If you love bold flavors and quick, satisfying meals, you are going to adore this Beef with Black Bean Sauce Recipe. This dish brings together tender slices of flank steak coated in a rich, savory fermented black bean sauce, enhanced with crisp bell peppers and aromatic garlic and ginger. The blend of textures and umami notes makes it a staple recipe that’s perfect for weeknights or impressing friends at your next dinner. Once you master this recipe, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is key to navigating this flavorful Beef with Black Bean Sauce Recipe. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of texture, aroma, and taste in your dish.
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain: This cut ensures tenderness and cooks quickly for stir-frying.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds deep umami and saltiness to both the marinade and sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): Brings a subtle sweetness and complexity to the beef marinade.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Binds the marinade and gives the beef a velvety texture.
- 2 tablespoons oil for stir-frying: High-heat oils like vegetable or peanut oil work best for quick cooking.
- 1 tablespoon fermented black beans, rinsed and mashed: The star of the dish, delivering that unmistakable savory punch.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a bright, aromatic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced: Adds warmth and zing, balancing the rich sauce.
- 1 small onion, sliced: Provides sweetness and body to the stir-fry.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Offers crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds sweetness and a pop of red for contrast.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Deepens the sauce with a savory, slightly sweet flavor.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Enhances umami and ties all flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances acidity and rounds out the sauce.
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth: Creates just enough liquid to blend flavors and help cook the vegetables.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry): Thickens the sauce to a luscious glaze.
How to Make Beef with Black Bean Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by tossing the thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. This simple marinating process not only seasons the beef but also tenderizes it and helps create a glossy coating once cooked. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, so the flavors soak in and the texture improves.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Once shimmering, spread the beef in a single layer and sear for about 2 minutes until it’s browned on the outside but not fully cooked through. This quick searing locks in juices and flavor. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside while you prepare the sauce and vegetables.
Step 3: Stir-Fry Aromatics and Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the hot pan. Toss in the mashed fermented black beans, minced garlic, and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until the aroma fills your kitchen. Immediately add the sliced onions and both green and red bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften but remain crisp. This short cook time preserves their vibrant color and delightful crunch.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients and Simmer
Return the seared beef to the wok with the vegetables. Pour in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and water or beef broth. Stir everything well to combine the flavors and let the mixture simmer gently for 2 minutes. This melds the sauce and succulent beef together into a wonderful harmony.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Finally, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook just until the sauce thickens and clings beautifully to every bite of beef and veggie. Remove from heat right away to keep the sauce silky and not overly thickened. Serve this fantastic Beef with Black Bean Sauce Recipe piping hot over steamed rice or your favorite noodles.
How to Serve Beef with Black Bean Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped scallions or fresh cilantro over the beef right before serving. A few toasted sesame seeds also add a lovely hint of nuttiness and crunch that complements the rich sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the delicious black bean sauce. If you want something lighter, try serving it alongside stir-fried baby bok choy or sautéed snow peas to add even more color and crispness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve this Beef with Black Bean Sauce Recipe in individual mini woks or over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. You can also pile it on steamed bao buns for a fun, handheld dining experience that’s bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover beef with black bean sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce-covered beef separate from any rice or sides if possible, so everything stays fresh and doesn’t get soggy.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well if you want to save some for later. Let the cooked dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep its quality for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the beef with black bean sauce gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the beef tender and the sauce glossy.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking time, you can also use sirloin or skirt steak sliced thinly. Just adjust cooking times to avoid toughness.
What can I substitute for fermented black beans?
If fermented black beans are hard to find, black bean garlic sauce is a decent alternative, though it’s sweeter and less intensely salty. A touch of miso paste could help replicate the umami depth as well.
Is this recipe spicy?
On its own, this Beef with Black Bean Sauce Recipe is not spicy, but you can always add chili flakes or fresh sliced chilies if you want to bring some heat to the dish.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes, it’s naturally dairy-free since it relies on soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fermented black beans for flavor. Just ensure your oyster sauce is free of any additives if you have dietary restrictions.
How do I slice the beef properly?
Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain to break up muscle fibers. This technique produces more tender bites that cook evenly and quickly, perfect for stir-frying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and exciting about this Beef with Black Bean Sauce Recipe that makes you want to come back for just one more bite. It’s a fantastic example of how simple ingredients and straightforward steps can create something that feels both special and satisfying. Give it a try soon—you’ll be amazed at how quickly this dish finds a place as a keeper in your kitchen favorites.
Print
Beef with Black Bean Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
A classic Chinese stir-fry dish featuring tender flank steak cooked with fermented black beans, vibrant bell peppers, and a savory oyster-soy sauce blend, delivering rich umami flavors and a satisfying meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Stir-Fry
- 2 tablespoons oil for stir-frying
- 1 tablespoon fermented black beans, rinsed and mashed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Mix well to coat the beef thoroughly and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for about 2 minutes until browned on the outside but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Cook Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the wok. Stir-fry the mashed fermented black beans, minced garlic, and minced ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant and aromatic. Next, add the sliced onion and both green and red bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still retain some crunch.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Return the seared beef to the wok with the vegetables. Pour in 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1/4 cup water or beef broth. Stir everything to combine evenly, then let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and cook for another minute, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency that coats the beef and vegetables well.
- Serve: Immediately serve the beef with black bean sauce over steamed rice or your preferred side dish for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken or tofu for beef for a different protein option.
- Fermented black beans add a distinct umami flavor; if unavailable, black bean garlic sauce can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust the choice of vegetables based on your preference or seasonal availability.
