Beef in Black Bean Sauce

Beef in Black Bean Sauce is a savory and flavorful Chinese dish that combines tender strips of beef with a rich, aromatic black bean sauce. The black bean paste adds depth and umami to the dish, while the beef absorbs all the bold, savory flavors. Often paired with stir-fried vegetables, this dish is perfect served with steamed rice for a complete, satisfying meal. It’s easy to make at home and tastes just as good as your favorite takeout!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef in Black Bean Sauce is a simple yet mouthwatering dish full of bold flavors. The black bean sauce brings a unique umami taste that complements the savory beef perfectly. The dish is quick to prepare and features tender beef paired with stir-fried bell peppers, onions, and garlic, all coated in the rich, savory sauce. It’s a great option for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying meal that’s both flavorful and full of protein. Plus, it’s a great way to elevate your home-cooked Chinese cuisine!

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef (sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye), thinly sliced against the grain

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

• 1 small onion, thinly sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons fermented black beans (or black bean paste)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1/4 cup beef broth (or water)

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)

• 1 tablespoon water (for mixing with cornstarch)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)

• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar (optional, for a touch of acidity)

For Garnish:

• Sliced green onions (optional)

• Chili flakes or fresh chopped chili (optional, for added heat)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Slice the Beef: Cut the beef into thin strips against the grain for maximum tenderness. If the beef is slightly frozen, it will be easier to slice thinly.

2. Mix the Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Set it aside.

Cook the Beef:

3. Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

4. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add the sliced onion and bell pepper, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Make the Black Bean Sauce: Add the fermented black beans (or black bean paste) to the pan. Stir them with the vegetables to release their flavor, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Then, add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and beef broth. Stir well to combine.

6. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Combine the Beef and Sauce:

7. Return the Beef to the Pan: Add the cooked beef back into the pan with the sauce. Stir to coat the beef in the sauce. If the sauce is too thin, add the cornstarch slurry (the mixture of cornstarch and water) to the pan and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

8. Finish with Sesame Oil and Vinegar: Drizzle in the sesame oil (optional) and rice vinegar (optional) for extra flavor. Stir everything to combine.

Serve:

9. Serve: Transfer the Beef in Black Bean Sauce to a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of chili flakes or chopped fresh chili for heat, if desired. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, snow peas, or zucchini to the stir-fry to make it more colorful and nutritious.

• Make it Spicy: For a spicier dish, add chopped fresh chili, chili paste, or chili flakes to the stir-fry.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover Beef in Black Bean Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If the sauce thickens too much upon reheating, add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it.

FAQs

Can I use black bean paste instead of fermented black beans?

Yes, if you don’t have access to fermented black beans, black bean paste is a great alternative. Just use about 1 tablespoon of black bean paste and adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even better the next day.

Can I make this dish with a different protein?

Yes, you can use chicken, or tofu as a substitute for beef in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and make sure your hoisin sauce and oyster sauce are gluten-free as well.

Conclusion

Beef in Black Bean Sauce is a rich, flavorful stir-fry dish that brings the deep umami of fermented black beans together with tender beef and vibrant vegetables. The savory sauce, made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce, complements the beef perfectly, creating a satisfying meal that’s easy to make at home. Whether served with rice or noodles, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Try it today and enjoy the bold flavors of Chinese cuisine in your own kitchen!

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