Doubanjiang (豆瓣酱) literally means bean paste. There are several versions popular in different areas in China. It is characteristically used in Szechuan cuisine and is called the “soul of Szechuan cuisine”. It is bright red or reddish brown in color and has a fairly robust texture (not 100% smooth like some bean sauces). The taste is savory (infused with umami from the fermentation process), spicy and salty. Other areas have their own versions, for example in Guangdong and Taiwan, Sichuan doubanjiang is called la-doubanjiang (辣豆瓣醬, “la” (辣) meaning “hot” or “spicy”) to distinguish it from the local unseasoned version .
Szechuan bean paste is made from broad beans (fava beans). Píxiàn dòubàn (郫縣豆瓣) is a particularly famous type of spicy bean sauce, named after the city of Pixian in Sichuan Province. Its distinctive taste is closely related to its geographical location. Pixian is located in a flat, sunny area with higher air humidity. The environment provides a climate suitable for the survival of the microbial flora, which is necessary for the fermentation process and which creates its special taste. Pixian doubanjiang usually goes through a fairly long fermentation in the sun. Prices vary according to years of fermentation. It is quite sad that the tradition is being lost due to the development of the city. Instead of using the traditional fermentation method, modernized production lines are being introduced.
Doubanjiang is the basis of many great Chinese dishes (Mapo Tofu , Twice Boiled Belly , Ants Climbing a Tree ). You don’t have to stick to Asian dishes though, dubanjiang’s spiciness can be used to enhance soups, marinades and sauces of all kinds.
Doubanjiang is quite salty , so keep this in mind when seasoning the dish and adding other salty ingredients such as soy sauce.
What doubanjiang to buy
When choosing, avoid brands such as Lee Kum Kee (Toban Djan). Doubanjiang is not their specialty or forte (they mainly make Cantonese-style sauces and ingredients).
After opening, refrigerate the bean paste. It can last for months in a sealed container in the fridge as long as you always use clean dishes to minimize the chance of external contamination.
What to use as a substitute
Thai chili sauce Sambal Oelek or Korean chili paste Gochujiang can be used instead of spicy Doubanjiang .
