Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli with Garlic Black Bean Sauce

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

Tender strips of beef and crisp broccoli florets stir-fried in a savory garlic black bean sauce for a classic Chinese-inspired dish. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes blends teaspoons cornstarch, tablespoons soy sauce, tablespoons vegetable oil 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 410 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: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 pound thinly sliced flank steak with 2 teaspoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons soy sauce in a bowl until evenly coated; set aside for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the wok, then add 4 cups broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon chopped fermented black beans, and 1 tablespoon minced ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
  6. Step 6: Return the beef to the wok, tossing together with the sauce and broccoli. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until beef is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with 2 tablespoons sliced scallions and serve immediately with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli with Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli with Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli with Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli with Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli with Garlic 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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