Chinese Black Bean Sauce Moosewood Style Recipes

CHICKEN WITH BLACK BEAN SAUCE

Steps:

• Combine the chicken and the marinade ingredients in a bowl, and mix until all the liquid is absorbed. Allow to marinate for 30 minutes.
• Pre-heat your wok over high heat, until it starts to smoke. This step is essential, as it prevents the chicken from sticking to the wok. With your spatula, spread 2 tablespoons of oil over the bottom of the wok. Add the chicken, and quickly spread the pieces into a single layer. Let the chicken cook for about 30 seconds, flip, and cook the other side for another 30 seconds. The chicken is done once it turns opaque--be careful not to overcook it. Turn off the heat, transfer the chicken to a dish, and set aside.
• Next, heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the wok over medium heat. Add the ginger, and let it cook for 15 seconds. Next, add the garlic, the white parts of the scallions, and the black beans. Stir for another 30 seconds. Now turn up the heat to high. Add the green and red peppers, and stir fry for about a minute. Add the sugar, Shaoxing wine, salt, the chicken, 2 tablespoons of water, and the green parts of the scallion. Quickly stir-fry everything well to coat in the sauce, and serve!

CHINESE WOK-TOSSED MUSSELS IN BLACK BEAN SAUCE

Steps:

• Rinse and debeard the mussels.
• Prepare the ingredients and organize your mise en place. For this dish, you need to have everything ready to go before you start to cook.
• Place the aromatics (dried chiles, scallions, ginger, Chinese black beans, garlic and chile bean paste) in a small bowl. Reserve.
• Combine the chicken stock and cornstarch in a small bowl; stir to incorporate.
• Preheat a large wok fitted with a domed lid over high heat. Add the oil and swirl to coat. Add the bowl of aromatics and cook for 30 seconds, tossing with a wooden spoon or spatula. Then add the sugar, mussels, sake and carrot ribbons, and shake the wok or toss to coat. Cover and cook for 1 minute.
• Stir the cornstarch-chicken stock mixture again, add to the wok, then cover and cook for 3 minutes, shaking the wok or tossing every minute.
• Remove the lid. Arrange any mussels that are cooked and open in serving bowls.[Cover and continue to cook any remaining mussels for another minute. Transfer open mussels to serving bowls; discard any that do not open. Pour the sauce over the mussels and serve.

CHINESE BLACK BEAN SAUCE

Steps:

• Rinse black beans thoroughly and dry. Remove about 1/4 cup and set aside. Roughly chop the rest of the beans.
• Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add chiles, shallot, ginger, and garlic. Fry until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Do not let the ingredients burn. Reduce the heat if necessary. The objective is to slow cook the ingredients. Add all the beans; both chopped and whole. Simmer, stirring often, until the beans are soft, about 2 minutes. Add tamari, rice wine, brown sugar, ground Sichuan pepper, and five spice. Simmer until thickened, stirring often. Remove from heat; let cool, about 10 minutes.
• Mix in sesame oil and cover. As the sauce rests, the beans will settle and the oil will float, creating a barrier which will protect it from mold. The sauce is ready to use or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

BEEF WITH BLACK BEAN SAUCE

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, add the beef, baking soda, and water. Massage the beef with your hands until most of the liquid is absorbed. Let stand for 1 to 2 hours (less time for more tender beef, or longer for a tougher cut like chuck). Then rinse the beef thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Drain. This step tenderizes the meat before marinating.
• Then add the cornstarch, vegetable oil, oyster sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Mix well and marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if you'd like to make this ahead.
• In a liquid measuring cup, mix together the stock, black bean garlic sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper, and set aside.
• Heat your wok over high heat until it starts to smoke lightly. Add 1 tablespoon of oil around the perimeter of the wok. Add the beef in 1 layer, and sear the beef on both sides until browned (this should only take 2-3 minutes). Turn off the heat, remove the beef from the wok, and set aside.
• Reduce the heat to medium-high, and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, onions, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 30 seconds, until the onions and peppers have very light sear on them. Next, add the Shaoxing wine to deglaze the wok.
• Stir in the sauce mixture you made earlier. Bring to a simmer, and add the beef (along with any juices) back to the wok. Stir it in, then add the snow peas.
• Bring the contents of the wok to a simmer. Stir the cornstarch and water until incorporated into a slurry, and gradually add the slurry to the sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce is thickened to your liking (if it's too thick, add a splash of water or stock; if it's too thin, add more slurry). Cook until the snow peas are just crisp-tender. Serve immediately with steamed rice!

CHINESE BLACK BEAN SAUCE, MOOSEWOOD STYLE

Steps:

• In a large skillet, heat the sherry, vinegar, lime juice. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook over medium high heat for 1 minute. Stir in the fish sauce, sugar, chili sauce, black beans, and vegetable broth.
• Bring the sauce to a boil: reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Whisk in the dissolved cornstarch, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
• This can be made ahead and refirgerated for up to 1 week. Enjoy!