Quick Stir-Fry Beef with Broccoli and Black Bean Sauce
Tender strips of beef quickly stir-fried with crisp broccoli in a savory black bean sauce, perfect for a fast and flavorful weeknight dinner. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 27 minutes blends broccoli florets, garlic cloves, minced, fresh ginger, minced 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 420 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp fermented black beans, rinsed and roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2 scallions, sliced
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak in 1 tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb beef slices in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the wok. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, and 2 tbsp chopped fermented black beans. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 4 cups broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
- Step 5: Return beef to the wok. Mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 1 tsp sesame oil in a small bowl. Pour sauce over beef and broccoli, tossing to coat and cook for another 2 minutes until sauce thickens and beef is cooked through.
- Step 6: Garnish with 2 sliced scallions and serve immediately with steamed rice.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Stir-Fry Beef with Broccoli and Black Bean Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Quick Stir-Fry Beef with Broccoli and 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 Quick Stir-Fry Beef with Broccoli and 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 Quick Stir-Fry Beef with Broccoli and Black Bean Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Quick Stir-Fry Beef with Broccoli and 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.
