korean sauce made from fermented soybeans and wheat flour. It has a savory flavor and is commonly used in Korean cuisine.

These 15 substitutes for black bean sauce are versatile and can be used in a variety of Asian dishes. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite substitute for black bean sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some substitutes for black bean sauce?

There are many substitutes for black bean sauce that you can use in your cooking. Some of the best ones include hoisin sauce, miso paste, tianmian sauce, oyster sauce, teriyaki sauce, light soy sauce, tamari sauce, kecap manis, and sweet bean sauce. You can also try mixing regular black beans with things like fish sauce, vinegar, dark miso paste, and ginger.

How can I make black bean chili sauce without fermented beans?

If you don’t have fermented black beans on hand, you can still make a delicious black bean chili sauce. Simply substitute the fermented beans with regular black beans and add some additional spices like garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. You can also use other types of beans like kidney beans or pinto beans to create a similar flavor profile.

What is ground bean sauce and can it be used as a substitute for black bean sauce?

Ground bean sauce is a Chinese condiment made from soybeans that have been fermented and ground into a paste. It is similar to black bean sauce in flavor but has a smoother texture. While it can be used as a substitute for black bean sauce in some recipes, it may not work as well in others. It is best to experiment with different sauces to find the one that works best for your dish.

Is oyster sauce a good substitute for black bean sauce?

Oyster sauce can be used as a substitute for black bean sauce, but it has a different flavor profile. Oyster sauce is sweeter and saltier than black bean sauce and has a more savory flavor. If you are looking for a sauce that has a similar flavor to black bean sauce, it is best to try one of the other substitutes mentioned above.

Can canned black beans be used to make black bean sauce?

Yes, canned black beans can be used to make black bean sauce. Simply drain and rinse the beans and then mash them with a fork or blend them in a food processor until they form a smooth paste. You can then add spices and other ingredients to create a flavorful sauce.

What are some spicy alternatives to black bean sauce?

If you like spicy food, there are many alternatives to black bean sauce that you can try. Some of the best ones include chili paste, sambal oelek, sriracha sauce, and gochujang. These sauces are all spicy and can add a kick of flavor to your dishes. However, be sure to adjust the amount of sauce you use based on your personal preference for spiciness.