In Philippine cuisine, tausi are used primarily for flavoring — you lightly mash them with a fork in a way such that the skin of each bean breaks and the flavor seeps out into the dish it’s added to.

And it’s not just the flavored saltiness that they add to a dish. The way the beans were fermented gives off a distinct aroma as well.

Tausi is frequently added to Chinese-influenced fish and tofu dishes.

How exactly do you use them?

If you buy tausi in a can like this, drain the beans of the liquid and rinse with fresh water. Then add some to a dish. Rarely would you use the whole can! You can keep the remainder in a covered container in the fridge for later use.