Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Broccoli with Black Bean Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A spicy stir-fry featuring tender broccoli florets in a savory black bean and garlic sauce, perfect for boosting immunity with bold flavors. This chinese-inspired stir fry (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes blends broccoli florets, vegetable oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves 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 110 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 110 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 thinly sliced fresh red chili. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 cups broccoli florets and toss to coat. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until broccoli is bright green and slightly tender.
  4. Step 4: Mix 3 tbsp water with 1 tsp cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 tbsp rinsed and chopped fermented black beans and 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce to the wok, then pour in the cornstarch slurry. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the broccoli.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the top. Toss gently and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Broccoli with Black Bean Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Broccoli 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 Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Broccoli 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 Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Broccoli 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.

Is Garlic and Chili Stir-Fried Broccoli with Black Bean Sauce vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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