Mushroom Black Bean Sauce
Tender button mushrooms and crisp bell peppers tossed in a savory, umami-packed black bean sauce. A quick and flavorful Indo-Chinese stir-fry that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect with fried rice or noodles.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Sauce and Slurry
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the black bean sauce, soy sauce, red chili sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, white pepper powder, salt, and 1/2 cup of vegetable broth. Set this sauce mixture aside.
- c.In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until completely smooth to create a slurry. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until it just begins to shimmer.
- c.Add the chopped ginger, garlic, and slit green chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- d.Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Continue to stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Mushrooms
- b.Add the quartered mushrooms to the wok. Spread them out as much as possible.
- c.Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes. The mushrooms will first release a lot of water. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until most of this water has evaporated and the mushrooms are browned and cooked through.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Thicken
- b.Pour the prepared black bean sauce mixture over the vegetables in the wok. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a vigorous simmer.
- c.Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir to recombine it, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.
- d.Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency that coats the mushrooms and vegetables.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Stir in the chopped spring onion greens.
- c.Serve immediately with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, always stir-fry on high heat. This sears the vegetables quickly, keeping them crisp.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan, as it will steam the mushrooms instead of browning them. Cook in batches if your wok is not large enough.
- 3If using whole fermented black beans instead of sauce, rinse 1.5 tbsp of them first, lightly mash, and add them with the ginger and garlic.
- 4Prep all your ingredients ('mise en place') before you start cooking. Stir-frying is very fast, and you won't have time to chop once you begin.
- 5The sauce thickens very quickly once the cornstarch slurry is added, so be ready to serve immediately for the best texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
For a more substantial meal, add 200g of cubed firm tofu, paneer, or sliced chicken. Pan-fry it separately until golden brown and add it back to the wok along with the sauce.
Vegetable MedleyVegetable Medley
Incorporate other vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced carrots, baby corn, or snap peas. Add harder vegetables like carrots along with the onions.
Extra SpicyExtra Spicy
Increase the amount of red chili sauce, or add a few dried red chilies along with the ginger and garlic for an extra kick of heat.
Nutty FlavorNutty Flavor
Garnish with a tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds or a few chopped cashews for added crunch and a nutty flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Mushrooms, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger are packed with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body.
Supports Digestive Health
The high fiber content from the variety of vegetables aids in digestion, promotes regular bowel movements, and supports a healthy gut microbiome.
Boosts Immunity
Garlic and ginger possess natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, while Vitamin C from bell peppers helps strengthen the body's immune response.
Plant-Based Nutrition
This dish is a great source of plant-based nutrients, offering essential vitamins and minerals without cholesterol, making it a heart-healthy choice.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Mushroom Black Bean Sauce contains approximately 150-170 calories, excluding any rice or noodles it is served with. This is an estimate and can vary based on the specific brands of sauces and amount of oil used.