Best Oriental Black Bean Sauce Recipes

ORIENTAL BLACK BEAN AND GARLIC SAUCE FOR ASPARAGUS

Steps:

• In a skillet heat the oil over moderately high heat and in it stir-fry the garlic, the gingerroot, and the red bell pepper until the pepper is softened. Add the beans and stir-fry the mixture for 2 minutes. Add the Sherry and boil the mixture for 1 minute. Stir in the soy sauce, the sugar, and the broth and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. In a small bowl dissolve the cornstarch in 2 teaspoons cold water, whisk it into the mixture, and simmer the sauce until it is thickened slightly. Add black pepper to taste and serve the sauce over asparagus.

ASPARAGUS NAPOLEONS WITH ORIENTAL BLACK BEAN SAUCE

Steps:

• Make the pastry rectangles:
• Roll out the pastry 1/8 inch thick on a lightly floured surface, cut out six 5- by 2-inch rectangles, and transfer them to a dampened baking sheet. Brush the tops of the rectangles with some of the egg wash, being careful not to let the egg wash drip down the sides, score them in a crosshatch pattern with the back of a paring knife, and brush them again with some to the remaining egg wash. Bake the rectangles in the upper third of a preheated 400°F. oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are puffed and golden, transfer them with a spatula to racks, and let them cool. The pastry rectangles may be made 1 day in advance, kept in an airtight container at room temperature, and reheated. Halve the rectangles horizontally with a serrated knife and with a fork pull out carefully any uncooked dough.
• Make the sauce:
• In a small bowl dissolve the cornstarch in the water and stir in the broth, the soy sauce, the Scotch, and the sugar. In a heavy saucepan heat the oil over moderately high heat until it is hot but not smoking and in it stir-fry the beans, the zest, the gingerroot, and the garlic for 1 minute, or until the mixture is very fragrant. Stir the broth mixture and add it to the bean mixture. Bring the sauce to a boil, stirring, simmer it for 2 minutes, and keep it warm. The sauce may be made 1 day in advance, kept covered and chilled, and reheated.
• In a large deep skillet of boiling salted water cook the asparagus for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the stalks are just tender but not limp, and drain it well. Arrange the bottom half of each pastry rectangle on a plate and divide the asparagus among the pastries. Spoon the sauce over the asparagus and around the pastries on each plate and top the asparagus with the top halves of the pastries.

ORIENTAL BLACK BEAN SAUCE

Steps:

• Drain the tinned beans, then place in a bowl, cover with fresh cold water and soak 30 minutes.
• Rinse well in a colander under cold running water, drain, then lightly mash with a fork on a wooden board.
• Heat the oil in a small pan, add the onions, red pepper, ginger, garlic and chili pepper (if used), and saute on medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions have just softened.
• Add the fermented black beans, and mash them lightly with the back of a wooden spoon while stirring them in.
• Add the Asian chili sauce (in place of the chili pepper if wished), mirin, soy sauce, brown sugar and stock, bring to the boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Taste, and add the brown sugar (if desired), then the cornflour mixed with a little water, and cook briefly until the sauce has just thickened.
• When ready to serve, add the sauce to four cups of lightly stir-fried vegetables (as suggested above), along with some sauteed beef or chicken strips if desired.
• Toss and heat through in a wok, and serve over steamed rice or coooked noodles.
• If you wish, garnish the finished dish with crispy fried noodles, chopped fresh cilantro, or roasted cashew nuts.