Chinese salted beans, maybe fermented

[Natasha]

Does anyone have experience using these? What kind of dishes do I add them to? How long do they last in storage?


The bag I bought just says salted, and in the ingredients list it says black beans (soy beans) ginger, orange peel, soy sauce and salt. It smells but in a good way.

[radial]

Does anyone have experience using these? What kind of dishes do I add them to? How long do they last in storage?


The bag I bought just says salted, and in the ingredients list it says black beans (soy beans) ginger, orange peel, soy sauce and salt. It smells but in a good way.

My great Uncle (old China hand) used these in cooking.  I think they would work anywhere you want to add some umami to a dish. 

[Natasha]

Did he mash them up? Rinse before using? Did he keep them in the fridge? Would they work in any kind of cuisine or mainly Asian?

I've found a couple of recipes I'd like to try to get the hang of it.

[radial]

Did he mash them up? Rinse before using? Did he keep them in the fridge? Would they work in any kind of cuisine or mainly Asian?

I've found a couple of recipes I'd like to try to get the hang of it.

He definitely mashed them up.  They were the base for a sauce that went on various dishes.  But they turned up whole in some things he made.  Not sure about rinsing or refrigeration.  I think they would work for lots of things, not just Asian food. 

[Natasha]

I made this

https://thewoksoflife.com/spicy-black-bean-twice-cooked-potatoes/

Exactly according to the recipe, and loved it. Great vegan option. I like strong and spicy flavors, so YMMV. It's spicy and a little funky.

And I love the fermented black beans. They remind me a little of fish sauce.

ETA, it was too funky for DH. Not surprising since he doesn't like fish sauce.

[picote]

I made this

https://thewoksoflife.com/spicy-black-bean-twice-cooked-potatoes/

Exactly according to the recipe, and loved it. Great vegan option. I like strong and spicy flavors, so YMMV. It's spicy and a little funky.

And I love the fermented black beans. They remind me a little of fish sauce.

ETA, it was too funky for DH. Not surprising since he doesn't like fish sauce.

Will have to try this—I've realized anything with fish sauce, we love. To the point where I've started searching for recipes based on that. I have a chili recipe that uses fish sauce and cocoa powder and it's so good!

[Natasha]

Will have to try this—I've realized anything with fish sauce, we love. To the point where I've started searching for recipes based on that. I have a chili recipe that uses fish sauce and cocoa powder and it's so good!

Interesting! Can you share the chili recipe?

[picote]

Here you go:

https://www.pressurecookrecipes.com/instant-pot-chili/