Stir-Fried Beef with Black Bean and Snow Peas

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

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with crisp snow peas and savory black bean sauce, delivering a classic Cantonese flavor. This Chinese-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs flank steak, snow peas, fermented black beans 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 300 g flank steak into thin 1/4-inch strips across the grain, then toss with 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp soy sauce, marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Rinse 2 tbsp fermented black beans under cold water and roughly mash them with the back of a spoon.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 tbsp minced ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the marinated beef strips and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the edges brown but the inside remains tender.
  5. Step 5: Add the mashed black beans, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, remaining 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 3 tbsp water. Stir and cook for another 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Toss in 150 g snow peas and cook for 1-2 minutes until they turn bright green and remain crisp.
  7. Step 7: Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil and sprinkle 2 thinly sliced scallions, toss gently, then remove from heat to serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Beef with Black Bean and Snow Peas take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Snow Peas?

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 flank steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Beef with Black Bean and Snow Peas?

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 Snow Peas 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 Snow Peas?

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.