Shandong-style Braised Beans

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the original Mexican frijoles de la olla are transformed into a Shandong-style dish by incorporating traditional Shandong ingredients and cooking techniques. The addition of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and Shaoxing wine infuses the beans with the distinct flavors of Shandong cuisine. The slow-cooking method ensures that the beans absorb the flavors and develop a tender yet firm texture. This fusion dish combines the best of both cuisines, resulting in a unique and delicious culinary experience. We alse have the original recipe for Frijoles de la olla, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) dried adzuki beans 2 cups (400g) dried adzuki beans
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish) 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 10g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the adzuki beans under cold water and remove any debris. Place the beans in a large pot and add water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until the beans are tender.
2. 2.
   In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the sautéed onion, garlic, and ginger to the pot of cooked beans. Stir in the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and salt. Simmer for an additional 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. 4.
   Serve the Shandong-style Braised Beans hot, garnished with thinly sliced green onions.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Adzuki beans — Make sure to rinse the beans thoroughly before cooking to remove any impurities.
• Shaoxing wine — If you don't have Shaoxing wine, you can substitute it with dry sherry or rice vinegar for a similar flavor profile.

Tips & Tricks

• For a richer flavor, you can add a small piece of dried kombu seaweed to the pot while cooking the beans.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the dish.
• Serve the Shandong-style Braised Beans with steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Shandong-style Braised Beans as a main dish accompanied by steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions for added freshness and color.

Presentation advice

Present the Shandong-style Braised Beans in a shallow bowl, allowing the glossy sauce to envelop the beans. Sprinkle some sliced green onions on top for an appealing touch. Serve with a side of steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables for a visually pleasing and satisfying meal.