Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Chili in Black Bean Sauce

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

Tender strips of beef stir-fried quickly with fragrant garlic, spicy chili, and savory fermented black bean sauce for a bold, umami-packed dish. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes blends rinsed and mashed fermented black beans, vegetable oil, finely chopped 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 3, 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: 10 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tsp cornstarch and 2 tbsp soy sauce, coating evenly. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 finely chopped garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, stir-frying for 30 seconds until aromatic but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add the marinated beef strips to the wok in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is mostly browned.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp mashed fermented black beans and 1 tsp brown sugar, tossing to combine and coat the beef.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 3 tbsp water and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the beef.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced green onions before serving immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Chili in Black Bean Sauce 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 Garlic and Chili in Black Bean Sauce?

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 Garlic and Chili in Black Bean 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 Garlic and Chili in Black Bean 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 Garlic and Chili in Black Bean Sauce?

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.

Related recipes