Cantonese Stir-Fried Beef with Black Bean Sauce
Tender strips of beef wok-tossed with savory fermented black beans and crisp bell peppers for an iconic Cantonese stir-fry. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes blends garlic cloves, minced, tablespoon ginger, minced, tablespoons soy sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons fermented black beans, rinsed and roughly chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 medium green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 stalks scallions, sliced thin
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 12 ounces of thinly sliced flank steak with 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon soy sauce; let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until just smoking. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just browned but not fully cooked; remove and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same wok, add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, then add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon minced ginger, and 2 tablespoons chopped fermented black beans. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 medium sliced red bell pepper and 1 medium sliced green bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until peppers are tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Return the beef to the wok along with 1/4 cup water, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon white sugar, and the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and peppers.
- Step 6: Drizzle 1 teaspoon sesame oil and sprinkle 2 sliced scallions over the stir-fry. Toss briefly and serve hot with steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cantonese Stir-Fried Beef with Black Bean Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Cantonese Stir-Fried Beef with Black Bean Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cantonese Stir-Fried Beef with Black Bean Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cantonese Stir-Fried Beef with Black Bean Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Cantonese Stir-Fried Beef with Black Bean Sauce?
Chinese beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
