19 Chinese Chili Bean Paste Recipe You Won't Believe The Taste!
Published on: Mar 22, 2024
Chinese chili bean paste is a staple ingredient in Chinese cuisine, adding a distinct umami flavor and spicy kick to many dishes. Made from fermented soybeans and chili peppers, this versatile condiment can be used in stir-fries, marinades, sauces, and more. In this article, we will dive into the traditional Chinese chili bean paste recipe and explore its history, variations, and ways to incorporate it into your cooking. Get ready to unleash your inner chef with this delicious and authentic Chinese chili bean paste recipe.
Main Ingredients: Asian Eggplant, Salt, Canola Oil, Chicken Stock, Chili
If you're a fan of spicy, flavorful dishes, then this Sichuan-style braised eggplant recipe is a must-try. The combination of tender eggplant, fragrant spices, and spicy chili bean paste creates a mouth-watering dish that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a dinner party with friends.
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Brussels Sprout Fried Rice With Crispy Cauliflower
Main Ingredients: Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce, Chili Bean Paste, Vegetable
Who said fried rice had to be boring? This Brussels sprout fried rice with crispy cauliflower recipe is a unique twist on a classic dish. The addition of roasted cauliflower and crunchy Brussels sprouts adds depth and texture to the dish, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal. Serve it as a side dish or add your choice of protein for a complete meal.
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Stir-fried Tripe with Chili Bean Paste
Main Ingredients: Beef, Onion, Garlic, Bay Leaves, Dry White Wine, Oil
Tripe may not be everyone's cup of tea, but this stir-fried tripe with chili bean paste recipe will change your mind. The tripe is cooked until tender and then stir-fried with fragrant spices and spicy chili bean paste, creating a dish that is bursting with flavor. This recipe is perfect for those looking to expand their culinary horizons and try something new.
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Mapo Dofu (Tofu) with Ramps
Main Ingredients: Sichuan Peppercorns, Vegetable Oil, Cornstarch, Cold
Mapo Dofu, also known as mapo tofu, is a popular Sichuan dish that is loved for its spicy and savory flavors. This version of the dish adds ramps, a type of wild onion, for a unique and delicious twist. The ramps add a subtle garlic and onion flavor, making this dish even more irresistible. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.
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Sichuan Beef Noodle Soup with Pickled Mustard Greens
Main Ingredients: Beef Shank, Vegetable Oil, Fresh Ginger, Large Garlic
Warm and comforting, this Sichuan beef noodle soup with pickled mustard greens is the perfect dish for a cold day. The rich and flavorful broth is made with spicy chili bean paste, beef, and pickled mustard greens, creating a unique and delicious flavor. The noodles add a satisfying texture, making this soup a complete meal on its own.
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Sichuan Braised Pork Cheeks
Main Ingredients: Pork, Ginger, Scallions, Vegetable Oil, Chili Bean
Braised pork cheeks may not be a dish you see every day, but this Sichuan braised pork cheeks recipe is definitely worth trying. The pork cheeks are cooked in a flavorful broth made with spicy chili bean paste, Sichuan peppercorns, and other fragrant spices, creating a dish that is rich and delicious. Serve it over rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Garlic Chive with Dried Tofu, a Chinese Vegetarian...
Main Ingredients: Chive, Tofu, Cooking Oil, Sauce, Chili Bean Paste
If you're looking for a vegetarian dish that is packed with flavor, then this garlic chive with dried tofu recipe is a must-try. The garlic chives and dried tofu are cooked in a flavorful and savory sauce, creating a dish that is both fragrant and delicious. Serve it as a side dish or add your choice of protein for a complete meal.
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Mapo Tofu
Main Ingredients: Soft Tofu, Peanut Oil, Ground Pork, Garlic, Leeks
No list of Sichuan dishes would be complete without mapo tofu. This popular dish is loved for its spicy and flavorful sauce, which is made with fragrant spices, chili bean paste, and tofu. This dish is perfect for those who love bold and spicy flavors and can be served as a side dish or a main course over rice.
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Sichuan Eggplant
Main Ingredients: Eggplant, Peanut Oil, Chicken Stock, Sugar, Soy Sauce
Eggplant lovers, rejoice! This Sichuan eggplant recipe is a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. The eggplant is cooked until tender and then stir-fried in a spicy and savory sauce made with chili bean paste, Sichuan peppercorns, and other fragrant spices. Serve it as a side dish or add your choice of protein for a complete meal.
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Twice Cooked Pork (Huí Guō Ròu)
Main Ingredients: Pork Belly, Bean Paste, Shaoxing Wine, Soy Sauce
Twice cooked pork, also known as Huí Guō Ròu, is a classic Sichuan dish that is loved for its spicy and savory flavors. The pork is first boiled and then stir-fried with fragrant spices, chili bean paste, and other flavorful ingredients. This dish is perfect for those looking to add some heat to their dinner table.
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Aromatic Beef Noodles
Main Ingredients: Beef Brisket, Peanut Oil, Garlic, Scallions, Fresh
If you're a fan of noodle dishes, then you'll love this aromatic beef noodles recipe. The noodles are cooked in a rich and flavorful broth made with beef, aromatic spices, and chili bean paste. The result is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.
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Xinjiang Big Plate Chicken (Da Pan Ji)
Main Ingredients: Light Soy Sauce, Shaoxing Wine, Sesame Oil, Cornstarch
Xinjiang big plate chicken, also known as Da Pan Ji, is a popular dish from the Xinjiang region of China. This dish features tender chicken cooked in a spicy and savory sauce with potatoes, peppers, and other fragrant spices. The result is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for sharing with friends and family.
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Vegan Hot And Sour Soup
Main Ingredients: Dried Shiitake Mushrooms, Dried Wood Ear Mushrooms
If you're following a vegan diet, you don't have to miss out on the delicious flavors of Sichuan cuisine. This vegan hot and sour soup recipe is made with tofu, mushrooms, and a flavorful broth that is made with chili bean paste and other fragrant spices. It's a warm and comforting dish that is perfect for a chilly day.
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Sichuan Mapo Tofu (Má Pó Dòufu)
Main Ingredients: Firm Tofu, Sesame Oil, Fresh Ginger, Garlic Cloves
This version of mapo tofu is made with ground pork for an extra savory and hearty dish. The pork is cooked in a spicy and flavorful sauce with tofu, creating a dish that is perfect for those who love bold and spicy flavors. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.
Main Ingredients: Beef Shank, Kosher Salt, Chinese Five Spice, Yellow
This Sichuan red-braised beef noodle soup is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for a chilly day. The beef is cooked until tender and then braised in a rich and flavorful broth made with fragrant spices, chili bean paste, and other savory ingredients. The noodles add a satisfying texture, making this soup a complete meal on its own.
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Sichuan/Chongqing Little Slurp w meat sauce and...
Main Ingredients: Lard, Ground Pork, All Purpose Flour, Mian, Chili Bean
This Sichuan/Chongqing little slurp dish is a must-try for any noodle lover. The noodles are cooked in a spicy and savory meat sauce made with fragrant spices, chili bean paste, and other flavorful ingredients. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion.
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Pressure Cooker Beef Brisket Stew with Daikon
Main Ingredients: Beef Brisket, Daikon Radish, Chili Bean Paste, Oyster
This pressure cooker beef brisket stew with daikon is a great way to enjoy a hearty and flavorful dish without spending hours in the kitchen. The beef is cooked until tender in a rich and flavorful broth made with daikon, fragrant spices, and chili bean paste. It's a perfect dish for a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend.
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Low-fat Mapo Tofu!
Main Ingredients: Chili Bean Paste, Oyster Sauce, Soy Sauce, Shaoxing
If you're looking for a healthier version of mapo tofu, then this low-fat mapo tofu recipe is for you. The tofu is cooked in a flavorful and spicy sauce made with chili bean paste and other fragrant spices, creating a dish that is both delicious and nutritious. Serve it over rice for a complete meal.
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Braised Prawns Szechuan Style
Main Ingredients: King Prawns, Oil, Chili Bean Paste, Fresh Ginger
This Szechuan-style braised prawns dish is a seafood lover's dream. The prawns are cooked in a spicy and flavorful sauce with fragrant spices, chili bean paste, and other savory ingredients. Serve it over rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
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Mapo Tofu Waffles
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Chili Bean Paste, Soy Sauce, Ground
Who said waffles had to be sweet? These mapo tofu waffles are a unique and delicious way to enjoy a classic Sichuan dish. The waffles are made with tofu, fragrant spices, and chili bean paste, creating a savory and flavorful dish that is perfect for breakfast or brunch.
The History of Chinese Chili Bean Paste
The Origins
The origins of Chinese chili bean paste can be traced back to the Sichuan province in China. It is said that this condiment was first created during the Qing dynasty, over 300 years ago. It was initially made with fermented soybeans, salt, and rice wine. Later on, chili peppers were added to give it a spicy kick, making it the beloved ingredient it is today.
Regional Variations
While the traditional Chinese chili bean paste recipe comes from Sichuan, different regions in China have their own unique variations. For example, the Hunan province uses broad beans instead of soybeans, giving the paste a slightly different flavor. In the Guizhou province, fermented black beans are used instead of soybeans, creating a darker and richer paste. Each variation adds its own twist to the traditional recipe, making it a diverse and exciting ingredient to use in cooking.
Making Chinese Chili Bean Paste at Home
The Ingredients
To make Chinese chili bean paste at home, you will need fermented soybeans, chili peppers, salt, and rice wine. You can also add other ingredients such as garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns for added flavor. The key to a good chili bean paste is to use high-quality ingredients and allow them to ferment for at least six months to a year.
The Process
To make the paste, start by rinsing the fermented soybeans and removing any impurities. Then, mix them with the chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns in a large jar. Add salt and rice wine to the mixture and seal the jar tightly. Let it ferment in a cool, dark place for at least six months, stirring occasionally. Once the paste turns a deep red color and has a strong aroma, it is ready to use.
Incorporating Chinese Chili Bean Paste into Your Cooking
In Stir-Fries
One of the most common ways to use Chinese chili bean paste is in stir-fries. Its bold and complex flavors add depth to any dish, whether it's a vegetable stir-fry or a meat-based one. Simply add a spoonful of the paste to your stir-fry and let it infuse for a few minutes before adding other ingredients.
In Marinades and Sauces
Chinese chili bean paste can also be used in marinades and sauces to add a kick of flavor. It pairs well with meats such as beef, chicken, and pork, and can be used in dishes like grilled skewers or braised dishes. You can also mix it with other sauces like soy sauce or oyster sauce for a delicious dipping sauce.
With its rich history, regional variations, and versatile uses, Chinese chili bean paste is a must-have ingredient in any Chinese kitchen. Now that you know the traditional recipe and ways to use it in your cooking, go ahead and give it a try at home. Your taste buds will thank you.