Stir-Fried Chicken with Black Bean Sauce and Bell Peppers
Juicy chicken pieces stir-fried with colorful bell peppers in a savory black bean sauce, delivering a bold and satisfying Asian-inspired dish. This chinese-inspired stir fry ready in about 25 minutes blends rinsed and mashed fermented black beans, soy sauce, finely minced ginger 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 280 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 into strips chicken breast
- 1 large, sliced into 1/2-inch strips red bell pepper
- 1 large, sliced into 1/2-inch strips green bell pepper
- 2 tbsp, rinsed and mashed fermented black beans
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp, finely minced ginger
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 2, sliced thinly for garnish scallions
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water until smooth; set aside as stir-fry sauce.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 1 tbsp finely minced ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breast strips and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the chicken turns opaque and starts to brown.
- Step 4: Add 2 tbsp rinsed and mashed fermented black beans, 1 large sliced red bell pepper, and 1 large sliced green bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until peppers are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Step 5: Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture into the wok along with 1 tbsp sesame oil, stirring continuously until sauce thickens and coats all ingredients, about 1-2 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove from heat, garnish with 2 sliced scallions, and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Chicken with Black Bean Sauce and Bell Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Chicken with 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 Chicken with 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 Chicken with 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 Chicken with 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.
