Question about "Soy" contest winner

http://food52.com/recipes...

This sounds delectable but need help with recommendation for fermented black beans. Any chain or higher-end brand you'd recommend? Or do I need to go to an Asian grocery store? (And if I make the schlep to one, is there a particular "insider" brand?)

Thank you!

Pegeen
  • Posted by: Pegeen
  • September 5, 2012
  • 2547 views
  • 5 Comments

5 Comments

AntoniaJames
AntoniaJames September 5, 2012
Sam1148 is right. You want the black beans in bags. They are sometimes called "Salted Black Beans." I always save the bag they come in and take it into the Chinese grocery to show it to the non-English speaking staff, when I'm shopping for salted black beans. They last forever, even when you use them frequently, because you only need a tablespoon or so at a time. They are indispensable in my kitchen. I see that you can order them on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/MEE-CHUN-Salted-Black-Beans/dp/B0000D15WD I've bought "fermented black bean sauce" in jars before, but found that I didn't care much for the garlic, etc. they added. The pure bean work much more predictably. Have fun! ;o)
 
Pegeen
Pegeen September 5, 2012
Thank you!
 
Pegeen
Pegeen September 5, 2012
Thanks, Sam! Interesting that they're sold in chilly bags vs jars... now I'm wondering about the fermentation process and could I do it myself with local beans. So much googling, so little time....
 
Sam1148
Sam1148 September 5, 2012
Oh, some brands are sold in jar...others in bags. My market sells them in bags, chilled.
However do have a jar of 'black bean sauce' from a Publix supermarket that's jarred.
But I don't think that's what you want for the recipe.
http://myhouseholdcapers.blogspot.com/2009/07/glossary-chinese-fermented-black-beans.html

The 'black beans' aren't really 'black beans' as we know them, but fermented soy beans.
Not really something to make at home as far I know.
 
Sam1148
Sam1148 September 5, 2012
I haven't made this recipe, but I keep fermented black beans in the 'fridge.
I find them at an Asian market and they last years in the fridge they're salted and do need to be soaked and rinsed (and mashed up a bit) before use. Look for them in the chilled section at a Asian supermarket, sold in bags..I put them in jar after opening the bag. They're sometimes labeled "Dow See" in Asian markets.
 
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