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Per 100g
Nutrition data source: USDA FoodData Central
Common measurement equivalents in grams
Tender chicken and crisp veggies tossed in a bold, savory black bean sauce. A popular Chinese-American takeout classic you can easily make at home in under 30 minutes.
A classic Chinese-American takeout favorite featuring tender shrimp and silky egg ribbons in a savory garlic and black bean sauce. Despite the name, there's no lobster—just rich, comforting flavor. Perfect over a bed of fluffy white rice and ready in under 30 minutes.
A quick and flavorful Indo-Chinese stir-fry featuring a medley of crisp vegetables tossed in a savory, umami-packed black bean sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, ready in under 30 minutes and best served with steamed rice or noodles.
Black bean sauce is relatively low in calories, providing about 110 calories per 100g. It contains fermented soybeans which offer gut health benefits and soy isoflavones for heart health. However, it is often high in sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation.
Most traditional black bean sauces are vegan, as they are primarily made from fermented black soybeans, garlic, and ginger. However, some commercial brands may add oyster sauce or fish extracts for extra flavor, so it is important to check the ingredient label.
Not all black bean sauces are gluten-free. Many brands use wheat flour as a thickener or include soy sauce made with wheat. If you have a gluten sensitivity, look for brands specifically labeled gluten-free or those that use cornstarch and tamari instead.
Black bean sauce has a very bold, savory, and salty flavor profile known as umami. It is pungent and earthy due to the fermentation of the beans, often balanced with aromatic notes of garlic, ginger, and occasionally a hint of sweetness.
It is most commonly used as a stir-fry base for meats like beef or chicken and vegetables like bell peppers. It also works excellently as a savory marinade, a seasoning for steamed fish, or a flavor enhancer for tofu dishes.
With approximately 18g of carbs per 100g, black bean sauce can be used in moderation on a keto diet. Since most recipes only require one or two tablespoons, the net carb count per serving remains low enough for most low-carb lifestyles.
The best substitute is a mixture of miso paste, soy sauce, and minced garlic, which mimics the fermented, salty depth. Hoisin sauce can also be used, though it is significantly sweeter and less pungent than black bean sauce.
black bean sauce is a versatile ingredient found in cuisines around the world. With 110 calories per 100g and 4.5 grams of protein, it's a nutritious addition to many dishes.
Explore more ingredients in the condiment category with complete nutrition information.
View all condiment →Discover 2 recipes featuring black bean sauce with step-by-step instructions.
Browse recipes →Unopened jars should be kept in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, the sauce must be refrigerated and will typically remain fresh for 3 to 6 months if the lid is tightly sealed and a clean spoon is used for scooping.
Yes, black bean sauce is typically very high in sodium because the beans are preserved in salt during the fermentation process. While this provides intense flavor, you should reduce or omit additional salt in recipes where this sauce is used.
It provides a small amount of plant-based protein (4.5g per 100g) and contains beneficial compounds from fermentation that support digestion. Its intense flavor also allows cooks to use less added salt and fat while still achieving a rich, satisfying taste.
