Stir-Fried Beef with Classic Black Bean Sauce and Bell Peppers

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

A savory stir-fry featuring tender beef strips cooked in a rich black bean sauce with crisp bell peppers and onions. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes blends small, thinly sliced yellow onion, minced ginger, minced garlic cloves 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tbsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp soy sauce in a bowl until evenly coated; set aside for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp chopped fermented black beans to create the sauce.
  3. Step 3: 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 just browned; remove and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same wok, add 1 tbsp minced ginger, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 sliced yellow onion, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 sliced green bell pepper; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender and aromatic.
  5. Step 5: Return the beef to the wok, pour the prepared sauce over, and stir-fry together for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil on top, toss once more, and remove from heat before serving immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Beef with Classic Black Bean Sauce and Bell Peppers 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 with Classic Black Bean Sauce and Bell Peppers?

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 Classic Black Bean Sauce and Bell Peppers?

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 Classic Black Bean Sauce and Bell Peppers 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 Classic Black Bean Sauce and Bell Peppers?

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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