Doubanjiang Requires Daily Care

Doubanjiang is not something you leave alone. During fermentation, it needs to be mixed regularly in the daytime, when the warmth of the sun activates the microorganisms driving the process. Turning the paste allows air to move through it, evens out moisture, and prevents uneven fermentation or spoilage at the surface. It’s a small, repetitive act, but it shapes everything, guiding how the beans break down, how the color deepens, and how the flavors develop into something balanced and complex over time.