Chicken in Black Bean Sauce
Tender chicken and crisp bell peppers tossed in a bold, savory black bean sauce. This popular Indo-Chinese stir-fry is packed with umami flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Marinate the Chicken
- b.In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 2 tbsp cornflour, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1/2 tsp white pepper powder.
- c.Mix thoroughly until each piece of chicken is evenly coated.
- d.Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Shallow-Fry the Chicken
- b.Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until it shimmers.
- c.Carefully place the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- d.Fry for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on all sides.
- e.Remove the cooked chicken from the wok and set it aside on a plate.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil.
- c.Add the chopped garlic, ginger, and slit green chilies. Sauté for about 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the cubed onion and capsicum. Stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Create the Sauce and Combine
- b.Add the rinsed and mashed fermented black beans to the wok and stir-fry for 30 seconds to release their aroma.
- c.Return the cooked chicken to the wok.
- d.In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, 2 tbsp soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and salt.
- e.Pour the sauce mixture into the wok and bring it to a simmer.
- f.In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornflour with 2 tbsp of water to create a smooth slurry. Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly.
- g.Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy gravy that coats the chicken and vegetables.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat and stir in the chopped spring onion greens.
- c.Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice or your favorite noodles.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a more authentic flavor, add 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine along with the soy sauce and oyster sauce.
- 2Ensure your wok is very hot before adding ingredients; this is key to a successful stir-fry.
- 3Rinsing the fermented black beans is crucial as they are packed in salt and can make the dish overly salty otherwise.
- 4Prepare all your ingredients ('mise en place') before you start cooking, as the stir-frying process is very fast.
- 5To keep the vegetables crisp, avoid overcooking them. They should have a slight bite.
- 6If you don't have fermented black beans, you can use a store-bought black bean sauce, but you may need to adjust the salt and other seasonings.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Replace the chicken with 400g of firm tofu or paneer, cubed. Pan-fry the tofu/paneer until golden before adding it to the sauce.
SeafoodSeafood
Use 500g of peeled and deveined prawns or firm fish fillets like cod or tilapia. Reduce the cooking time for the seafood to avoid overcooking.
SpicierSpicier
Add 1/2 teaspoon of red chili flakes along with the garlic and ginger, or add more slit green chilies.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce, and ensure your oyster sauce is certified gluten-free.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Chicken is a high-quality lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Bell peppers (capsicum) are packed with Vitamin C, while onions, garlic, and ginger provide various antioxidants and minerals that contribute to overall health.
Boosts Immunity
The aromatics used, such as garlic and ginger, are known for their natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can help support a healthy immune system.
Frequently asked questions
Fermented black beans (douchi) are soybeans that have been fermented and salted. They have a very strong, savory, and pungent flavor. You can find them in most Asian grocery stores, either in jars or vacuum-sealed packages.