Doubanjiang Substitute for Cooking
To me, Doubanjiang is a versatile seasoning. Especially when making Sichuan cuisine, it's almost impossible to do without it. But quite often, many friends ask me, if there's no ready-made Doubanjiang at home, what are the substitutes?
What is Doubanjiang?
Doubanjiang is a fascinating Chinese condiment. It is mainly made from broad beans or soybeans. It is made through processes such as soaking, cooking, and fermenting, and accessories such as chili peppers and salt are often added. I especially love its rich sauce fragrance and the characteristics of being savory, salty, spicy, and fresh. It can be said to be all-purpose in my kitchen.
Doubanjiang Substitute
Korean Gochujang
Features: It is made by fermenting glutinous rice, soybeans, chili powder, and salt. It has a sweet and spicy taste with a thick fermented flavor, and is suitable for stewing and stir-frying.
Adjustment suggestion: If you want a taste closer to the savoriness of Doubanjiang, you can mix a small amount of soy sauce or miso.
Japanese Miso
Features: Made from fermented soybeans, it has a prominent salty taste. There are white miso (sweeter) and red miso (saltier). Although it has no spiciness, the fermented flavor is similar to that of Doubanjiang.
Adjustment suggestion: Mix miso with chili sauce (such as Sriracha) to balance the saltiness and spiciness.
Thai Chili Sauce (Sriracha or Sambal Oelek)
Features: Sriracha has a balanced sweet and spicy taste and is suitable for direct seasoning; Sambal Oelek is mainly made of chili peppers with a strong garlic flavor and a more direct spiciness.
Adjustment suggestion: Mix a small amount of soy sauce or fermented black beans (available in Asian supermarkets) to add more savoriness.
Mexican Chili Sauce (such as Chipotle in Adobo Sauce)
Features: Made from smoked chili peppers, it has a deep spiciness with an acidic taste, and is suitable for American-Mexican style dishes.
Adjustment suggestion: Combine it with ketchup or soy sauce to mimic the savoriness of Doubanjiang.
Homemade Mixed Sauce
Fermented black beans + Chili oil: Mash 1 tablespoon of fermented black beans and add an appropriate amount of chili oil. It can provide a similar sauce aroma and spiciness. It's not exactly the same, but it's also very useful.
Chili sauce + Soy sauce: Mix 1 tablespoon of chili sauce with 1 teaspoon of soy sauce to make a quick "Doubanjiang substitute sauce".
Other Asian Sauce Substitutes
Laoganma Chili Oil: Contains fried chili peppers and fermented black beans, with a savory and slightly spicy taste, suitable for mixing with rice or stir-frying.
Hoisin Sauce: It has a stronger sweet taste and needs to be used with chili peppers, suitable for braised dishes.
Vietnamese Fish Sauce: It has a prominent salty and fresh taste but lacks spiciness. It needs to be mixed with chili peppers.
What Is the Flavor of Doubanjiang?
The flavor of Doubanjiang is rich in layers. The basic taste is savory and fresh, with an obvious fermented sauce aroma. At the same time, it also has the spiciness brought by chili peppers, and some may also have a slight numbing taste.
Where to Buy Doubanjiang?
1. Asian Grocery Stores
H Mart, 99 Ranch, Lotte Plaza, etc. These supermarkets usually have Pixian Doubanjiang, which is the first choice for authentic Sichuan cuisine.
When searching, you can use keywords such as "Pixian Doubanjiang" or "broad bean chili paste".
2. Online Retailers
Amazon: Search for "Doubanjiang" or "Pixian Broad Bean Paste"
Weee!: A specialized Asian food e-commerce platform with a wide delivery range and a large variety
Yamibuy, Umamicart: Also have multiple options
3. Recommended Brands
Pixian Doubanjiang from Sichuan – Authentic flavor, suitable for Sichuan cuisine
Lee Kum Kee Chili Bean Sauce – More common, with a more Hong Kong-style flavor and a slightly sweeter taste.
Is Doubanjiang Healthy?
As a health-conscious food blogger, I have to be honest: Doubanjiang is indeed rich in nutrients, containing proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Eating an appropriate amount can supplement nutrients and increase appetite. However, its salt content is high. I suggest everyone use it in moderation, especially friends with high blood pressure or gout.
Culinary Applications of Doubanjiang
In my kitchen, Doubanjiang is simply a god-like seasoning:
1. Stir-frying
My specialties are Mapo Tofu and Twice-Cooked Pork! Tip: Be sure to stir-fry Doubanjiang until red oil comes out first, so that the cooked dish will be fragrant enough!
2. Stewing
I love to use Doubanjiang to stew beef. First, sauté Doubanjiang until fragrant, then add beef and stir-fry. Finally, add water and simmer slowly. The taste is amazing!
3. Soup Making
My Spicy Boiled Fish and hot pot base soups cannot do without it. Personal secret: Dissolve Doubanjiang in warm water in advance, so that the soup base will be more even.
4. Cold Dishes
This is my unique skill! I like to use Doubanjiang to make the sauce for cold cucumber. Add some minced garlic and balsamic vinegar. It will definitely whet your appetite!
