Beef with Black Bean Sauce

This quick and easy Beef with Black Bean Sauce is made with stir-fried beef strips that are bathed in a flavorful black bean sauce. What a great weeknight dinner!

Today we’re going to create a dish where tender slices of beef meet the rich and savory flavors of black bean sauce. It’s complemented by the crispness of bell peppers and the aromatic zing of garlic.

This Beef with Black Bean Sauce recipe brings you a taste of Chinese cuisine that’s both easy to make and absolutely delicious. It’s perfect for those evenings when you crave something special yet simple to prepare.

Cooking Beef with Black Bean Sauce is an adventure in flavor that’s both satisfying and surprisingly simple. It’s a dish that not only fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas but also brings a piece of Chinese culinary tradition to your dining table.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just spicing up your weeknight meal routine, this recipe is sure to impress. So, grab your wok, and let’s get cooking!

Common Questions About Beef with Black Bean Sauce

Can I Use Different Types of Beef?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness, other cuts like sirloin or ribeye work well with this easy recipe too. Just make sure they’re thinly sliced for the best texture. Any big chunks won’t cook the same and will likely be tough.

What Makes Black Bean Sauce Special?

This delicious black bean sauce, often found in Chinese restaurants, is known for its deep, savory flavor. Traditionally, this dish is made with fermented black bean sauce.

If you like, fermented black beans are available at any Asian grocery store. Today, though, we are making it without the fermented part. It’s simpler and still very much adds a unique depth to the dish.

Is This Dish Spicy?

The basic recipe has a mild flavor, but you can add a dash of chili or extra black pepper to turn up the heat. There’s nothing wrong with a little extra kick if that’s what you want!

Storage

I think this beef is perfect for leftovers. The tender beef slices just get more flavorful as they have a chance to sit in that black bean sauce.

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a suitable container for up to a month.

Tips

There are so many wonderful Chinese recipes that I’ve come to love over the years. One year I bought a large wok so I could make things more traditionally. It was a great buy!

• Thinly Slicing Beef: Cut against the grain for more tender meat.
• High Heat for Stir-Frying: This ensures your beef and veggies are cooked perfectly.
• Balancing Flavors: Adjust the black bean sauce to suit your taste, adding a splash of Shaoxing wine for extra authenticity.
• Garnishing: Sprinkle with sesame seeds or spring onions for a fresh, aromatic finish.

Ingredients

Flank steak is typically a less expensive cut of beef and it’s perfect for this recipe. Trust me, you’ll definitely get a five-star rating at the dinner table with this one!

• Flank steak
• Black beans
• Garlic
• Green and red bell pepper
• Onion
• Vegetable oil
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Granulated sugar
• Beef broth
• Cornstarch
• Green onions
• White rice

How to Make Beef with Black Bean Sauce

Step one is key here. You can turn the toughest part of the cow into tender pieces of beef if you just slice it correctly. 

1. Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. This ensures tenderness in the final dish.
2. In a small bowl, combine the minced black beans, minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Mix well and set aside.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the sliced beef to the hot oil and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until it is no longer pink. Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside.
4. In the same wok, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced green and red bell peppers and the onion. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
5. Return the cooked beef to the wok with the vegetables.
6. Pour the prepared black bean sauce over the beef and vegetables in the wok.
7. Stir the cornstarch into the beef broth. Pour in the beef broth to the wok. Stir the mixture well.
8. Cook for another minute or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
9. Garnish the dish with chopped green onions. Serve the beef with black bean sauce hot over steamed rice.

Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Beef with Black Bean Sauce

This is some of the best beef that I’ve had in a long time. Something about that black bean sauce seems to envelop and tenderize the meat while adding a ton of flavor. So tasty!

• Wok or large skillet
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring spoons
• Stirring spoon or spatula

What to Serve With Beef with Black Bean Sauce

Think of what’s tasty with other stir fry recipes and you’ll have a good idea of what to serve with this. Personally, I love some freshly steamed veggies with my beef strips!

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Stir-fried noodles
• A fresh side salad or steamed vegetables

Why You Should Make Beef with Black Bean Sauce

Once you’re done cooking, you’ll think you’ve sat down at your favorite Chinese restaurant. It’s great that Chinese cooking doesn’t have to be complicated!

• Flavorful Experience: Enjoy the rich and savory taste of authentic Chinese cuisine.
• Quick & Easy: Perfect for a hassle-free, delicious dinner.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable to include your favorite veggies or spices.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both adults and kids.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein and veggies for a balanced meal.

Variations and Add-ins for Beef with Black Bean Sauce

Once you’ve tried this black bean beef stir fry, let me know how it went in the comments. I love hearing all your awesome feedback!

• Add Heat: Spice it up with red pepper flakes or chili sauce.
• Vegetable Variations: Try adding snow peas, baby corn, or mushrooms.
• Meat Alternatives: Substitute beef with chicken, pork, or tofu.
• Sauce Tweaks: Experiment with light soy sauce or black bean garlic sauce for different flavors.
• Extra Crunch: Toss in some roasted cashews or peanuts just before serving.

If you love this easy dinner recipe, you’re going to love these other dinner ideas too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

More Great Beef Dinners

Beef and Noodles Recipe

Korean Beef Bowl

Instant Pot Beef Stew

Slow Cooker Beef & Broccoli

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