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

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

Tender strips of beef stir-fried with crunchy bell peppers in a bold, spicy black bean sauce, served over steamed rice for a satisfying Asian-inspired meal. This chinese-inspired stir fry ready in about 30 minutes pairs flank steak, thinly sliced, red bell pepper, sliced into strips, green bell pepper, sliced into strips for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 15 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 480 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp soy sauce; set aside for 10 minutes to marinate.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same wok, add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 2 tbsp chopped fermented black beans. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 large sliced red bell pepper and 1 large sliced green bell pepper to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the peppers are crisp-tender.
  5. Step 5: Return the beef to the wok, add 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Toss everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef and vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 2 sliced scallions. Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Beef with Spicy Black Bean Sauce and Bell Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Spicy Black Bean Sauce and Bell Peppers?

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, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Beef with Spicy 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 Spicy Black Bean Sauce and Bell Peppers 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 Spicy Black Bean Sauce and Bell Peppers?

Chinese stir fry 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