Description
This Beef with Black Bean Sauce recipe features tender flank steak stir-fried with a savory and slightly tangy black bean sauce, complemented by aromatic garlic, ginger, and crisp vegetables. It’s a quick and flavorful Chinese-inspired main course perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fermented black bean paste
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the beef: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with soy sauce and cornstarch. Toss well to coat the beef evenly and let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Cook the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until browned on the outside but not completely cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside to rest.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary. Add minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing their intense aromas.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the pan, stir-frying for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp, enhancing their natural sweetness and texture.
- Add the sauce ingredients: Stir in fermented black bean paste, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and water. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors into a rich, savory sauce base.
- Combine beef and sauce: Return the browned beef to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly so the beef cooks through completely and is well coated with the black bean sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with freshly sliced green onions, and serve hot over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute flank steak with sirloin or skirt steak for similar texture and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of fermented black bean paste according to your taste since it is salty and strong; a little goes a long way.
- Add chili flakes or fresh chili peppers to the stir-fry if you prefer a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
