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

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

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with colorful bell peppers in a bold black bean sauce infused with garlic and ginger. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 27 minutes blends small, sliced yellow onion, 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 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tsp cornstarch until evenly coated and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the steak in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove steak and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the wok. Sauté 1 tbsp minced ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium sliced red bell pepper, 1 medium sliced green bell pepper, and 1 small sliced yellow onion. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Return the beef to the wok along with 3 tbsp black bean sauce, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes until the beef is cooked through and sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp water if needed to loosen the sauce. Garnish with 2 sliced green onions and serve hot with steamed rice.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers 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 Spicy 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 Spicy 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 Spicy Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers 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 Spicy 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.

Related recipes