Stir-Fried Mixed Vegetables with Fermented Black Beans and Chili

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

A vibrant medley of vegetables coated in a umami-rich black bean chili sauce. This asian (vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs Broccoli florets, Carrot, julienned, Bell pepper, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 calories and feeds 2, 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: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Steam 1.5 cups broccoli florets for 3 minutes until crisp-tender, then set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tsp chopped dried red chilies and cook for 20 seconds until fragrant, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp minced ginger, stir-frying for 1 minute until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 1/2 cup julienned carrot, 1/2 cup sliced bell pepper, and 1/2 cup sliced bamboo shoots, stir-frying for 4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp rinsed fermented black beans, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice wine, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 2 tbsp water.
  5. Step 5: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet, bring to a simmer, and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables.
  6. Step 6: Add the steamed broccoli and toss to combine, cooking for 1 minute.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Mixed Vegetables with Fermented Black Beans and Chili take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Mixed Vegetables with Fermented Black Beans and Chili?

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 broccoli florets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Mixed Vegetables with Fermented Black Beans and Chili?

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 Mixed Vegetables with Fermented Black Beans and Chili for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

Is Stir-Fried Mixed Vegetables with Fermented Black Beans and Chili vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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