The savory, umami flavor of black vinegar has been a staple in many Asian cuisines for centuries. This fermented liquid gold can elevate everything from stir-fries to braises, and its versatility knows no bounds. Whether you’re looking to add depth to your cooking or simply wanting to explore new flavors, black vinegar is an ingredient worth getting familiar with.
In this article, we’ll be sharing 18 of our favorite black vinegar recipes that are perfect for everyday cooking. From classic dishes like braised pork belly and stir-fried bok choy, to creative twists like black vinegar marinated cucumber salad and roasted Brussels sprouts, there’s something for everyone in this collection.
In the following pages, we’ll be diving into each of these recipes and exploring the ways that black vinegar can enhance your cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, you won’t want to miss these flavorful and easy-to-make dishes.
Braised Pork Belly with Black Vinegar
Transform pork belly into a tender, flavorful masterpiece by slow-cooking it in black vinegar and aromatics.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs pork belly, skin removed
– 1/4 cup black vinegar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cups chicken broth
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the pork belly until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
4. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to pot. Cook onion and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add ginger, soy sauce, black vinegar, chicken broth, and brown sugar to pot. Stir to combine.
6. Return pork belly to pot, cover, and transfer to preheated oven.
7. Braise for 2-1/2 hours or overnight, flipping the pork halfway through.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Serve with steamed bok choy or rice for a delicious and authentic Chinese-inspired meal.
Black Vinegar Glazed Chicken Wings
Elevate your snack game with this sweet and savory recipe that combines the umami flavor of black vinegar with crispy chicken wings.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds chicken wings
– 1/4 cup black vinegar (Chinese or Japanese)
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together black vinegar, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and sesame oil.
3. Add chicken wings to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Remove chicken wings from marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until crispy and caramelized.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Stir-Fried Bok Choy with Black Vinegar
Savor the sweet and savory flavors of bok choy, a type of Chinese cabbage, paired with the bold taste of black vinegar in this quick and easy stir-fry recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 bunch bok choy (about 4 cups), cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 2 teaspoons black vinegar
– Salt to taste
– Optional: soy sauce or sesame oil for added flavor
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
3. Add the bok choy pieces, stir-frying for about 4-5 minutes or until tender but still crisp.
4. Pour in the black vinegar and season with salt to taste.
5. Stir-fry for an additional minute to combine flavors.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes.
Black Vinegar and Soy Sauce Dipping Sauce
This classic Chinese dipping sauce is a staple for any occasion, adding depth and umami flavor to various dishes. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create this savory condiment in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons black vinegar (Chinkiang or similar)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together black vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and salt until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Gradually add in the water, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
3. Adjust seasoning if needed, then set aside to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Notes:
This dipping sauce is versatile and pairs well with various dishes, such as dumplings, noodles, or as a marinade for meats. You can also customize the ratio of black vinegar to soy sauce to suit your taste preferences.
Black Vinegar Marinated Cucumber Salad
A refreshing summer salad that combines the sweetness of cucumbers with the tanginess of black vinegar, perfect for hot days.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cucumbers, sliced into thin rounds
– 1/2 cup black vinegar (chinkiang or Chinese black vinegar)
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together black vinegar, water, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
2. Add the sliced cucumbers to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Just before serving, season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
5. Serve chilled.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes – 2 hours (depending on marinating time)
Taiwanese Black Vinegar Noodles
This comforting and savory noodle dish is a staple in Taiwanese cuisine, made with the bold flavor of black vinegar and topped with crispy garlic bits. With its rich umami taste, it’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 200g noodles (preferably thin, hand-pulled noodles)
– 2 tablespoons black vinegar
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
2. In a wok or large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry until crispy and golden brown.
4. Add the black vinegar, sugar, and salt to the wok. Stir until the mixture simmers and thickens slightly.
5. Add the cooked noodles to the wok and toss everything together until well combined.
6. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
7. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Black Vinegar Beef Stir-Fry
A flavorful and savory stir-fry dish that combines the richness of beef with the tanginess of black vinegar.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas)
– 2 tablespoons black vinegar
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan.
3. Add garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds.
4. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together black vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar.
6. Pour the sauce into the wok or skillet and stir-fry everything together for 1 minute.
7. Return beef to pan and stir-fry for an additional minute.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Black Vinegar and Ginger Dressing
This savory dressing combines the bold flavors of black vinegar and fresh ginger to add a depth and warmth to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup black vinegar (such as Chinese rice vinegar or Korean gochujang)
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together black vinegar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey until well combined.
2. Add the grated ginger and red pepper flakes (if using) to the dressing mixture. Whisk until smooth.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (preparation and refrigeration)
Sweet and Sour Black Vinegar Fish
A classic Chinese-inspired dish that combines the savory flavor of black vinegar with a sweet and sour glaze, perfectly cooked fish makes for a delightful meal.
Ingredients:
– 4 fish fillets (any white fish works well)
– 1/2 cup black vinegar
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together black vinegar, sugar, ketchup, garlic, and soy sauce.
3. Place fish fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the sweet and sour glaze evenly over the fish.
4. Dot the top of each fillet with vegetable oil.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until fish is cooked through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Black Vinegar Braised Eggplant
This recipe transforms eggplant into a tender and flavorful dish by slow-cooking it in a mixture of black vinegar, soy sauce, and aromatics. The result is a sweet and savory sauce that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium eggplants
– 1/4 cup black vinegar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1 star anise pod
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cut the eggplants into 1-inch cubes.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, and star anise; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the eggplant cubes and cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the black vinegar and soy sauce.
6. Pour the sauce over the eggplant mixture and stir to combine.
7. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 30-40 minutes or until the eggplant is tender.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Black Vinegar and Garlic Shrimp
Savor the bold flavors of Asia with this simple yet impressive dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons black vinegar (Chinkiang or similar)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together garlic, black vinegar, and ginger.
2. Add the shrimp and toss to coat, making sure they’re evenly coated with the marinade.
3. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Add the marinated shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with scallions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Black Vinegar Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Transform humble Brussels sprouts into a sweet and savory delight with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tablespoons black vinegar (Chinkiang or similar)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for added heat
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together black vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the Brussels sprouts to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the marinade.
4. Spread the sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and caramelized, stirring occasionally.
6. If desired, sprinkle with red pepper flakes during the last 5 minutes of roasting.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Black Vinegar and Honey Glazed Carrots
Add a twist to your carrot game with this simple recipe that combines the natural sweetness of carrots with the tanginess of black vinegar and the richness of honey.
Ingredients:
– 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons black vinegar (such as Chinese or Japanese rice vinegar)
– 1 tablespoon pure honey
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together black vinegar, honey, and olive oil.
3. Add the sliced carrots to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the glaze.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the carrot slices in a single layer.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until carrots are tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Black Vinegar Tofu Stir-Fry
A savory and umami-packed stir-fry that combines the rich flavor of black vinegar with the tender texture of tofu, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into small cubes
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 2 teaspoons black vinegar
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add bell peppers; cook until tender, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Add tofu; cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together black vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar.
6. Pour the mixture over the tofu and vegetables; stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Black Vinegar and Sesame Dipping Sauce
A sweet and savory condiment perfect for dipping wontons, dumplings, or noodles.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup black vinegar (Chinkiang or similar)
– 1/4 cup tahini
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons water
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and sugar to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together black vinegar, tahini, soy sauce, and water until smooth.
2. Add sesame oil, grated ginger, salt, and sugar. Whisk until well combined.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Cooking Time: None! This is a no-cook condiment.
Black Vinegar Marinated Hard-Boiled Eggs
Elevate your snack game with these savory and aromatic hard-boiled eggs marinated in a sweet and sour black vinegar mixture.
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
– 1/4 cup black vinegar (Chinkiang or Chinese black vinegar)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together black vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and grated ginger until well combined.
2. Add the sesame oil and whisk again to emulsify.
3. Place the hard-boiled eggs in a single layer in a shallow dish or container.
4. Pour the marinade over the eggs, making sure they are fully coated.
5. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Serve the marinated eggs chilled, garnished with chopped scallions or sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (for boiling the eggs)
Black Vinegar and Chili Oil Dumplings
These Black Vinegar and Chili Oil Dumplings combine the richness of pork and vegetables with the bold flavors of fermented black vinegar and chili oil.
Ingredients:
– 1 package round wonton wrappers (about 20-24 wrappers)
– 1/2 pound ground pork
– 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
– 1/4 cup grated carrots
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon fermented black vinegar
– 1 teaspoon chili oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground pork, scallions, carrots, garlic, soy sauce, black vinegar, and chili oil. Mix until just combined.
2. Lay a wonton wrapper on a clean surface. Place about 1 tablespoon of the filling in the center.
3. Moisten the edges with water, then fold the wrapper into a triangle by bringing the two opposite corners together to form a point.
4. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
5. Cook dumplings in boiling water for 8-10 minutes or until they float to the surface.
6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Black Vinegar Braised Mushrooms
Elevate your meal with the rich flavors of black vinegar and tender mushrooms. This simple recipe yields a savory and aromatic side dish perfect for accompanying grilled meats, noodles, or rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (such as shiitake, cremini, and oyster)
– 2 tablespoons black vinegar
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their liquid and start to brown, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Add the black vinegar, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 10-15 minutes or until the liquid has almost completely reduced and the mushrooms are tender.
6. Garnish with parsley or thyme, if desired. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Discover the versatility of black vinegar with these 18 flavorful recipe ideas for everyday cooking. From savory stir-fries to sweet and sour sauces, black vinegar adds depth and complexity to a variety of dishes. Try braising pork belly or glazing chicken wings with this fermented treasure. Elevate your stir-fries with black vinegar-glazed vegetables or add a tangy twist to noodle dishes. Even marinated salads and roasted vegetables benefit from the umami flavor of black vinegar. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, savory, or spicy, there’s a recipe here that’s sure to please.
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