Martin Yan - SALTED BLACK BEANS

"The more you understand the ingredients, the better cook you will become."
-Martin Yan

These are common ingredients found in local cuisine. You can find these ingredients readily available in your local supermarket.

SALTED BLACK BEANS

Black beans which have undergone a lengthy fermentation process are called salted, preserved, or fermented black beans. These little salt-speckled black beans lend a distinctly pungent, almost smoky flavor to cooked foods.

To use, gently rinse whole beans under running water and lightly crush or coarsely chop. For a more pungent flavor, mince the beans to a smooth paste. Add minced garlic to give the paste a savory punch.

Salted black beans come packaged in plastic bags. Buy beans that feel somewhat soft through the bag and do not look dried out. You may find them in cardboard cartons with the added flavors of citrus peel or ginger. Store all varieties of salted black beans in separate jars with tight fitting lids in a cool, dry place. All varieties will keep for a year.