Stir-Fried Beef with Black Bean and Garlic Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with fermented black beans and garlic create a savory, robust dish perfect for pairing with steamed rice. This chinese-inspired chinese ready in about 25 minutes pairs minced garlic cloves, minced ginger, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine. Set aside for 10 minutes to marinate.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender; remove beef and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same wok, add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 2 tbsp chopped fermented black beans. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the wok along with 1/4 cup water, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp sugar. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
  5. Step 5: Add 2 sliced green onions, toss to combine, and remove from heat. Serve immediately with steamed rice.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Beef with Black Bean and Garlic Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Beef with Black Bean and Garlic 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 with Black Bean and Garlic 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 Stir-Fried Beef with Black Bean and Garlic Sauce?

Chinese chinese 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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