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

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

Great for mapo tofu.

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.

love it but I bought it becuase it was the only bean paste that didnt say it had chili oil. Bit it does even tho they didnt list it. I still cant find a chili paste that not spicy. great umami for other dishes but cant seem to find it.

Disagree with the one star review given Dec 2020. (Sure, fermented foods can smell a tad funky. Maybe the reviewer received a bad bag...) My mapo tofu has never tasted better since I found this product. I discovered this brand after researching doubanjiang. Why research? I can’t find authentic doubanjiang locally, and I wasn’t going to try just any brand offered on Amazon because my parents are Chinese and my mother was born in Sichuan. ‘nuff said.This is AUTHENTIC pixian chili bean paste made from broad beans. Produced by Sichuan Pixian Douban Co. in Chengdu, Sichuan, JUAN CHEN is a designated "China Time-Honored Brand" of doubanjiang. According to The Mala Market, the brand has been "made in Sichuan since 1688. PIXIAN doubanjiang is a protected geographic indication and is one of the few food products in China whose craftsmanship qualifies as National Intangible Cultural Heritage."Authentic doubanjiang is made from BROAD beans (fava) — not soybeans. Check ingredient labels of other brands and you’ll see soybeans have been substituted.The date on the package is the best buy date, not the expiration date. Once opened, it will last forever in the fridge. I store mine by putting the entire inner, clear pouch inside a lidded mason jar. I dip a dinner knife in to scoop out a tablespoon or more. More convenient, less messy.

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.

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 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.