Sichuan Pixian Broad Bean Paste with Red Chili Oil - 17.6 oz (500g) | Hong You Dou Ban

Its mild and perfect for mapo tofu

This is the very brand the Chinese recommend the most, and after trying it, I see why. Never will I get another brand. To those complaining it’s “too salty,” that’s because it’s suppose to be. Learn its practical application in genuine Chinese cuisine. My Sichuan Mapo Tofu, for example, calls for 2 tablespoons of this pixian paste and the finished product, no, is not overly salty. I hope this stays in stock.

Great flavor and perfect for recipes that call for it. It's very salty but balanced and concentrated. It would be way too strong to use as a standalone sauce or topping, but mixed into a stir fry or stew it's perfect.

Product is medium spicy, very good condiment for Asian cooking.

I've been cooking authentic Chinese food for some time and this is a pantry staple in my kitchen. Chances are you're reading this because you're trying to choose a good doubanjiang to make mapo tofu with. You've found the stuff. Don't just limit yourself to mapo tofu, though. Sichuanese cuisine has a lot to offer. This paste is fermented and it's often combined with fermented black beans in recipes, so if you are generally not a fan of that type of flavor this isn't for you. There isn't a lot of heat to this. The signature numbing heat is supposed to come from the Sichuan peppercorns you use. Make sure those are toasted to unlock their true potential.

Packaging was great. No issues. great flavor

Transform your Ramen noodles with a teaspoon or more of this bean paste. It adds a really nice mellow heat that goes great with any meat or vegetable you like to include. I'm hooked.

it is the product as described, it's just not very good quality unfortunately. overly salty, not a lot of depth of flavor. i was still able to make an edible Mapo Tofu but it was just not up to my standards. it's not bad, and it is inexpensive, so not the worst choice. just not my choice.