Black Bean Noodles

Sharing is caring!

Made with homemade black bean sauce, these black bean noodles are amazing!

I always try to find ways to make easy meals that can be prepared in minutes. Sometimes, those easy meals like these black bean noodles are dishes I return to again and again. You could use a shop-bought black bean sauce but it only takes minutes to make homemade black bean sauce and you will get far superior results.  

So if you want black bean noodles that are just as good if not better than you find at your local takeaway, read on. You are going to love this one.

What are black bean noodles?

This dish tastes so good and it’s all down to the black bean sauce. If you have made my black bean sauce recipe for beef and black bean sauce, you’ll know how good it is.

The sauce is simply stirred into cooked egg noodles with a little sesame oil and then topped with spring onions, sesame seeds and dried chilli flakes to taste.

This is a satisfying dish you can literally prepare in less than 20 minutes.

Are black bean noodles vegetarian/vegan

They can be. When you prepare the black bean sauce, use vegetable stock or water instead of the chicken stock.

Which noodles should you use?

I use egg noodles for my black bean noodles. You could use whatever noodles you like. I have even tried this with spaghetti and it worked.

I do prefer Chinese egg noodles though. You might also like to try this with udon or ramen noodles. If you have some cooked ramen noodles left over from your last feast of birria ramen, tonkotsu ramen, curry ramen or Korean ramen, go ahead and use those here. 

Black bean noodles are an excellent way of using up those leftovers. 

How do you cook the noodles?

Cook the noodles as per the instructions on the package but take them out of the water about two minutes earlier than stated. The noodles should be soft enough to eat but not perfectly tender cooked yet.

You want them a bit al dente when they hit the oil in the wok as they will continue cooking in the steam and sauce.

How do you substitute shop bought black bean sauce?

Different commercial brands differ in flavour and consistency. So it is best to only add about 2 tablespoons at first. Then add more to taste as the noodles continue cooking in the wok.

How long can you store leftovers in the fridge?

You can keep the leftovers, tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 5 days. Then you can heat them up in your microwave for ease or heat them up in a wok with a little oil.

Why are these black bean noodles not dark in colour?

You may have seen other recipes or photos of black bean noodles that are darker or darker with a lot more sauce. Often what you are seeing is the Korean version of black bean noodles where other ingredients such as Korean chilli paste are added.

These black bean noodles are how they are prepared at my favourite street good stall in San Francisco where only fresh black bean sauce is used with a little sesame oil and garnishes.

There is so much flavour in my homemade black bean sauce it’s all that is needed for black bean noodles. Test this! I’m sure you’ll agree.

Useful kitchen equipment

1. A wok: For best results, you will need a good wok for these black bean noodles. Although they can be cooked in a frying pan, you won’t have the control you can only get with a wok.
2. A good spatula: I use a sharp metal spatula which helps me get right in there and toss those noodles without them sticking to the wok.
3. A sharp chefs knife: This will come in useful for the spring onions but it is almost essential for cutting the black beans for the black bean sauce.

Pro Tips

1. Use only homemade black bean sauce: You could of course make this with a commercial brand of black bean sauce. The flavour you get when you make your own though is far superior.
2. Only par-cook the noodles: You want to get the noodles out of the water before they are cooked completely. They should be soft enough to eat but still in need of a couple more minutes of cooking.
3. Serve hot from the wok: You want to get this dish plated as soon as it is ready. Leftovers are good but there is nothing like black bean noodles right out of the wok.

Step by step photographs.

If you like these black bean noodles, you might like to try some of these Chinese favourites too:

I am adding new Chinese recipes to my blog regularly so be sure to check out the Chinese section often. For now, why not try some of these?

1. General Tso’s Chicken
2. Crispy Chicken and Broccoli
3. Salt and Pepper Chicken
4. Sesame Chicken
5. Sweet and Sour Chicken
6. Kung Pao Chicken
7. Dan Dan Noodles
8. Orange Chicken
9. Hainan Chicken
10. Spicy Chicken Chow Mein
11. Mongolian Beef
12. Chinese Crispy Beef
13. Egg Drop Soup
14. Spicy Won Ton Soup
15. Egg Fried Rice
16. Potstickers
17. Bam Bam Chicken

Have you tried these black bean noodles?

If yes, please give them a star rating in the recipe card below and leave a comment. I love receiving your feedback and I’m sure other readers of my blog do too. Thank you.