Chicken in Black Bean Sauce Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Chicken with Black Bean Sauce

This delicious and savory chicken stir-fry with black bean sauce is a great choice for a quick and flavorful meal. The marinade infuses the chicken with rich flavors, while the stir-fry combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a thick, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Marinade

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons light soy sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, sliced
• 1 cup bean sprouts

Sauce

• 1/4 cup water
• 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons black bean sauce with garlic
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1 onion, finely sliced
• 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Directions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water. Add the light soy sauce, sugar, and salt, stirring until well combined. Add the sliced chicken and toss to coat. Let the chicken marinate for 20 minutes.
2. Blanch the bean sprouts: Bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Add the bean sprouts and cook for about 30 seconds, just until blanched. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup water, oyster sauce, and sugar. Set aside.
4. Cook the stir-fry: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the black bean sauce and chopped garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add onions: Add the sliced onion to the pan and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, until soft.
6. Cook the chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet, along with the marinade mixture. Stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
7. Combine with the sauce: Pour in the prepared oyster sauce mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to heat through and let the flavors meld together.
8. Add the bell pepper: Stir in the chopped bell pepper and cover the skillet. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the bell pepper is softened.
9. Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, dissolve 2 teaspoons of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the skillet along with the bean sprouts. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Tips

• You can use any color of bell pepper in this dish, depending on your preference.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6th of the recipe)

Nutrition	Amount Per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	266	-
Total Fat	8g	10%
Saturated Fat	2g	8%
Cholesterol	102mg	34%
Sodium	453mg	20%
Total Carbohydrate	9g	3%
Dietary Fiber	1g	3%
Total Sugars	4g	-
Protein	38g	77%
Vitamin C	18mg	20%
Calcium	32mg	2%
Iron	2mg	9%
Potassium	410mg	9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Description: Chicken in black bean sauce is a classic Chinese stir-fry dish that's easy to make at home and packed with the flavors of pungent black bean sauce and garlic.

History of Chicken in Black Bean Sauce

Chicken in black bean sauce has its origins in Chinese cuisine, particularly in the Cantonese tradition, where fermented black beans (douchi) are used to create a savory, umami-packed sauce. The use of fermented soybeans dates back over a thousand years, originating during the Tang Dynasty. The black bean sauce itself is made by fermenting soybeans with salt and sometimes spices, creating a pungent and flavorful base for many Chinese dishes. Over time, this dish spread across various regions of China and the world, becoming a favorite for its rich and distinctive flavor profile.

Regional Variations

While the black bean sauce recipe remains largely consistent, the dish varies depending on regional tastes. In Guangdong (Canton), the sauce is often lighter and slightly sweeter, with ingredients like sugar and oyster sauce to balance the strong saltiness of the fermented beans. In contrast, Sichuan variations may include the addition of chili peppers to add a spicy kick, reflecting the region's bold, fiery flavor preferences. The basic concept of stir-frying chicken with black bean sauce, however, remains a common thread across all variations.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Chicken in black bean sauce is often compared to other popular Chinese stir-fries, such as Kung Pao chicken or chicken with garlic sauce. What sets it apart is the distinct use of fermented black beans, which imparts a deep, savory flavor that is unlike the sweet or tangy notes found in other sauces. For example, Kung Pao chicken typically includes peanuts and a sweeter, more vinegary sauce, whereas chicken in black bean sauce has a more complex, umami flavor with less emphasis on sweetness. The use of garlic and the specific cooking technique of stir-frying with high heat also distinguishes this dish.

Where It Is Served

Chicken in black bean sauce is a popular dish in Chinese restaurants, especially in the West, where it is often served as part of a larger meal with steamed rice or noodles. In China, its commonly found in Cantonese restaurants and is often enjoyed as part of a family-style feast. The dish is versatile, and variations can also be made using other proteins like pork or beef, but chicken remains the most common choice due to its tenderness and mild flavor, which complements the strong black bean sauce.

Interesting Facts

• The fermented black beans used in this dish are a type of preserved soybean that have been fermented with salt and sometimes spices, creating a product thats used in many Chinese dishes.
• The dish is not only flavorful but also quite nutritious, with high protein content from the chicken and a moderate amount of fiber from vegetables like bell peppers and bean sprouts.
• Black bean sauce has a long history in Chinese medicine, where it was believed to have health benefits, such as improving digestion and boosting energy.
• Although chicken in black bean sauce is considered a traditional Chinese dish, its widespread popularity in Western Chinese restaurants has helped it become a staple on Chinese takeout menus globally.

Conclusion

Chicken in black bean sauce is a savory and satisfying dish that showcases the rich flavors of Chinese culinary traditions. Its simple preparation and bold taste make it a favorite among home cooks and restaurant-goers alike. Whether you're enjoying it at a restaurant or preparing it in your own kitchen, this dish is a wonderful introduction to the world of Chinese stir-fry cooking.

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