Stir Fried Clams Black Bean Sauce Oc Xao Gung Dau Den Recipe

Picture this: you’ve had a long day, you’re hungry, and want something flavorful and exciting. That’s when I whip up this tantalizing stir-fried clams in black bean sauce—a delightful symphony of clams, garlic, ginger, and a hint of chili that dances on your taste buds with every bite. Let’s dive into this umami-packed journey!

The vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine—especially those found in its stir-fried dishes—never fail to impress me. Take, for instance, my stir-fried clams in black bean sauce, or oc xao gung dau den, a dish whose umami taste I can only describe as supercharged.

The fermented black beans meld beautifully with the garlic, ginger, and a touch of red chili, which are the aromatic trifecta of this stir-fry. If you manage to wait until the dish is plated before devouring it, the wait will be well worth it.

Stir Fried Clams Black Bean Sauce Oc Xao Gung Dau Den Recipe Ingredients

• Clams: Packed with protein, iron, and vitamin B12, they add a savory, oceanic flavor.
• Fermented Black Beans: Rich in umami, they offer a salty depth to the sauce.
• Ginger: Provides a warm, spicy aroma and aids digestion, enhances flavor complexity.
• Garlic: Boosts immunity and adds aromatic depth with its pungent, savory notes.
• Chili: Optional heat for a fiery kick, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral base for cooking, allowing spices to infuse clams evenly.
• Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and umami, enhancing the overall depth and richness.
• Oyster Sauce: Intensifies sweetness and savoriness, creating a well-rounded sauce.
• Green Onions: Freshness and mild onion flavor, complementing the rich sauce.

Stir Fried Clams Black Bean Sauce Oc Xao Gung Dau Den Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 2 pounds fresh clams, scrubbed and cleaned
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, julienned
• 1 red chili, sliced (optional)
• 3 tablespoons fermented black beans, rinsed and mashed
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
• 2 green onions, sliced
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

How to Make this Stir Fried Clams Black Bean Sauce Oc Xao Gung Dau Den Recipe

1. In a big wok or skillet, warm the vegetable oil over a heat setting of medium-high.

2. Put minced garlic and julienned ginger in the pan, and stir-fry them for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant.

3. Put the fermented black beans and sliced red chili (if using) into the pan, and give them a good stir.

4. Turn the heat up to high and add the clams, which have been cleaned, to the wok. Stir-fry for 1 minute.

5. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar to the pot. Stir everything together to coat the clams evenly.

6. Place the chicken broth or water in the pan. Cover with a lid and steam the clams for 3-5 minutes. They should all be open when you’re done.

7. Eliminate any clams that have not opened after they have been cooked.

8. When the clams are finished, stir in the sliced green onions and give everything a final blending.

9. Move the clams that have been stir-fried to a dish for serving.

10. Make sure to include fresh cilantro as garnish, and then serve immediately.

Stir Fried Clams Black Bean Sauce Oc Xao Gung Dau Den Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Wok or large skillet
2. Stirring spoon or spatula
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring spoons
6. Measuring cup
7. Lid for the wok or skillet
8. Serving dish

FAQ

• Can I use canned clams instead of fresh clams?For the premier flavor and texture, use fresh clams. But canned clams can work in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them well, and rinse them too. Otherwise, your dish is going to taste like the can.
• What can I use if I don’t have fermented black beans?If fermented black beans are not available, black bean sauce can be used as a substitute. Since black bean sauce is usually more concentrated, it’s best to adjust the amount used accordingly. Alternatively, try using a mixture of soy sauce and hoisin sauce.
• Is there an alternative to oyster sauce for this recipe?If you require an oyster sauce alternative, you might consider using sauce made for mushroom stir-fries. Alternatively, vegetarians can mix soy sauce with a bit of sugar and either mushroom sauce or, if you can get it, hoisin sauce.
• What can I do if I want a less spicy dish?You can make it less spicy by not using the red chili or by removing the seeds and then slicing the chili. You can also use less ginger, which would give you a milder-flavored dish.
• Can I make this dish in advance?You can prepare the sauce for this dish ahead of time, and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. When you are ready to serve, give the clams a quick stir-fry and then toss them with the sauce. This dish is best served right away.
• Are there vegetarian alternatives for clams in this recipe?If you want a vegetarian version, use either firm tofu or mushrooms instead of clams. Both of these alternatives work excellently with black bean sauce and beautifully absorb all the flavors.
• How do I know when the clams are fully cooked?The shells of clams open fully when the clams are cooked all the way through. If the clams do not open when you’re cooking them, toss them; they are not fit to eat.

Stir Fried Clams Black Bean Sauce Oc Xao Gung Dau Den Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Use canola oil or peanut oil in place of vegetable oil.
Recently harvested clams: Use mussels or cockles in their place.
Black beans that have undergone fermentation: Use black bean paste, or a small amount of miso paste instead (and adjust the salt level to your taste).
Soy sauce. Substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
Oyster sauce: Replace it with hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce for a vegetarian alternative.

Pro Tips

1. Soak the Clams: Before cooking, soak the clams in cold salted water for about 20 minutes. This helps them spit out any sand they may have inside, ensuring a cleaner dish.