Stir-Fried Beef with Black Bean Sauce and Snow Peas
Tender strips of beef wok-tossed with savory fermented black bean sauce and crisp snow peas for a quick Asian-inspired meal. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes blends rinsed and mashed fermented black beans, soy sauce, cornstarch 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 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 2 tbsp, rinsed and mashed fermented black beans
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp fresh minced ginger
- 2 cups trimmed snow peas
- 2, sliced green onions
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tbsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp soy sauce. Set aside for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 3: Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the wok. Stir-fry 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 2 tbsp mashed fermented black beans, 2 cups trimmed snow peas, 1/4 cup water, 2 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until snow peas are bright green and crisp-tender.
- Step 5: Return beef to the wok along with 2 sliced green onions. Toss everything together and cook 1-2 minutes until beef is cooked through and sauce thickens slightly. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Beef with Black Bean Sauce and Snow Peas take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 with Black Bean Sauce and Snow Peas?
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 with Black Bean Sauce 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 Sauce and Snow Peas 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 with Black Bean Sauce 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.
