Step 1: Gather Ingredients

To make black bean sauce, you will need the following ingredients:

– 1/2 cup fermented black beans (preferably salted)

– 2 tbsp vegetable oil

– 1 tbsp minced garlic

– 1 tbsp minced ginger

– 2 tbsp soy sauce

– 1 tbsp oyster sauce

– 1 tbsp rice wine (optional)

– 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth

– 1/2 tsp sugar

– 1/4 tsp white pepper

– 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (cornstarch slurry)

– Green onion for garnish

Step 2: Rinse Black Beans

Rinse the fermented black beans under running water, then gently pat them dry with a paper towel. This step is important to remove excess salt from the beans.

Step 3: Coarsely Chop Beans

Using a knife, coarsely chop the fermented black beans. This will help release their flavors into the sauce.

Step 4: Prepare Aromatics

Mince garlic and ginger as they will form the base flavor for your black bean sauce.

Step 5: Heat the Oil in a Saucepan

Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Make sure there is enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.

Step 6: Sauté Aromatics and Fermented Black Beans

Add minced garlic, ginger, and fermented black beans into the heated oil. Sauté them for about two minutes until fragrant and slightly brown.

Step 7: Add Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, and Rice Wine

Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and rice wine (optional) to your sautéed aromatics and fermented black beans. Let it simmer for a minute so that flavors combine.

Step 8: Pour in Chicken or Vegetable Broth

Add the chicken or vegetable broth to the saucepan. Allow the mixture to simmer for two minutes. This will help create a rich flavor and aroma.

Step 9: Add Sugar and White Pepper

Stir in sugar and white pepper, to taste, into the sauce mixture.

Step 10: Let the Sauce Simmer

Bring the sauce mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for five more minutes. This will allow flavors to blend well together and deepen.

Step 11: Thicken the Sauce with Cornstarch Slurry

Gradually add cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 12: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

Give your black bean sauce a taste, and adjust seasonings as necessary. You may add more sugar or soy sauce depending on your preference.

Step 13: Garnish with Green Onion and Serve

Garnish your black bean sauce with chopped green onion before serving over stir-fried vegetables, tofu, or your favorite protein. Enjoy!