Have you ever been in the middle of preparing a black bean dish when you realized you were out of black beans?
Or maybe you want to try a recipe that calls for black beans, but you don’t have any on hand.
Don’t worry – there are plenty of substitutes for black beans that can give your dish the same flavor and texture.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the best substitutes for black beans like Oyster sauce, Chee Hou Sauce, etc.
So whether you’re seeing for a simple way to get around running to the store or just desire to explore with different flavors, these substitutes will do the trick!
Here are eleven substitutes for Black Bean Sauces that will give your dish the same flavor as black bean sauce. Enjoy!
Facts about Black Bean Sauce
You might have eaten a dish made with black bean sauce or used it in cooking before, but do you know what it actually is?
Black bean sauce is an essential and widespread component in Chinese tables, individually Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine. They’re used for making dishes like black-bean sauce (Douchi).
Now widely favor noodles like black bean noodles in Korea, Japan, etc.
There are many different types of black bean sauce, but the most common is made with fermented black beans, garlic, rice wine or Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, and sugar.
The mixture is then grounded into a paste. It has a sharp, pungent, salty, and spicy flavor with a hint of sweetness and can be used as a marinade, dip, or ingredient in stir-fries, stews, and soups.
Black bean sauce made with fermented black beans is the most common type. Black beans are tiny soybeans that have been preserved in salt and fermented with red yeast rice.
The bold flavor of fermented black beans stands out among the other flavors in a dish, so it’s important to balance them carefully.
There are many different brands of black bean sauce in the market, but most recipes call for either the Lee Kum Kee Brand or Pearl River Bridge.
Some alternative names are salted black beans, Fermented black soybeans, Chinese fermented black beans, etc.
11 Good Black Bean Sauce Substitutes
Below all twelve substitutes can’t change the taste of Black bean sauce still. You can add them as a replacement without spoiling the taste.
1. Black Bean Sauce Substitute OYSTER SAUCE
Oyster Sauce is one of the first preference condiments instead of black bean sauce. It can use in many ways.
It can be applied as a dipping sauce for appetizers or an introductory course flavoring agent.
There are a few different types of oyster sauces on the market, but they all share a few names in familiar: they’re made with oysters.
Oyster Sauce is thick and glossy, and they have a deep, savory flavor. The three most common types of oyster sauce are Chinese-style oyster sauce, Japanese-style oyster sauce, and Thai-style oyster sauce.
Chinese-Style Oyster Sauce: This is the most common type of oyster sauce used in many Chinese dishes.
It’s made with a mix of oysters, water, sugar, and salt and has a sweet and salty flavor.
Japanese-Style Oyster Sauce: This type of oyster sauce is made with soy sauce, mirin (a sweet Japanese rice wine), and dashi (a type of Japanese broth).
It has a more savory flavor than Chinese-style oyster sauce and is often used in stir-fries.
Thai-Style Oyster Sauce: This type of oyster sauce is made with fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper.
It has a spicy, sour, and salty flavor and is often used in Thai dishes like green curry.
Oyster sauce is made by puréeing oysters (and sometimes other ingredients like soy sauce and pepper) until they form a thick, smooth paste.
The flavor of oyster sauce depends on the region it comes from: Chinese-style oyster sauces tend to be sweeter, and Japanese-style ones are more savory.
Oyster sauce is a fabulous way to add flavor to your dishes. It can be used in various ways and contains the health benefits of oysters.
So the next time you’re looking for a tasty condiment to enhance your meal, try oyster sauce!
2. MISO PASTE is an Alternative to Black Bean Sauce
Miso paste is a sauce made from fermented soybeans, rice, or barley. It is a popular condiment in Japan and has a salty, savory flavor.
Miso paste is an excellent alternative to black bean sauce, a common condiment in Chinese cuisine.
Miso paste is full of flavor and very healthy, containing high levels of Vitamin B6, niacin, calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium.
Fermented miso is considered to have probiotic properties, which improve intestinal health.
The fermentation process also breaks down the soybeans, making them easier to digest and absorb the nutrients.
Miso paste is easy to make and can be used in various dishes. It can be stir-fried, baked, or simmered with meats, vegetables, and tofu.
It’s excellent as a marinade for meat before grilling.
3. Use TIANMIAN SAUCE instead of Black Bean Sauce
Tianmian AKA Doubanjiang is a type of Chinese sauce made from fermented soybeans, broad beans, salt, and flour.
You can get it from a Chinese or Japanese grocery store. It’s always located in the refrigerator section near tofu, soy milk, etc.
Tianmian sauce is a little bit sweeter and thicker than black bean sauce or doubanjiang(Sichuan chili bean paste). But it provides a nice flavor and color to the dish.
Add sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil to season it. It’s all up to what you like.
4. HOISIN SAUCE is a Replacement for Black Bean Sauce
Hoisin sauce is a sweet, thick, reddish-brown sauce that is very common in Chinese cooking. Hoisin sauce is made from fermented soybeans containing sugar, vinegar, and spices.
It is used as a flavoring for meat, fish, and vegetables. You can use hoisin sauce in place of black bean sauce in any recipe.
Use hoisin sauce instead of black bean sauce in these recipes:
✰Asian-Style Black Bean Shrimp with Zucchini Noodles
✰Spicy Sichuan Noodle Salad
✰Sweet and Sour Pork Stir-Fry with Zucchini Noodles (Paleo)
✰Spicy Pork and Celery Stir-Fry with Zucchini Noodles (or Rice)
5. Know How TAMARI SAUCE Use as a Substitution of Balck Bean Sauce
Tamari sauce is a pure soy sauce that is made through a process of fermentation and no wheat or gluten.
It contains more minerals and nutrients than other types of soy sauces, making it beneficial for health.
Tamari can be used to substitute black bean sauce (also known as sweet black sauce), giving the dish a salty and intense flavor.
Tamari sauce is famous in Japan, which gives it a richer flavor. Tamari sauce has a thicker consistency than most other soy sauces, and it is also gluten-free.
Tamari sauce is a substitution for black bean sauce if you want to make recipes such as egg rolls, dumplings, and potstickers.
Tamari is an excellent substitute for soy sauce in Asian dishes; it has a slightly different taste than soy sauce and adds more flavor to the plate.
Also Try Tamari sauce susbtitutes
6. KECAP MANIS is an Alternative for Black Bean Sauce
Kecap Manis, popular in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, is a thick, sweet soy sauce. The flavor is a balance of salty, sweet, and savory with a syrupy texture.
Kecap Manis can be used as a dipping sauce for chicken satay, shrimp chips or spring rolls, condiment for rice or noodles., or an ingredient in cooking.
Kecap Manis is made from soybeans, wheat flour, bran, sugar, and salt. It is boiled until the liquid becomes a syrup and then fermented.
The fermentation process gives Kecap Manis its unique flavor.
7. You Can Also Use LIGHT SOY SAUCE instead of Black Bean Sauce
Light Soy Sauce is another option while running out of black bean sauce while cooking. Many people think that soy sauce is only for Japanese food, but it can also be used in Chinese cooking.
The soy sauce flavor goes great with meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetables. It is a dark, salty, and slightly sweet sauce found in most grocery stores.
When looking for a soy sauce, try to find a light soy sauce, not a dark one. Take note of the distinctions between these two the next time you go food shopping.
Light Soy Sauce is usually placed on top of the other bottles because it’s thinner and watery. It has less molasses and sugar than dark soy sauce does; therefore, it is lighter and less salty than dark soy sauce.
A typical light soy sauce imparts a more subtle flavor and color, perfect for stir-fries, marinades, and dipping sauces.
Dark Soy Sauce has molasses and sugar added to the mixture, giving it a thicker consistency and richer brown color. It is usually used in dishes that require a more intense soy flavor.
Both soy sauces have their own unique flavors and purposes, so it is essential to know when to use each. If you are looking for a soy sauce that will give your dish a subtle flavor, go for the light soy sauce and its best alternatives.
8. Use TERIYAKI SAUCE as Substitute for Black Bean Sauce
Teriyaki sauce is a sweet and salty condiment with the added sake flavor. You can use it for anything: stir-fries, meat marinades, dips with veggies, or seafood–the list goes on!
Teriyaki Sauce is prepared with soy sauce, sake, ginger, and sugar. It is a popular sauce in Japanese cuisine and is often used to marinate the meat before cooking.
Soy sauce is a dark, salty, and savory sauce that is made from fermented soybeans. It is a staple in Japanese cuisine and is used in many dishes, such as teriyaki sauce.
Sake is a Japanese rice wine that is made from fermented rice. It has a sweet and fruity flavor and is often used in sauces and marinades. Do you know there are plenty of Teriyaki Sauce alternatives you can use instead?
9. Can HOMEMADE Black Bean Sauce gives You the Same Taste
When there is no other option for black bean sauce, you can make your own homemade black bean sauce at home. It’s easy to make the recipe and requires just a few steps:
Ingredients: 1 cup black beans, soaked overnight, 3 cups water, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 tablespoons rice vinegar, one teaspoon sugar, 1/4 cup chopped green onions.
· Soak 1 cup of black beans overnight.
· Drain and transfer to a blender, add 2 cups water and puree until smooth.
· Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add two tablespoons of oil, garlic, and ginger.
· Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. add black bean mixture and bring to a boil.
· Stir in soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil, decrease the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 30 minutes.
· Displace from heat and stir in green onions.
10. VIETNAMESE SOYBEAN PASTE for Black Bean Sauce Substitution
Vietnamese Soybean Paste is made with soya beans, wheat flour, salt, and water. It will be labeled “Soybean Paste,” not “Sauce.”
Vietnamese soybean paste is another great substitute for black bean sauce. However, it is a soybean paste primarily used in North Vietnam. It has a rich taste and strong smell, so it is not recommended for those who dislike intense flavors.
11. Use CHEE HOU SAUCE for Black Bean Substitute
Chee Hou Sauce is popular in Asia for its flavor and health benefits. This sauce is fermented black beans, garlic, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar.
Another name of Chee Hou Sauce is “Fermented Black Bean & Garlic Sauce.”
Black bean sauce is made from fermented yellow soybeans, salt, flour. It has an intense taste, and it is challenging to cook with this sauce alone. -This is why Chee Hou Sauce was created for cooking purposes by mixing black bean sauce and garlic.
Chee Hou Sauce has a robust and distinctive flavor and deep umami taste due to its unique fermentation process, just like cheese or soy sauce. It’s not as salty as soy sauce, and it contains healthy probiotics that are good for your gut health.
You can use Chee Hou Sauce in stir-fries, noodles, rice dishes, or as a dipping sauce.
Wrap Up On- Black Bean Sauce Alternatives
Thank you for reading this blog post. I hope I can help you find a substitute for Black Bean Sauce.
Try soy sauce with garlic and olive oil. This recipe is very close to the taste of black bean sauce without any hassles!
If not, please let me know, and maybe we can get something figured out together.
Some Related Questions of Substitutes for Black Bean Sauce
Q1. What type of bean is the best substitute for black beans?
Black beans are a staple in many cultures, and they come from the fruit of certain plants.
Many different types can be substituted for this ingredient, though!
Some suitable substitutes include navy beans, pinto beans, or kidney ones to understand how your flavor will vary when you make the substitutions.
Q2. What are you making with black beans?
There are infinite occasions when it comes to recipes that include black beans.
Some of our favorite black bean dishes include black bean noodles, black bean burgers, black bean pie, black bean dip, black beans, and rice, or this awesome-looking salad.
The fantastic flavor of black beans makes them an ideal ingredient for any dish. Yummy!
Q3. Are black bean sauce and black bean paste the same?
The answer to this question is a little complicated. The two terms are usually used conversely, but they actually refer to different things.
Black bean sauce is a savory, tangy sauce made from black beans, vinegar, and soy sauce. Black bean paste is a thick, savory paste made from black beans, sugar, and soy sauce.
Both black bean sauce and black bean paste are used in Chinese cuisine.
It is important to note that, although the two terms are often used interchangeably, they actually refer to different things.