Flavor-Packed Beef with Black Bean Sauce Recipe Delight

Recipe By:
Melisa Egan
Updated:

Beef with Black Bean Sauce is like a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds, bringing the perfect balance of savory and umami. Picture this: tender strips of beef bathed in a rich black bean sauce that has just the right amount of kick, accompanied by crisp veggies that add crunch and vibrancy to every bite. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a culinary genius, even if you just mastered boiling water last week.

Now, let me take you back to when I first tried Beef with Black Bean Sauce. It was a rainy Tuesday night, and I was feeling adventurous (read: starving and too lazy to order takeout). I rummaged through my pantry, found some black beans lurking in the back like forgotten childhood toys, and voilà! A culinary masterpiece was born. Ever since that fateful evening, this dish has become my go-to for impressing friends or simply treating myself on those cold nights when Netflix is my only company.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Beef with Black Bean Sauce recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor.
  • Its beautiful colors will elevate any dinner table and make your meal feel special.
  • Plus, it’s incredibly versatile; serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal!

Ingredients for Beef with Black Bean Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Beef Flank Steak: Choose well-marbled flank steak for tenderness; it’s perfect for stir-frying.

  • Black Beans: Use canned black beans for convenience or soak dried ones overnight if you’re feeling ambitious.

  • Bell Peppers: Any color works here—red, yellow, or green—to add sweetness and crunch.

  • Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will enhance the overall flavor; minced is best for quick cooking.

  • Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce allows you to control the saltiness without sacrificing flavor.

For the Sauce:

  • Oyster Sauce: Adds depth and richness; a must-have in Asian cuisine.

  • Rice Vinegar: Provides a touch of acidity that balances the flavors beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Beef with Black Bean Sauce

How to Make Beef with Black Bean Sauce

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by slicing your beef flank steak against the grain into thin strips. This will ensure tenderness when cooked. Chop your bell peppers into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic while you’re at it.

Step 2: Marinate the Beef

In a bowl, combine sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and minced garlic. Let it marinate for at least 15-30 minutes while you contemplate why cooking is so much easier than laundry.

Step 3: Stir-Fry Time

Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add a splash of oil (not too much unless you want an oil slip ‘n’ slide) and toss in your marinated beef. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until it’s browned but not overcooked—nobody likes rubbery beef.

Step 4: Add Veggies

Throw in your sliced bell peppers and drained black beans into the pan. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the veggies are tender yet still retain their lovely crunch.

Step 5: Thicken That Sauce

If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl then pour it into the pan while stirring continuously. Cook for an additional minute until it thickens up nicely.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Transfer your delicious creation onto plates or bowls over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped scallions if you’re feeling fancy!

And there you have it—a scrumptious Beef with Black Bean Sauce that’s ready to tantalize your taste buds! Whether it’s date night or just another Wednesday meal at home, this dish promises satisfaction in every mouthwatering bite. Enjoy!

You Must Know

  • This beef with black bean sauce recipe offers more than just a delicious meal; it transforms dinner into a culinary adventure.
  • The dish bursts with flavors, and the vibrant colors brighten your plate, making it perfect for any occasion from a casual weeknight to entertaining guests.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the beef to infuse it with flavor while you prep other ingredients. Sear the beef for that delicious exterior, then stir-fry veggies before adding the black bean sauce for a perfect finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the beef for chicken or tofu if you’re feeling adventurous. Add some heat with chili flakes or toss in extra veggies like bell peppers or snap peas to enhance texture and taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep it saucy.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Always slice your beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing; this ensures even cooking.
  • Finally, let your sauce simmer briefly after adding it to meld flavors perfectly.

Memories of my friend’s dinner party come rushing back when I think of this dish—everyone was raving about how good it tasted, and I felt like a culinary superstar.

FAQs:

What ingredients are needed for Beef with Black Bean Sauce?

To make a delicious Beef with Black Bean Sauce, you will need thinly sliced beef, black bean sauce, garlic, ginger, bell peppers, and onions. Fresh vegetables such as broccoli or snow peas can add more texture and flavor. Additionally, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil complement the dish well. Don’t forget to have cornstarch on hand for thickening the sauce. This combination of ingredients will create a savory and aromatic meal that’s sure to impress.

How long does it take to prepare Beef with Black Bean Sauce?

Preparing Beef with Black Bean Sauce typically takes about 15 minutes if you have all your ingredients ready. Cooking it usually requires an additional 10-15 minutes. The key is to slice the beef thinly for quick cooking. Stir-frying ensures that the beef stays tender while absorbing the rich flavors of the black bean sauce. Overall, you can enjoy this delightful dish in under 30 minutes from start to finish.

Can I use a different protein in place of beef?

Yes, you can easily substitute beef with other proteins such as chicken, tofu, or shrimp in your Beef with Black Bean Sauce recipe. Each alternative brings its own unique flavor profile while still pairing nicely with the black bean sauce. Chicken works well if cut into thin strips, while tofu absorbs flavors beautifully and is perfect for a vegetarian option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is perfectly cooked.

Is Beef with Black Bean Sauce healthy?

Beef with Black Bean Sauce can be a healthy dish when prepared mindfully. Lean cuts of beef provide protein and essential nutrients like iron. Utilizing fresh vegetables adds fiber and vitamins, enhancing its nutritional value. To make it even healthier, consider using less oil during cooking or serving it over brown rice instead of white rice. By balancing your portions and ingredients wisely, you can indulge without compromising your health.

Conclusion for Beef with Black Bean Sauce:

Beef with Black Bean Sauce offers a quick and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare at home. With simple ingredients like thinly sliced beef and vibrant vegetables cooked in aromatic black bean sauce, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you’re substituting proteins or adjusting seasonings, the versatility of this recipe shines through. In just under 30 minutes, you can serve up a culinary delight that pleases both family and friends alike!

Print

Beef with Black Bean Sauce

Beef with Black Bean Sauce is a mouthwatering stir-fry that combines tender beef strips with a savory black bean sauce, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic garlic. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests, delivering a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete culinary experience that bursts with flavor and color.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Stir-frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb beef flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained
  • 1 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. 1. Marinate the beef: In a bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
  2. 2. Stir-fry the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated beef and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until browned.
  3. 3. Add vegetables: Toss in sliced bell peppers and drained black beans. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until veggies are tender yet crunchy.
  4. 4. Thicken the sauce (optional): Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water and add to the pan while stirring continuously for about one minute.
  5. 5. Serve: Plate the stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles and garnish with scallions if desired.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (300g)
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider adding chili flakes or extra veggies like snap peas. Substitute beef with chicken or tofu to cater to dietary preferences.

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