CHINESE BLACK SAUCE RECIPES

Steps:

• Rinse black beans thoroughly and dry. Remove about 1/4 cup and set aside. Roughly chop the rest of the beans.
• Heat vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add chiles, shallot, ginger, and garlic. Fry until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Do not let the ingredients burn. Reduce the heat if necessary. The objective is to slow cook the ingredients. Add all the beans; both chopped and whole. Simmer, stirring often, until the beans are soft, about 2 minutes. Add tamari, rice wine, brown sugar, ground Sichuan pepper, and five spice. Simmer until thickened, stirring often. Remove from heat; let cool, about 10 minutes.
• Mix in sesame oil and cover. As the sauce rests, the beans will settle and the oil will float, creating a barrier which will protect it from mold. The sauce is ready to use or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Steps:

• Note: This recipe calls for boneless thigh meat, which is preferred, but I tried using breast meat and the result was fine also.
• Mix together sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
• Cut chicken into a small dice, about 1/4-inch.
• Heat 1-2 cups peanut or other cooking oil in your wok.
• Place cornstarch in a small bowl and begin to dust chicken pieces, shaking off excess.
• Fry in hot oil in small batches until crispy and golden, about 2-3 minutes; drain.
• Remove oil from wok and discard.
• Heat 1 tbsp oil in wok and stir-fry onion about 1 minute; add peas and carrots and cook another 30 seconds.
• Add sauce mixture to wok along with chicken pieces and stir to coat everything evenly.
• Serve at once with hot steamed rice.