Stir-Fried Beef with Black Bean Sauce and Ginger

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

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with pungent black bean sauce, fresh ginger, and crisp vegetables for a savory Cantonese-inspired dish. This Chinese-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs flank steak, fermented black beans, fresh ginger 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp soy sauce in a bowl; let marinate for 10 minutes to tenderize.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 1 tbsp julienned fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the edges start to brown but the inside remains tender.
  4. Step 4: Push the beef to the side, add 1 tbsp rinsed and chopped fermented black beans and 1 tbsp oyster sauce, sautéing for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 medium sliced green bell pepper and 2 tbsp water, stir-frying for another 2 minutes until the pepper is crisp-tender.
  6. Step 6: Finish by stirring in 2 sliced scallions and seasoning with 1/4 tsp white pepper; toss everything together and serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Beef with Black Bean Sauce and Ginger 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 Sauce and Ginger?

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 Sauce and Ginger?

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 Sauce and Ginger 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 Sauce and Ginger?

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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