Name: Chinese Black Bean Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 cups dried black beans; 3 slices ginger; 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt (plus more to taste)

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This Chinese Black Bean Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the earthiness of black beans with the rich flavors of tender meat and ginger. The recipe is simple yet full of depth, with the option to blanch the ribs for a cleaner, more refined flavor. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly evening or a nourishing soup for any occasion, this recipe is sure to deliver.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chinese Black Bean Soup is a flavorful and wholesome dish that’s easy to prepare. The tender ribs, earthy black beans, and aromatic ginger create a comforting, savory broth that’s perfect for sipping. With just a few ingredients and a long, slow simmer, the flavors develop beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal that’s even better the next day. Plus, the soup is incredibly satisfying, making it a great choice for a filling, nutritious meal.

Ingredients

2 cups dried black beans (see notes)
3 slices ginger
2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt (plus more to taste)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Blanch the Ribs (Optional):

Blanching: Fill a large stockpot with 8 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Add the ribs (if using), then boil for a few minutes to remove any impurities. This step is optional, but it helps achieve a cleaner flavor in the soup.
Drain and Rinse: After boiling, drain the ribs and discard the water. Rinse the ribs under cold water to remove any excess scum.

Make the Soup:

Prepare the Soup: Refill the stockpot with 8 cups of water. Add the black beans, ginger slices, and coarse kosher salt to the pot.
Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and let it simmer for about 2 hours, or until the meat and beans are soft. Check the soup occasionally, adding more water if necessary to keep it covered.

Finish and Serve:

Taste and Season: After 2 hours, taste the soup and add more salt if needed.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy!

Storage:

Storage: The soup will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like carrots, onions, or celery to the soup for more flavor and texture.
Spicy Version: Add a bit of chili pepper or a dash of chili oil for a spicy kick.
Use Other Meats: If you prefer, you can use chicken or pork instead of beef ribs for a different flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: This soup freezes well for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, adding water if necessary to achieve your desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use canned black beans instead of dried?

Yes, you can use canned black beans if you’re short on time. Use about 3 cups of drained and rinsed canned beans, and reduce the cooking time to about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Is it necessary to blanch the ribs?

Blanching the ribs is optional but recommended for a cleaner, clearer broth. If you skip this step, the soup may have more fat and impurities in the broth.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. After blanching the ribs, add them to the slow cooker with the beans, ginger, salt, and water. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beans are tender.

Can I add more seasonings to the soup?

Absolutely! You can experiment with seasonings like soy sauce, garlic, or a dash of sesame oil for added flavor. Adjust according to your taste preferences.

How do I know when the beans and meat are done?

The beans should be tender and fully cooked, and the meat should be falling off the bone. If either is still tough, continue simmering until they soften.

Conclusion

This Chinese Black Bean Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a hearty meal. The combination of tender meat, earthy beans, and aromatic ginger creates a rich, savory broth that is both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy a bowl of this homemade goodness today!