Pixian Sichuan Broad Bean Paste, 1lb 郫縣豆瓣醬

I bought this to use to make Ma Po Tofu. It tastes great and has chunky pieces in it. i could take it a bit spicier. It is spicy but not unbearable by any means! I will buy again when we need it.

I was excited to get this because I wanted to make authentic Mapo Tofu. I made Mapo Tofu without this by using Gochujang and although not authentic it was good overall, but not authentic and this bean pasted is that you need to pinpoint that Mapo flavor profile. The broad beans in it are not small so it is best to break it down a little with a knife by chopping it up and making the beans smaller and better incorporated into the sauce. I also use this to make my sauce to pour over my silken tofu with chili sauce served chilled, now that is really fantastic. Cool and soothing in the warmer months. Since I don't cook Asian everyday, the amount that I received will last me quite while. I removed it from the bag and placed it in a clean clear jar and keep it in the fridge ready to go.

It's good and what I expected. Put it in a glass mason jar immediately.

The bag within a bag arrangement makes this a messy product to use. It is nearly impossible to get a spoon in there without getting the paste on the handle of the spoon, the counter, your fingers, etc. I squeezed the entire contents into a plastic container that I keep in the fridge. Even this one step was a messy business and trying to get every last bit out of the interior plastic bag is frustrating.Also, be aware you may need to chop up the large beans, and because the product is salty, you might wish to cut back on other salt sources in your recipes.And yet, Pixian delivers the real Sichuan funk. Worth the trouble, but barely.

Great for mapo tofu.

This is that missing flavor component that you can’t figure out what it is in a lot of Chinese dishes. It is delicious and full of flavor and an absolute staple in the kitchen for me.

Was in the mood to make MaPo, and ordered this paste. Mediocre-to-good quality, but the saltiness overwhelms even a large dish. 3 teaspoon were enough to ruin a pound of tofu, 2 cups of rice, a pound of pork and a sauce.

I typically avoid buying food that is made in China, however, I make exceptions such as this product, my Chinese rice wine, and fermented black beans.This paste is not excessively greasy like other brands. Good flavor, not too spicy (for those who are concerned). I love the heat, but my family doesn’t. I use kashmiri chili powder for color and to add a mild heat so others can enjoy my cooking.