Here at Alings‘, several of our dishes use Chinese black bean sauce, a salty, spicy, savory sauce that is rich, thick, and dark. If it’s one of your favorites, then you already know what makes this sauce such a fantastic addition to any meal.
But do you know the history behind Chinese black bean sauce?
What is Chinese black bean sauce made of?
You may jump to the obvious answer: black beans. But the answer is a little more complex—and understanding this answer is vital to understanding the history of black bean sauce.
Chinese black bean sauce is made of douchi, or fermented black soybeans. Douchi has been around a long time—it dates back to 90 BCE, and is also the basis for MSG.
The Qian Hanshu, (History of the Former Han Dynasty), written by Ban Gu, tells us that two of the wealthiest merchants in the world in the year 76 A.D., were douchi merchants.
Douchi’s popularity continued to grow century by century.
A Staple of Cantonese Cooking
Over time, black bean sauce became more common in the southern region of China. For a long time, they were the only “soy sauce” that was available. The sauce came later.
Over time, the sauce would spread to Korea and Japan as well, where they’d take on a life of their own in those local cuisines.
While most Americans know black bean sauce as a “sauce,” it can also be made into a paste. Some people even turn it into a plant-based salad dressing.
Either way it can be used in many dishes, including stir fries, soups, stews, and steamed dishes. Black bean sauce may also be served on its own, as a condiment, or used as a marinade.
Health Benefits Galore
Chinese black bean sauce comes with many health benefits. It’s a high-protein addition to any meal, which means you’ll be fuller longer and will support your muscle growth and recovery.
It’s also rich in antioxidants, which can help support your immune system.
Finally, if you care about your gut health, then eat more Chinese black bean sauce! As a fermented product, it is rich in probiotics.
Try Black Bean Sauce at Alings
You can try our own black bean sauce blend in B5, Beef in Black Bean Sauce. We stir fry savory beef with vegetables and garlic-flavored black bean sauce. Come find out why this dish has been a staple of Chinese cuisine for centuries!
Order online or visit our dining room today!
