If you love bold, savory flavors and crave a versatile sauce that can elevate any vegan dish, this black bean sauce recipe vegan is for you! Traditional black bean sauce is a staple in many Asian cuisines, known for its rich umami taste and slightly salty punch.
However, most versions contain non-vegan ingredients like fermented fish or oyster sauce. This plant-based adaptation captures all the depth and complexity you want, using fermented black beans, garlic, and ginger to create a powerhouse sauce that’s perfect for stir-fries, noodles, and dipping.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan cook or just exploring new flavors, this recipe is easy to make at home with simple pantry staples.
Not only does this sauce add an irresistible savory kick, but it’s also packed with nutrients and free from any animal products. Plus, it keeps well in the fridge, so you can whip up a batch and have it ready for any meal.
Say goodbye to store-bought sauces loaded with preservatives and hello to homemade goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan black bean sauce is a game changer for several reasons. First, it delivers authentic flavor without compromising on your dietary choices.
The fermented black beans provide a deep umami flavor that’s hard to beat. Second, it’s incredibly versatile — use it as a stir-fry base, marinade, dipping sauce, or even a flavorful topping for rice and noodles.
Additionally, the recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require hard-to-find ingredients. You can easily customize the heat level by adjusting the chili content, making it suitable for all taste preferences.
Finally, this sauce is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and packed with antioxidants and fiber from the black beans, making it a healthy addition to your meals.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fermented black beans (rinsed and roughly chopped)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Equipment
- Small bowl for soaking black beans
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Fine mesh strainer
- Garlic press or knife
- Grater for ginger
- Small saucepan or skillet
- Whisk or spoon for stirring
- Heatproof container or jar for storage
Instructions
- Rinse and soak the fermented black beans. Place the black beans in a small bowl and cover with warm water. Let them soak for about 10 minutes to soften and rinse off excess salt. Drain and roughly chop them for easier blending into the sauce.
- Prepare aromatics. Mince the garlic and grate the fresh ginger. These ingredients will infuse the sauce with vibrant flavor and aroma.
- Heat sesame oil in a small saucepan. Over medium heat, warm the toasted sesame oil. Add the garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the soaked black beans to the pan. Stir to combine with the aromatics, allowing the beans to release their rich umami flavor.
- Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and vegetable broth. Stir well to mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the sauce for 5-7 minutes. Let it reduce slightly while the flavors meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Optional step: thicken the sauce. If you prefer a thicker black bean sauce, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and let cool. Transfer the sauce to a heatproof container or jar. It can be used immediately or stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of vegan oyster sauce or mushroom soy sauce. These ingredients deepen the umami without compromising the vegan integrity of the recipe.”
- Spice it up: Add fresh chopped chili or a dash of chili oil for more heat.
- Make it smoky: A pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder adds a smoky depth.
- Garlic lovers: Double the garlic for an extra punch.
- Sweetness adjustment: Swap maple syrup for brown sugar or leave it out if you prefer less sweetness.
- Use dried black beans: If you prefer to use dried black beans, cook them until soft before fermenting or substituting with fermented black bean paste.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per 2 tbsp serving |
---|---|
Calories | 35 kcal |
Protein | 2 g |
Fat | 1.5 g |
Carbohydrates | 4 g |
Fiber | 1 g |
Sodium | 450 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This black bean sauce is incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into many dishes to enhance flavor and texture.
- Stir-fries: Toss with tofu, vegetables, and noodles for a quick, satisfying meal.
- Rice bowls: Drizzle over steamed rice with sautéed greens for a hearty lunch or dinner.
- Dipping sauce: Use as a dip for spring rolls, dumplings, or steamed buns.
- Marinade: Marinate mushrooms, tempeh, or seitan before grilling or roasting.
If you enjoy this sauce, you might also love trying other flavorful recipes like our Chipotle Black Beans And Rice Recipe, or for a sweet treat after your savory meal, check out the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe.
For a rich and creamy pasta complement, try the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe.
Conclusion
Mastering a homemade vegan black bean sauce opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Its rich, umami-packed flavor can transform the simplest ingredients into a memorable meal.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also customizable to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.
Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a special dish for guests, this black bean sauce will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a perfect example of how plant-based cooking can be both delicious and nourishing.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with this sauce and make it your own — happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegan
Description: A savory and umami-rich vegan black bean sauce perfect for stir-fries and dipping. Made with fermented black beans and simple ingredients for a quick homemade sauce.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT20M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons fermented black beans, rinsed and mashed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in mashed fermented black beans and cook for 1 minute.
- Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and water; stir well.
- Bring to a simmer, then add cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Add chili flakes if using, stir and remove from heat.
- Serve warm with your favorite stir-fry or as a dipping sauce.
Nutrition: Calories: 45 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 3 g | Carbs: 4 g
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