Introduction
Chicken in black bean sauce is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a savory and slightly salty black bean sauce. This Chinese-inspired dish is popular in many parts of the world for its rich flavors and comforting qualities. Whether served with steamed rice or noodles, chicken in black bean sauce makes for a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed at home or in restaurants. In this article, we’ll explore what makes this dish special, how to prepare it step by step, and some tips for achieving the best results.
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Additional Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
50 mins
Servings:
6
What is Black Bean Sauce?
Black bean sauce is a key component of this dish. It is made from fermented black beans, which are soybeans that have been preserved in salt. The fermentation process gives the beans a complex, umami-rich flavor that adds depth to various dishes in Chinese cuisine. In addition to black beans, the sauce typically includes garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sometimes chili peppers or other seasonings depending on regional variations. The result is a dark, flavorful sauce that pairs well with meats like chicken, beef, or seafood.
Ingredients for Chicken in Black Bean Sauce
Before we begin cooking, let’s gather the ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons fermented black beans, rinsed and mashed slightly
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken the sauce)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 bell pepper (any color), cut into chunks
- 1 onion, cut into chunks
- 2 spring onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Steamed rice or noodles, to serve
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), and cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In another bowl, mix together the mashed black beans, minced garlic, minced ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and chicken broth (or water).
Step 3: Stir-fry the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry until they are cooked through and slightly browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed.
- Stir-fry the bell pepper and onion chunks until they are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan.
- Pour in the prepared sauce mixture.
- Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
- Once the sauce is simmering, pour in the cornstarch mixture while stirring continuously.
- Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the pan from heat.
- Garnish with chopped spring onions and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings Per Recipe 6 | |
Calories 266 | |
% Daily Value * | |
Total Fat 8g | 10% |
Saturated Fat 1g | 7% |
Cholesterol 102mg | 34% |
Sodium 453mg | 20% |
Total Carbohydrate 9g | 3% |
Dietary Fiber 1g | 3% |
Total Sugars 4g | |
Protein 38g | 77% |
Vitamin C 18mg | 20% |
Calcium 32mg | 2% |
Iron 2mg | 9% |
Potassium 410mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
Tips for Success
- Preparation is Key: Have all your ingredients measured and prepared before you start cooking. This will help you stay organized and ensure that your dish turns out well.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the sauce before adding salt, as soy sauce and oyster sauce are already salty.
- Don’t Overcook: Stir-fry the chicken until it’s just cooked through to keep it tender and juicy.
- Customize Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables such as broccoli, mushrooms, or baby corn to suit your preferences.
Conclusion
Chicken in black bean sauce is a versatile and flavorful dish that can be easily prepared at home. By following these simple steps and using fresh ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that will impress family and friends alike. Experiment with different vegetables and adjust the seasonings to make this dish your own. Enjoy your culinary adventure with chicken in black bean sauce!