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What is Doubanjiang Chili Bean Paste? Insider’s Buyer Guide

What is Doubanjiang Chili Bean Paste? Insider’s Buyer Guide
04 Jan

Doubanjiang chili bean paste is commonly used to enhance the deliciousness of many dishes, from Chinese and Japanese meals to Korean foods. It plays a particularly important role in Chinese Sichuan cuisine.

But how do we choose the best Doubanjiang chili bean paste when faced with a sea of brands on the shelf?

This article will guide you through the key factors to consider: “Which brand is the best?”, “How is it produced?”, “What ingredients are involved?”, “Which dishes is it appropriate for?”, and “Is it healthy?”. So, let’s hop on the magical journey of the Doubanjiang train to discover the pinnacle of chili bean paste!

What is Doubanjiang Chili Bean Paste (La Doubanjiang)?

Doubanjiang Chili Bean Paste/ Sauce, also known as La Doubanjiang (辣豆瓣醬), spicy chili bean paste, or broad bean chili paste, originated in the Sichuan Province of China about 400 years ago. The local weather conditions and air humidity are exceptionally conducive to fermentation. Among them, the local Pixian Doubanjiang is the most renowned.

Broad beans or soybeans are the main ingredients of Doubanjiang chili bean paste, which are fermented over a long period before adding red chili pepper, salt, broad bean, and soybean oil. During this process, all the ingredients collaborate perfectly and develop into a delicious sauce over time.

Upon tasting, you can feel multiple flavors dancing in your mouth.The savory, umami, spicy, creamy, and lightly aroma from fermented beans, all those dancers will bring a wonderful performance to your dishes.

How is Doubanjiang Chili Bean Paste Made?

Here is the secret. First, boil the broad beans, then mix them with flour or add koji. After the broad bean koji is molded, the mold on the surface needs to be washed off. Next, salt is added to the broad beans to initiate fermentation and maturation.

During the process, the high concentration of salt will kill the mold, then the enzymes from the mold within the beans continue to break down the proteins and fatty acids into small flavor-rich molecules.

Fermentation and aging are most important during the process. The proteins in the beans are decomposed into amino acids, and the longer aging method allows the proteins to completely decompose, enhancing the umami of the flavor. Throughout this process, elements such as sunlight, air, and time come together, infusing life into this marvelous paste.

Buyer’s Guide for Doubanjiang Chili Bean Paste

Choosing an authentic Doubanjiang chili bean paste/ sauce can be a challenge, and the label holds all the secrets. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Trustworthy Brand

Look for a brand that has passed the food inspections of its respective country and obtained certification marks such as ISO, FSSC, HALAL, or GAS. These certifications indicate a commitment to quality and safety.

2. Color

Authentic Doubanjiang chili bean paste should have a deep red and brown color. This is the result of minerals like potassium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, which oxidize during the long fermentation process.

3. Types of Bean

Another method to distinguish authentic Doubanjiang is by examining the ingredients listed on the label. Genuine Doubanjiang chili bean paste is mainly rafted using “broad beans” rather than solely “soybeans.” It’s important to note that the fermentation process differs between these two types of beans, resulting in distinct flavor profiles.

Additionally, renowned brands like Lee Kum Kee may offer convenience, but it has less aroma, less savory taste, and more watery content, which means the production may not enhance the flavors of dishes as effectively.

In the collective experience of numerous individuals or food critics, SIANG JI ASIA’s Sichuan-inspired Doubanjiang chili bean paste/ sauce has been recognized as noteworthy.

It has a strong aroma, savory, and tastes creamy. Many people are pleasantly surprised by how little of S.J.’s Doubanjiang chili bean sauce can greatly enhance the flavor of dishes. Moreover, it contains less sodium and sugar, making it a healthier choice.

Storage Tips for Doubanjiang Chili Bean Paste

Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and fiery spirit of Doubanjiang chili bean paste. Here are some tips to ensure it stays fresh and flavorful:

1. Cool and Dry

Store Doubanjiang chili bean paste in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. This helps preserve its flavor and prevents spoilage.

2. Monitor for Spoilage

Doubanjiang chili bean paste is rich in carbohydrates, which can lead to a sour or putrid smell if it goes bad. If your spicy Doubanjiang develops white moldy substances, or if it tastes distinctly sour or alcoholic, it’s best to discard it.

By following these simple storage guidelines, you can enjoy your chili bean paste for a longer period without compromising its taste or safety.

Common Culinary Uses of Doubanjiang Chili Bean Paste

You might be wondering, “What dishes can Doubanjiang chili bean paste be used in?”. This versatile ingredient can be used in various ways.

It can serve as a dipping sauce or be simply scooped up to enjoy with white noodles. Additionally, it’s often used as a base for stir-fry sauces in dishes like Eggplant with Minced Pork (魚香茄子) and Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐).

Below, we provide a recipe idea to enhance your culinary experience with S.J. Doubanjiang chili bean paste/ sauce.

Eggplant with Minced Pork (魚香茄子)

  • Other Ingredients
    Chopped Green Onion 20g, Chopped Garlic 20g, Chopped Ginger 10g, Sugar 15g.
  • Preparation Steps
  1. Slice eggplant into thick segments and deep fry it in hot oil (180°C/320°F) for 30 sec then set aside.
  2. Stir-fry minced meat till medium rare, add chopped garlic, ginger, and S.J. Doubanjiang Chili Bean Sauce, then stir-fry for another 30 sec.
  3. Add water, soy sauce, and sugar to Step 2 then braise eggplant in it till it boils.
  4. Add rice vinegar and cornstarch water into Step 3. Sprinkle chopped green onion before serving.

Ma Po Tofu (麻婆豆腐)

  • Other Ingredients
    Chopped Garlic 10g, Peppercorn Powder 5g, Cornstarch-water.
  • Preparation Steps
  1. Slice soft tofu into a 1.5cm cube.
  2. Stir-fry the ground pork till medium rare, then add the chopped garlic into the wok and stir-fry with the ground pork for around 5 seconds, add S.J. Doubanjiang Chili Bean Sauce then stir-fry it again for 5 seconds, add soy sauce, add the rice wine first then 250ml water after, add sugar.
  3. Add soft tofu, and let it stew till the water has been half-leaved.
  4. Add cornstarch water to thicken, add chili oil, then sprinkle peppercorn powder on.

Taiwanese Beef Noodle Soup (牛肉麵)

  • Other Ingredients
    S.J. Peppercorn 2g, Star Anise 2pc, Bay Leaf 1pc, Cinnamon 2g, Garlic 15g, Sliced Ginger 15g, 2 Green Onions, Half Sliced Onion, Cook Oil 20ml, Sugar 20g.
  • Preparation Steps
  1. Cut the beef into 4x4x4cm cubes, stir-fry garlic, ginger, 1 green onion, and sliced onion with cooking oil.
  2. Add S.J. Doubanjiang Chili Bean Sauce and stir-fry for 5 seconds, add beef brisket and stir-fry for another 1 minute. Add soy sauce, and pour water in.
  3. Place S.J. peppercorn, star anise, bay leaf, and cinnamon into a stew bag then add it to water. Add sugar.
  4. Stew the beef for 80 minutes with low heat, add beef broth to the stewed beef, and cook it till boiling.
  5. Boil white noodles and set it in a bowl. Pour the stewed beef soup into the noodles.
  6. Sprinkle chopped green onion on top.

SIANG JI ASIA’s Doubanjiang Chili Bean Paste/ Sauce

SIANG JI ASIA’s Doubanjiang Chili Bean Paste/ Sauce

Specification of Doubanjiang Chili Bean Sauce

Weight: 3kg/can
Ingredients: Red Chili Pepper, Salt, Broad Bean, Soybean Oil
Allergen Contains: Broad Bean
Dietary Options: Vegan
Shelf Life: 18 months
Storage: Store in cool, dry places and avoid direct sunlight. NO preservative. Refrigerate after opening.

SIANG JI ASIA’s preserved Doubanjiang chili bean paste/ sauce combines high-quality ingredients with a sophisticated production process, and its nutritional content sets a benchmark in the industry.

Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our Doubanjiang simplifies complex cooking processes, turning them into effortless culinary adventures.

This means that just a little bit can make a significant impact on any recipe. For restaurant owners, embracing S.J. Asia’s bulk supply not only ensures consistency in taste but is also a smart choice for economic savvy.

Learn more: 5 Closest Doubanjiang Substitutes for Home Cooking