Ingredient Guide
What Are Fermented Black Beans?
Use this guide to understand 豆豉 (dòu chǐ), how it functions, and what substitutions actually change.
What it is
豆豉 (dòu chǐ) is salted fermented black soybeans used to add deep savory flavor to steamed, stir-fried, and sauced dishes.
Best uses and substitutes
| Use case | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Use | Rinse lightly, chop, and fry with garlic or ginger. |
| Substitute | A small amount of black bean garlic sauce if the recipe can tolerate a prepared sauce. |
| Alternative | Miso can add fermentation but does not taste the same. |
Bad substitutes
- Canned black beans
- Black bean soup
- Black bean paste from unrelated cuisines
Dietary issues
Check labels for wheat, shellfish, sesame, soy, peanuts, alcohol, added sugar, and certification claims. Restaurant sauces are harder to verify than home-cooking ingredients.