Doubanjiang (Fermented Bean Paste, 豆瓣酱) is a salty paste made from fermented broad beans, soybeans, salt, rice, and various spices. There are spicy La Doubanjiang and regular non-spicy Doubanjiang (Click here to read more).
Non-Spicy Doubanjiang
This Taiwanese Lian How (岡山) brand of Doubanjiang is NOT spicy. The color is brown and no sign of red chili in there. You can buy this from Asian grocery stores.
Spicy Doubanjiang (La Doubanjiang)
La Doubanjiang (Chili Bean Paste/Sauce, 辣豆瓣酱) is spicy fermented bean paste with red chili peppers. You can see the paste/sauce is red from the bottle. Here’s another brand. As you may recognize, the English translation is very different from a brand to a brand. Therefore, look for the Chinese character on the label. If you see 辣 in front of 豆板醤, then that’s a spicy one. You should be able to tell by the color of paste/sauce.
Gluten-Free Doubanjiang
From my research, it looks like Youki Sichuan Doubanjiang is the only gluten-free doubanjiang. One website I found mentioned about these doubanjiang brands below are gluten-free, but I haven’t confirmed it myself.
Mong Lee ShangSix fortuneMaster
Wish to learn more about Japanese cooking? Sign up for our free newsletter to receive cooking tips & recipe updates! And stay in touch with me on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram.
