I was out of black bean sauce and needed to make a stir-fry for dinner. I had heard that hoisin sauce could be used as a replacement, so I decided to give it a try. I followed the recipe exactly, using hoisin sauce in place of black bean sauce.
The stir-fry turned out great! The hoisin sauce added a slightly sweet and smoky flavor to the delicious dish.
If you’re in a pinch and need a black bean sauce substitute, there are great alternatives you can use. This article will list 10 different substitutes that you can use in your cooking.
We’ll also explain the differences and similarities between them and provide the exact ratios to use when substituting.
Let’s get started.
Substitutes for Black Bean Sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Tianmian sauce
- Teriyaki sauce
- Miso paste
- Tamari sauce
- Kecap Manis
- Soy sauce
- Chili garlic sauce
- Homemade black bean sauce
Oyster sauce
Oyster sauce is a great alternative to black bean sauce. Oyster sauce is a thick, dark brown sauce made from oysters that have been simmered in water until they release their natural juices.
The oyster juices are then combined with soy sauce, sugar, and sometimes other seasonings.
Oyster sauce has a slightly sweet flavor with a hint of saltiness. Because of its saltiness, you may need to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
In addition, oyster sauce is also very versatile and can be used in stir-fries, marinades, and sauces. To substitute oyster sauce for black bean sauce, use a 1-to-1 ratio.
Hoisin sauce
Hoisin sauce can be used as a substitute for black bean sauce in many recipes. Hoisin sauce is a great alternative to black bean sauce because it has a similar taste and texture.
As mentioned earlier, hoisin sauce gives your dish a slightly sweet and smoky flavor. It also has a similar consistency to black bean sauce.
The ratio to use when substituting hoisin sauce for black bean sauce is one-to-one.
If the recipe calls for one cup of black bean sauce, you will use one cup of hoisin sauce as a replacement.
Hoisin sauce can be used as a substitute in several dishes.
Tianmian sauce
Another great alternative for black bean sauce is Tianmian sauce. Tianmian sauce is made from fermented black beans and wheat flour.
It has a strong, pungent flavor with a slightly sweet taste. The texture of Tianmian sauce is thinner than black bean sauce.
The ratio to use when substituting Tianmian sauce for black bean sauce is one-to-one.
When using Tianmian sauce, keep in mind that it is a little thinner than black bean sauce, so you may need to add less.
Teriyaki sauce
Teriyaki sauce is a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar.
The ingredients are simmered until the sugar has dissolved and the liquid has reduced. This gives teriyaki sauce its characteristic thick and syrupy consistency.
Teriyaki sauce can be used as a black bean sauce substitute in a 1-to-1 ratio.
When using teriyaki sauce as a black bean sauce substitute, keep in mind that it is sweeter than black bean sauce. Therefore, you may need to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe.
Miso Paste
Miso paste is a thick, fermented paste made from soybeans, rice, barley, and sometimes other grains. The fermentation process gives miso its characteristic flavor, which can be salty, sweet, or savory.
Miso paste is a great substitute for black bean sauce because it has a similar taste and consistency. When substituting miso paste for black bean sauce, the ratio to use is 1-to-1.
When using miso paste as a black bean sauce substitute, note that there are different types of miso paste. For example, white miso paste is the sweetest, while red miso paste is the saltiest.
Therefore, depending on the type of miso paste you use, the flavor of your dish will be affected.
Tamari Sauce
Tamari sauce is a great substitute for black bean sauce. It has a similar flavor profile but is less salty and has a slightly sweeter taste.
You can use tamari sauce in any recipe that calls for black bean sauce at a 1-to-1 ratio. Using Tamari sauce as a substitute for black bean sauce includes decreased sodium intake and a more subtle flavor that allows other ingredients to shine.
Another benefit of using this sauce is that it’s gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Finally, when choosing a Tamari sauce, look for one that is made with all-natural ingredients and does not contain any added sweeteners.
Kecap Manis
Kecap Manis, or Indonesian sweet soy sauce, is a great alternative to black bean sauce. It has a similar flavor profile but is slightly sweeter and thicker.
You can use this sauce in any recipe that calls for black bean sauce, using a 1-to-1 ratio. The thick consistency of Kecap Manis works well in stir-fries and marinades, and it also pairs well with grilled meats.
Kecap Manis is also less salty, and it is a great way to add some depth of flavor to your cooking.
Soy sauce
Soy sauce is a great substitute for black bean sauce. It has a similar salty flavor and can be used in any recipe using a 1-to-1 ratio.
The main difference between soy sauce and black bean sauce is that black bean sauce is thicker and has a slightly sweeter flavor.
Soy sauce also has many health benefits. Soy sauce is low in calories and fat and contains no cholesterol.
Soy sauce is a great addition to meals if you want to add some flavor without adding many calories.
Chili garlic sauce
Chili garlic sauce is a great black bean sauce substitute. It has a slightly different flavor, but it works well as a substitute with a kick of heat. It is made from chili peppers, garlic, oil, and vinegar.
When using chili garlic sauce, keep in mind that it is much spicier than black bean sauce. Therefore, you may want to start with less and add more to the taste.
Chili garlic sauce can be used as a dipping sauce or marinade. It is also an excellent source of vitamins A and C and contains anti-inflammatory properties.
Homemade black bean sauce
Homemade black bean sauce is a great alternative to the store-bought version. It’s easy to make; plus, it’s a fraction of the cost of buying pre-made sauce.
To make homemade black bean sauce, simply simmer black beans in water until they’re soft, then puree them with a little bit of the cooking water. The 1-to-1 ratio of beans to water will yield a thick, flavorful sauce.
You can use Homemade black bean sauce to replace store-bought sauce in any dish. Additionally, you can control the level of spice and saltiness by adjusting the ingredients to your liking.
FAQ
What is black bean sauce made of?
Black bean sauce is made from black beans, water, oil, salt, and sometimes sugar. The black beans are simmered until they’re soft, then pureed with the other ingredients to create a thick sauce.
What tastes like black bean sauce?
Black bean sauce substitutes that taste like black bean sauce include soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, Kecap Manis, and teriyaki sauce.
How do you make black bean sauce from scratch?
To make black bean sauce from scratch, simply simmer black beans in water until they’re soft, then puree them with a little bit of the cooking water. The black beans to water ratio will yield a thick, flavorful sauce.
What can I use if I don’t have black bean sauce?
If you don’t have black bean sauce, you can use one of the following substitutes: soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, and Kecap Manis.
Is brown sauce the same as black bean sauce?
No, brown sauce is not the same as black bean sauce. Brown sauce is made from a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. It is used as a condiment or dipping sauce and has a sweeter flavor than black bean sauce.
Conclusion
These are some of the best black bean sauce substitutes that you can use in your cooking. Each substitute has its own unique flavor, but they all work well as a replacement for black bean sauce. When swapping out black bean sauce, be sure to use the same ratio of ingredients to maintain the flavor profile of your dish. We hope you find a substitute that works best for you. Thanks for reading!