Black Bean Steamed Chicken is a classic of Chinese cuisine, with an unassuming yet deeply satisfying recipe that combines tender chicken thighs with the umami richness of fermented black beans. With no added water, you get a delicious savory sauce that’s full of pure chicken essence, and it only takes 10 mins of prep work!
The delicious sauce comes from common ingredients that most Asian households will readily have in the pantry:
- Fermented Black Beans: These tiny powerhouses pack a punch. Their intense, salty umami flavor infuses the chicken, creating a delightful contrast.
- Spring Onions: Fresh and vibrant, spring onions add a mild oniony note. They also contribute a touch of color to the final presentation.
- Coriander: The bright green sprigs of coriander bring freshness and herbaceousness.
- Ginger: Sliced ginger adds warmth and depth. It’s the unsung hero that quietly enhances every bite.
- Soy Sauce: The backbone of many Asian dishes, soy sauce provides saltiness and a hint of sweetness.
- Fish Sauce: A secret weapon in flavor-building, fish sauce lends complexity and depth.
- Oyster Sauce: Rich and savory, oyster sauce ties everything together.
- White Pepper: A gentle kick of heat that complements the other flavors.
- Cornstarch: The thickening agent that ensures our sauce clings to the chicken.
- Salt: A pinch to balance the overall seasoning.
- Sesame Oil: A finishing touch that whispers of nuttiness and richness.
Steaming is a gentle cooking method that allows flavors to meld harmoniously. As the chicken thighs are covered by a bed of aromatic ingredients, they absorb the essence of the sauce. The steam envelops them, coaxing out tenderness while preserving their natural juiciness.
Black Bean Steamed Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice that will happily soak up all that sauce, and it is a perfect healthy dish for kids as well! The garnish of fresh spring onions adds a pop of color to make the dish even more inviting. So let’s get to it!
Watch How To Make It
Black Bean Steamed Chicken
Equipment
- Steamer
Ingredients
- 640 g boneless chicken thighs
Sauce
- 1/2 tsp fermented black beans
- 3 stalks spring onions
- 5 sprigs coriander
- 3 slices ginger
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp fish sauce
- 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Dice up the fermented black beans, spring onions, coriander and ginger, then mix with the rest of the sauce ingredients.
- Slice the chicken into bite-size pieces, then spread the sauce all over it.
- Steam the chicken for at least 20 minutes until it's cooked through.
- Garnish with spring onions and serve!