Chicken with Black Bean Sauce is a classic dish that is a staple in Chinese restaurants around the world. This savory and slightly pungent dish is known for its distinctive flavor, which comes from fermented black beans that are salty and deeply umami. The beans are combined with garlic, ginger, and green peppers to create a rich sauce that perfectly complements the tender pieces of chicken. This dish is a wonderful example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create a complex and mouthwatering flavor profile. It’s a beloved comfort food for many and a perfect introduction to the wonders of Chinese cuisine for others.
Ingredients for Chicken with Black Bean Sauce
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoons of fermented black beans, rinsed and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water
- Green onions, sliced for garnish
Cooking Steps for Chicken with Black Bean Sauce
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch, and let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the bell pepper and onion until they start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the chopped black beans and cook for another minute.
- Return the chicken to the pan and mix well with the vegetables and black beans.
- Pour in the Shaoxing wine or dry sherry and sprinkle with sugar, stirring to combine everything evenly.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat, and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
In conclusion, Chicken with Black Bean Sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is easy to make at home. When preparing this dish, it’s important to use fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best taste. The key to this dish is the fermented black beans, which should be fragrant and slightly soft. Selecting tender chicken thighs will result in a juicier and more flavorful meal. Fresh garlic and ginger will also enhance the dish’s flavor, so it’s worth picking the freshest available. This dish is not only packed with rich flavors but also offers a good source of protein and can be served with a side of rice or vegetables for a complete meal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying out Chinese cooking for the first time, Chicken with Black Bean Sauce is a deliciously rewarding dish to add to your repertoire.