Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Black Bean Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant beef stir-fry bursting with bold spices, tender strips of beef, and crunchy bell peppers coated in a savory black bean sauce. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes blends thinly sliced flank steak, black bean sauce, 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 350 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp soy sauce in a bowl until evenly coated; set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add the marinated beef slices in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the edges brown but center is slightly pink.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 sliced green bell pepper to the wok, stir-frying for 2 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 tbsp black bean sauce and 1/4 cup water, tossing everything together. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and peppers.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 2 sliced scallions and 1/4 tsp chili flakes (if using) over the stir-fry, toss quickly, and remove from heat. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Black Bean Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers 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 Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers 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 Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and 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 Spiced Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers 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.

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