17 Chinese Spicy Bean Paste Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 24, 2024
In Chinese cuisine, spicy bean paste is a staple ingredient that adds a unique and bold flavor to many dishes. This paste is made from fermented soybeans, chili peppers, and other spices, creating a complex and rich umami flavor. While it may seem intimidating to make at home, it is surprisingly simple and can be customized to suit individual preferences. In this article, we will dive into the steps to create your own Chinese spicy bean paste and explore some delicious recipes that incorporate this versatile ingredient.
Main Ingredients: Chinese Sausage, Dried Scallops, Shrimp, Crabmeat
Kick off your culinary journey with this homemade XO Chinese sauce. Made with a flavorful combination of dried scallops, shrimp, and spices, this sauce adds a delicious umami flavor to any dish. Simply marinate your chicken in the sauce and cook it on the grill for a tasty and unique twist on Beer Can Chicken.
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Yu Xiang Pai Gu Mian (Sichuan Noodle and Pork Shoulder...
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Boneless Pork Shoulder, Garlic, Ginger
This traditional Sichuan dish combines tender pork shoulder with spicy and tangy flavors. The addition of noodles makes it a hearty and satisfying meal. And when cooked with Beer Can Chicken, the flavors meld together for a delicious and unique twist on this classic Chinese dish.
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Yu Xiang Qie Zi (Sichuanese Fried Eggplant)
Main Ingredients: Canola Oil, Crosswise, Japanese Eggplants, Chinese
Eggplant lovers, rejoice! This Sichuanese fried eggplant dish is packed with flavor and spice. The eggplant is fried until crispy and then tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce. When paired with Beer Can Chicken, this dish becomes a full meal with a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
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Szechuan Chicken
Main Ingredients: Boneless Chicken Thighs, Dark Soy Sauce, Light Soy
This classic Chinese dish is known for its spicy flavors and numbing Szechuan peppercorns. The key to a delicious Szechuan chicken is to marinate the chicken in a flavorful sauce before cooking it on the grill. And when cooked with a beer can, the chicken stays moist and tender while absorbing all the flavors of the marinade.
For a vegetarian option, try this Chinese eggplant with garlic sauce. The eggplant is cooked until tender and then tossed in a flavorful sauce made with garlic, soy sauce, and honey. This dish is perfect for pairing with Beer Can Chicken for a flavorful and well-rounded meal.
If you can handle the heat, try out this Chinese spicy eggplant dish. The eggplant is cooked until crispy and then tossed in a fiery sauce made with chili paste, rice vinegar, and ginger. When paired with Beer Can Chicken, the spicy flavors are perfectly balanced with the tender and juicy chicken.
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Chinese Spicy Hot Bean Curd
Main Ingredients: Bean Curd, Green Onions, Minced Ginger, Minced Garlic
This dish may be simple, but it packs a punch of flavor. The bean curd is cooked until crispy and then tossed in a spicy and tangy sauce made with hot bean paste, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. When served with Beer Can Chicken, this dish adds a delicious and unique side to your meal.
This homemade Chinese chili sauce is a must-try for any hot sauce lover. Made with a combination of chili peppers, garlic, and ginger, this sauce is perfect for adding a spicy kick to your Beer Can Chicken. Plus, it's great for dipping and using as a marinade for other dishes.
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Chinese Takeout Dishes
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Fresh Ginger, Star Anise, Sea Salt, Pork
Craving your favorite Chinese takeout dishes but looking for a healthier alternative? Look no further than Beer Can Chicken! By cooking your chicken on the grill with a beer can, you can achieve tender and flavorful chicken that's reminiscent of your favorite Chinese takeout dishes. Add some homemade sauces and sides for a complete meal.
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Chinese Braised Abalone
Main Ingredients: Abalone, Minced Garlic, Minced Ginger, Light Soy Sauce
This Chinese braised abalone dish is a true delicacy that is often served at special occasions. The abalone is cooked until tender and then braised in a flavorful sauce made with oyster sauce, soy sauce, and rice wine. When served with Beer Can Chicken, this dish adds an elegant touch to your meal.
Another delicious eggplant dish, this Chinese Yu Xiang eggplant is cooked in a spicy and sweet sauce made with black bean paste, chili paste, and rice vinegar. The combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a perfect accompaniment to Beer Can Chicken.
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Spicy Vermicelli Stir-fry (蚂蚁上树)
Main Ingredients: Vermicelli Noodles, Cooking Oil, Bean Paste, Chilli
Known as "ants climbing a tree," this spicy vermicelli stir-fry is a popular Szechuan dish that is both spicy and savory. The vermicelli noodles are cooked with ground pork, chili paste, and soy sauce for a flavorful and satisfying dish. Serve it alongside Beer Can Chicken for a complete and delicious meal.
If you're looking for a hearty and flavorful dish, try out this braised beef Chinese recipe. The beef is cooked until tender and then braised in a rich and flavorful sauce made with star anise, five-spice powder, and soy sauce. When paired with Beer Can Chicken, this dish adds a delicious and unique twist to your meal.
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Spicy Chinese Beef Noodle Soup
Main Ingredients: Beef Shank, Fresh Ginger, Wine, Oil, Garlic, Onion
This spicy Chinese beef noodle soup is the perfect comfort food on a chilly day. The beef is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth made with cinnamon sticks, star anise, and soy sauce. Add some homemade noodles and serve with Beer Can Chicken for a satisfying and delicious meal.
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Chinese Chitterlings Hot Pot Base
Main Ingredients: Chitterlings, Scallions, Ginger, Vegetable Oil, Beef
Chitterlings, or pig intestines, may not be for everyone, but this Chinese chitterlings hot pot base is definitely worth a try. The chitterlings are cooked in a flavorful broth made with ginger, garlic, and chili peppers. And when served with Beer Can Chicken, this dish adds a unique and flavorful element to your meal.
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Mapo Tofu (Chinese Takeout)
Main Ingredients: Medium Tofu, Ground Pork, Sugar, Ginger Paste, Sake
This Chinese takeout favorite is easy to make at home with this Mapo tofu recipe. The tofu is cooked in a spicy and savory sauce made with chili bean paste, fermented black beans, and soy sauce. Serve it alongside Beer Can Chicken for a tasty and well-rounded meal.
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Chinese Shrimp and Pork Bites
Main Ingredients: Pork, Bacon, Shrimp, Celeriac, Carrot, Spring Onions
For a tasty appetizer or side dish, try out these Chinese shrimp and pork bites. The shrimp and pork are marinated in a flavorful sauce made with hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and garlic before being grilled on skewers. Pair them with Beer Can Chicken for a delicious and unique meal.
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Chinese Mooncake (Yue Bing)—Traditional Version
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Peanut Oil, Vegetable Oil, Flour, Golden
No Chinese meal is complete without a sweet treat, and these traditional Chinese mooncakes are the perfect ending to your meal. The sweet bean paste filling is encased in a flaky pastry and served with a cup of tea. And when enjoyed with Beer Can Chicken, it's a delicious and satisfying end to your meal.
This Chinese barbeque pork, known as char siu, is a popular dish that is often used in various Chinese dishes. The pork is marinated in a flavorful sauce made with honey, soy sauce, and five-spice powder before being grilled to perfection. Serve it with Beer Can Chicken for a tasty and well-rounded meal.
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Chinese Authentic Spicy Crayfish Tail Home
Main Ingredients: Green Onions, Fresh Red Chili, Onion, Ginger, Minced
If you're a fan of seafood, you have to try this Chinese authentic spicy crayfish tail dish. The crayfish tails are cooked in a spicy and flavorful sauce made with chili peppers, Szechuan peppercorns, and rice wine. Serve it alongside Beer Can Chicken for a unique and delicious meal.
The Key Ingredients
Fermented Soybeans
Fermented soybeans, also known as dou-chi or taucho, are the main component of Chinese spicy bean paste. These soybeans are allowed to ferment for several weeks, giving them a distinctive salty and slightly sweet flavor. They also provide a rich source of protein and add depth to the paste's flavor.
Chili Peppers
No spicy bean paste would be complete without the addition of chili peppers. These fiery peppers add heat and a vibrant red color to the paste. The most commonly used chili peppers in Chinese cuisine are Sichuan peppers, which have a numbing effect on the tongue and a unique floral aroma.
Other Spices
Aside from fermented soybeans and chili peppers, other spices are often added to Chinese spicy bean paste to enhance its flavor. These include ginger, garlic, and star anise, among others. These spices not only add complexity to the taste but also have various health benefits, making this paste a nutritious and flavorful addition to any dish.
How to Make Chinese Spicy Bean Paste
Making Chinese spicy bean paste at home is a relatively simple process, but it does require some patience. The basic steps involve soaking and fermenting the soybeans, and then blending them with the other ingredients to create a paste. The paste is then left to ferment for a few more days to develop its full flavor. It can be stored in the fridge for up to a month, making it a great condiment to have on hand for various recipes.
Recipes with Chinese Spicy Bean Paste
Now that you have your homemade Chinese spicy bean paste, it's time to put it to use in some delicious recipes. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Mapo Tofu
This classic Sichuan dish is a popular favorite among spicy food lovers. It features tofu and minced pork cooked in a sauce made from spicy bean paste, chili oil, and other seasonings. The result is a mouthwatering dish that packs a punch of heat and umami flavor.
Spicy Stir-Fried Green Beans
For a simple and flavorful side dish, try stir-frying fresh green beans with a generous amount of spicy bean paste. The heat from the paste complements the crispness of the beans, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Spicy Bean Paste Noodles
This quick and easy noodle dish is perfect for a weeknight meal. Simply toss cooked noodles with a sauce made from spicy bean paste, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Top with some chopped scallions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
In conclusion, Chinese spicy bean paste is a versatile and essential ingredient in Chinese cuisine. By making it at home, you can customize the flavor to your liking and enjoy its many health benefits. So why not give it a try and add a kick of heat and umami to your next meal?
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