The 10 Best Substitutes For Fermented Black Beans

Fermented black beans are a staple ingredient in many Asian dishes.

They have a distinct flavor and can be used to add depth to any dish.

But what if you don’t have access to fermented black beans?

Or maybe you just want something with a different flavor profile?

No worries!

There are plenty of substitutes for fermented black beans that can give your dish the same umami taste without overpowering it.

In this article, I will be exploring 10 of the best substitutes for fermented black beans so that you can make delicious meals without having to worry about finding the right ingredients.

What Are Fermented Black Beans?

Fermented black beans, also known as douchi or dau si in Chinese, are a type of fermented soybean that is popular in Chinese cuisine.

They are made by soaking and cooking black soybeans before fermenting them with salt and spices.

The fermentation process gives the beans a unique flavor that is salty, sweet, and slightly sour.

The beans can be used whole or ground into a paste to add flavor to dishes such as stir-fries, soups, sauces, marinades, and more.

Fermented black beans have an intense umami flavor that pairs well with other ingredients like garlic and ginger.

They can also be used to make condiments like chili bean sauce or hoisin sauce.

The 10 Best Substitutes For Fermented Black Beans

Fermented black beans are an essential ingredient in many Asian dishes but can be hard to find.

Fortunately, there are several viable substitutes that you can use if you’re out of fermented black beans.

Here are ten of the best options:

1 – Make Yourself

Making your own fermented black beans at home is easy!

All you need is some dried black beans, salt, water and time.

1. Start by soaking the beans overnight in salted water.
2. The next day drain the water off and spread the beans out on a baking sheet to dry for several hours.
3. Once they are dry enough to handle (but still moist), transfer them into an airtight container with more salt added and let them ferment for up to two weeks in a cool place away from direct sunlight.
4. After two weeks your homemade fermented black beans will be ready to use!

2 – Black Bean Sauce

Black Bean Sauce is a popular condiment in Chinese cuisine.

It is made from fermented black beans, garlic, and other spices.

The fermentation process gives the sauce its unique flavor and aroma.

Black bean sauce has a salty taste with hints of sweetness and umami.

Black bean sauce can be used as a marinade for meats or vegetables, added to soups or stir-fries, or served as a dipping sauce for dumplings.

It’s also great on noodles or rice dishes!

Pro Tip: If you don’t have access to fermented black beans, you can make your own black bean sauce by combining cooked black beans with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil and chili paste.

This homemade version will still give you all the delicious flavors of traditional black bean sauce without having to wait for fermentation!

3 – Tianmian Sauce

Tianmian sauce is a Chinese condiment made from fermented black beans.

It has a salty, savory flavor and is used as an ingredient in many dishes.

The fermentation process gives the sauce its unique flavor and aroma.

Tianmian sauce can be used to add depth of flavor to stir-fries, soups, marinades, and sauces.

It pairs well with meats such as pork or beef, but can also be used to season vegetables or tofu dishes.

A little goes a long way—start by adding just a teaspoon at a time until you get the desired flavor!

4 – Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet and savory condiment made from fermented soybeans, garlic, chilies and various spices.

It’s commonly used in Chinese cuisine as a dipping sauce or marinade for meats and vegetables.

Hoisin sauce has a complex flavor profile that combines salty, sweet, sour and spicy notes.

The fermented black beans give it an earthy umami flavor that pairs well with many dishes.

Hoisin can be used to add depth of flavor to stir-fries, noodle dishes or even as a glaze on grilled meats.

Pro Tip: To make the most out of hoisin sauce’s unique flavor profile, try adding some fresh ginger or garlic when cooking with it! This will help bring out its sweetness while still maintaining its savory taste.

5 – Miso Paste

Miso paste is a traditional Japanese seasoning made from fermented soybeans, salt, and koji (a type of fungus).

It has a salty, umami flavor that adds depth to many dishes.

Miso paste can be used in soups, sauces, marinades, dressings and even desserts.

Miso paste is an excellent substitute for fermented black beans as it has a similar earthy flavor with hints of sweetness.

It also contains beneficial probiotics which help promote gut health.

To use miso paste in place of fermented black beans simply add 1-2 tablespoons to the dish you are preparing and adjust the amount according to taste.

6 – Fish Sauce

Fish sauce is a condiment made from fermented fish that is commonly used in Southeast Asian cuisine.

It has a strong, salty flavor and is often used as an ingredient in marinades, sauces, and dressings.

Fish sauce can be used to add umami flavor to dishes like stir-fries or soups.

It’s also great for adding depth of flavor to marinades and salad dressings.

Try adding a few drops of fish sauce to your favorite recipes for an extra punch of savory goodness!

Pro Tip: Fish sauce can be quite pungent on its own, so it’s best to use it sparingly until you get the desired taste. Start with just a few drops at first and then adjust according to your preference.

7 – Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce is a popular condiment used in Chinese cuisine.

It is made from oysters, sugar, salt and water that are boiled down to create a thick, dark brown sauce.

The flavor of the sauce is sweet and salty with a hint of umami.

Oyster sauce can be used as an ingredient in stir-fries or as a dipping sauce for dumplings and other dishes.

It adds depth of flavor to any dish it’s added to, making it an ideal substitute for fermented black beans when you don’t have access to them.

Oyster sauce also pairs well with vegetables like broccoli or bok choy, adding a savory note without overpowering the natural flavors of the vegetables.

8 – Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is a fermented condiment made from soybeans, wheat, salt, and water.

It has been used in Asian cuisine for centuries and is now popular all over the world.

Soy sauce adds a salty flavor to dishes and can be used as an ingredient or as a dipping sauce.

Soy sauce is often used to replace fermented black beans in recipes due to its similar umami flavor profile.

It can also be used to add depth of flavor to stir-fries, marinades, soups, and sauces.

When using soy sauce instead of fermented black beans, it’s important to adjust the amount according to taste since it’s much saltier than the beans.

9 – Black Sesame Paste

Black sesame paste is a condiment made from ground black sesame seeds.

It has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and is commonly used in Chinese cuisine as a dipping sauce or spread.

It can also be used to make desserts such as mooncakes and other pastries.

Black sesame paste can be used as an alternative to fermented black beans when making dishes like Mapo Tofu or Black Bean Noodles.

Its nutty flavor adds depth to any dish while its health benefits make it an excellent choice for those looking for nutritious alternatives!

10 – Chinese Garlic Sauce

Chinese garlic sauce is a popular condiment in Chinese cuisine.

It is made from fermented black beans, garlic, chili peppers, and other seasonings.

The sauce has a salty and savory flavor with a hint of sweetness.

It can be used as a dipping sauce for dumplings or spring rolls, or as an ingredient in stir-fries and marinades.

It also makes an excellent addition to fried rice dishes or noodle soups.

FAQ

Can I use canned black beans instead of fermented black beans?

No, you cannot use canned black beans as a substitute for fermented black beans.

Fermented black beans are black soybeans that have been salted and allowed to ferment over a period of time.

This process gives the beans a unique flavor that is not present in canned or dried black beans.

If you are looking for a substitute for fermented black beans, consider using soy sauce or other condiments with a similar flavor profile.

Can I substitute black bean sauce for fermented black beans?

Yes, you can substitute black bean sauce for fermented black beans in most dishes.

However, it’s important to note that the flavor and texture of black bean sauce are different than that of fermented black beans, so use an equal amount of black bean sauce to get the same quantity of ingredients.

Additionally, you may need to adjust the seasonings in the dish to account for the difference in flavor between the two ingredients. If you find that the dish is lacking flavor, try different brands of black bean sauce to see if it adds more flavor to the dish.

Are fermented black beans the same as black bean sauce?

Fermented black beans, also known as black bean sauce, are a staple in many Chinese dishes. These salty beans have a strong, distinctive flavor that can be either loved or disliked.

Both fermented black beans and black bean sauce are made using the same type of bean, but the difference lies in the production process.

Fermented black beans are usually dried and salted before being left to ferment, whereas the black bean sauce is created by cooking the beans with other ingredients like garlic, onion, and ginger.

Both ingredients are used as a seasoning, but the fermented black beans have a more intense taste. Ultimately, fermented black beans and black bean sauce are both made from the same type of bean, yet they are not the same due to the different production processes used.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fermented black beans are an essential ingredient in many Asian dishes.

However, if you don’t have any on hand, there are plenty of substitutes that can be used.

The best substitutes for fermented black beans are making your own fermented black beans, black bean sauce, tianmian sauce, hoisin sauce, and miso paste.

All of these ingredients can provide the same flavor and texture as fermented black beans, so you can still enjoy your favorite dishes without having to worry about running out.

With these substitutes in your pantry, you can now easily explore the flavors of Asian cuisine without having to worry about running out of fermented black beans.