Every once in a while, a dish comes along that captures the essence of comfort and flavor, and chicken with black bean sauce is undoubtedly one of those dishes. 😋 This combination of succulent chicken, savory black beans, and a symphony of Asian flavors is a culinary delight that you need to experience at least once. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these five mouthwatering chicken with black bean sauce recipes will inspire you to put on your apron and start cooking! Let's delve into the flavors and the recipes that will bring this delightful dish to your table.
Chicken with Black Bean Sauce - Classic Style 📖
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The classic chicken with black bean sauce is all about balance—between the rich, earthy flavor of fermented black beans and the tender, juicy chicken. Here’s how you can make this timeless dish at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons fermented black beans, rinsed and chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken stock or water
- 1 large onion, cut into chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 green onions, cut into 1-inch lengths
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
Directions:
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Marinate the Chicken: Mix the chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, sugar, and a teaspoon of cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
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Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chicken stock or water.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it turns white. Remove the chicken and set aside.
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Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add more oil if needed, then cook the garlic, ginger, and onions until fragrant. Add the bell pepper and cook briefly.
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Combine: Return the chicken to the pan. Add the black beans, Shaoxing wine, and the prepared sauce. Stir well to combine.
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Thicken the Sauce: Once everything is heated through, pour in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
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Serve: Sprinkle with green onions, give it one last stir, and serve hot with steamed rice.
<p class="pro-note">🍲 Note: Fermented black beans can be found in Asian grocery stores. They add a unique, savory flavor that's irreplaceable in this dish.</p>
Spicy Szechuan Chicken with Black Bean Sauce 🌶️
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For those who crave a kick with their meal, the Spicy Szechuan Chicken with Black Bean Sauce brings the heat in all the right ways:
Ingredients:
- Same as above, plus:
- 2-3 dried red chilies, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns, ground
- 1 tablespoon chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
- Additional 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
Directions:
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Heat Spices: Start by heating a dry wok or skillet. Add the Sichuan peppercorns and toast until fragrant. Remove and grind them.
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Fry Chilies: Add the chilies to the same wok with oil, and fry until they turn dark red.
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Follow Classic Recipe: Continue with the classic recipe, adding chili bean paste after the onions, and use additional soy sauce in the sauce mixture.
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Finish: Sprinkle with ground Sichuan peppercorn before serving.
<p class="pro-note">🌶️ Note: Adjust the amount of chilies and chili bean paste based on your spice tolerance.</p>
Chicken with Black Bean Sauce and Vegetables 🍅
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For a healthier twist, incorporate a variety of vegetables:
Ingredients:
- Same as classic, plus:
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 broccoli crown, cut into florets
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup snow peas
- 1/4 cup cashews or peanuts (optional)
Directions:
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Stir-Fry Veggies: Follow the classic recipe but add vegetables along with the bell peppers. If using snow peas, add them at the end to retain their crunch.
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Nuts: Optionally, add nuts for an extra crunch.
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Serve: Follow the classic serving suggestion.
<p class="pro-note">🍅 Note: Blanch or steam tougher vegetables like carrots or broccoli before stir-frying to ensure even cooking.</p>
Black Bean Chicken Lettuce Wraps 🥬
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For a lighter, yet still flavorful option, try these lettuce wraps:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- Same sauce ingredients as classic, but double if you like it saucy
- 1 head of Butter Lettuce, leaves separated for wrapping
Directions:
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Brown Chicken: Brown the ground chicken in a pan, breaking it apart.
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Mix: Add sauce ingredients to the pan, cook until chicken is fully cooked.
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Assemble: Spoon the chicken mixture into lettuce leaves.
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Garnish: Serve with extra sauce, chopped peanuts, or sliced green onions.
<p class="pro-note">🥬 Note: You can add extra crunch with chopped water chestnuts or bamboo shoots.</p>
Slow Cooker Chicken with Black Bean Sauce 🍲
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For those days when time is short but the craving for comfort food is long, the slow cooker comes to the rescue:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces or 2-3 pounds of chicken thighs
- Same sauce ingredients, but use 1 cup of stock
- Additional:
- 3 potatoes, quartered
- 2 carrots, cut into large pieces
Directions:
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Season: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and ginger.
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Slow Cook: Place chicken, vegetables, and all ingredients except cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker.
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Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
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Thicken: Near the end, add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
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Serve: Serve directly from the slow cooker with rice.
<p class="pro-note">🍲 Note: For an even richer flavor, brown the chicken before adding to the slow cooker.</p>
These recipes offer a delightful range of flavors and textures, showing just how versatile chicken with black bean sauce can be. Whether you're in the mood for something fiery or prefer a subtle blend of flavors, there's a recipe here for everyone. Each dish brings the unique character of black beans to the forefront, enhanced by the tender, juicy chicken and a variety of vegetables or sides.
So, why not give one of these recipes a go tonight? Your taste buds will thank you for exploring the incredible world of chicken with black bean sauce! Remember, these are just starting points; feel free to adapt ingredients to your taste or dietary needs. Cooking is about creativity and enjoyment, so let your palate guide you!
<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use black bean paste instead of fermented black beans?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, black bean paste can be a convenient substitute, though it might be sweeter and less intense in flavor compared to fermented black beans.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tofu, mushrooms, or even seitan for a vegetarian take on this dish.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How can I reduce the sodium in these recipes?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari, and rinse the black beans well to reduce the salt content. You can also increase the amount of stock to dilute the sauces.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I freeze this dish for later?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, this dish freezes well. However, the texture of vegetables might change slightly upon reheating.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What sides pair well with chicken with black bean sauce?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Steamed jasmine rice is classic, but it also pairs well with noodles or even a side of stir-fried vegetables for added variety.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>