Stir-Fried Clams with Black Bean Sauce

Materials:

For the Clams:

1 kg fresh clams
2 tablespoons salt
1 tablespoon cornmeal (optional)
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons fermented black beans, rinsed and chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, minced
1 shallot, thinly sliced
1 dried chili, sliced (optional)
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
1 teaspoon light soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon dark soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For Garnish:

Green onions, sliced

Production Steps:

1. Clean the Clams:
   Soak clams in salted water with optional cornmeal for 2-3 hours to purge sand.
   Rinse clams thoroughly under cold running water.
   Drain clams and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, combine fermented black beans, garlic, ginger, shallot, chili, Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and white pepper.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to form a slurry.
3. Cook the Clams:
   Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat.
   Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat.
   Add clams and cook until they open, about 3-4 minutes.
   Remove clams from the wok and set aside.
   Strain and reserve the clam liquor.
4. Make the Sauce:
   Add the reserved clam liquor to the sauce mixture.
   Heat the wok again over medium-high heat.
   Add the sauce mixture and cook until thickened, stirring constantly.
   Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce is glossy and thickened.
5. Combine Clams and Sauce:
   Return the cooked clams to the wok with the sauce.
   Toss to coat the clams evenly in the sauce.
   Cook for an additional minute to ensure the clams are heated through.
6. Serve:
   Garnish with sliced green onions.
   Serve immediately while hot. Tips:
   For a spicier dish, add more chili peppers.
   If the clams are not opening after a few minutes, discard any unopened ones as they may be bad.
   You can adjust the amount of sauce to your preference.
   Serve with steamed rice for a complete meal.

By following these steps, you can create a delicious and authentic Stir-Fried Clams with Black Bean Sauce.