Wok-Fried Beef with Black Bean and Garlic Sauce
Tender slices of beef wok-fried with fermented black beans, garlic, and a savory sauce that delivers bold umami flavors. This chinese-inspired dumplings ready in about 25 minutes blends minced garlic cloves, minced ginger, soy sauce 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.
Ingredients
- 10 oz, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 1 tbsp, rinsed and roughly chopped fermented black beans
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp, minced ginger
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 stalks, sliced diagonally scallions
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Toss 10 oz thinly sliced flank steak with 1 tbsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp soy sauce in a bowl until evenly coated. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the edges are just browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef and set aside.
- Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the wok. Stir-fry 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 1 tbsp rinsed and chopped fermented black beans for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Return beef to the wok along with 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Stir vigorously for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
- Step 5: Toss in 2 sliced scallions and cook for 30 seconds more. Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Wok-Fried Beef with Black Bean and Garlic 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 Wok-Fried Beef with Black Bean and Garlic 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 Wok-Fried Beef with Black Bean and Garlic 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 Wok-Fried Beef with Black Bean and Garlic 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 Wok-Fried Beef with Black Bean and Garlic Sauce?
Chinese dumplings 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
A perfect weeknight dinner. The garlic and black bean sauce is addictive.
- ★★★★★
Authentic and flavorful. Made it for my parents and they were amazed by how good it tasted.
- ★★★★★
This dish was absolutely delicious! My family loved the rich black bean sauce and the beef was perfectly tender.
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