published Nov 12, 2021, updated Aug 25, 2023 The stir fry recipes we enjoy today haven’t changed much since their inception during the Han dynasty (301 B.C.). It’s a meal that’s simple to prepare and easy to customize. The method of quickly cooking protein and vegetables in hot oil allows the food to retain its nutrients. At the same time, the hot wok helps to eliminate any excess moisture.The result is a stir fried meal with succulent, juicy proteins and crisp-tender, healthy veggies. For people whose diet primarily consists of grains, stir frying is a delicious way for their body to get essential nutrients.
Beef with black bean sauce
Cuisine: Chinese / Asian Fermented foods are used to make many dishes in Chinese cuisine, including dishes like kimchi and black bean sauce. Health studies show that some fermented foods, including the black soybeans in black bean sauce, are in high in fiber, prebiotics and probiotics. All of these are helpful in creating healthy gut bacteria.Healthiness aside, beef with black bean sauce is just a downright delicious stir fry! Course:Main dishPreparation:Stir friedDifficulty: Easy 🥄 Description:Slices of beef sirloin quickly cooked in hot oil with asaparagus, celery, and onion, then tossed in a tangy, spicy-sweet black bean sauce
Love a good stir fry? I see you!Don’t miss these recipes for Szechuan pork and Chinese eggplant stir fry, a kicky-hot Chinese curry beef stir fry, and this simple but satisfying bok choy stir fry!
Ingredient notes and substitutions
Beef– The best choices for stir frying are lean cuts, with little to no visible fat. Because stir frying is such a quick cooking process, there isn’t time for fat to melt and break down.
Best beef for stir fryI use lean sirloin steak for my black bean beef, but other cuts of beef that are good for stir frying include:
hangar steakflank steakskirt steakribeyeboneless rump roast
Black bean sauce
Black bean sauce / paste
This condiment is typically found at the grocery store, near the other ethnic ingredients. It may be labeled as black bean paste, which is the same product as black bean sauce. If you don’t find it at your regular grocery store, any local Asian market will have it, or you can source it online.
Dark soy sauce
Unlike traditional soy sauce, dark soy sauce is fermented rather than being chemically processed. As the name implies, the color is very dark, almost black. Dark soy sauce also has a thicker consistency, richer umami flavor, and less sodium than regular soy sauce.
Vegetables for beef stir fry
Choosing the veggies for your beef stir fry is completely up to you. This is a great opportunity to empty out your refrigerator produce drawer!In my recipe for beef with black bean sauce, I use asparagus, celery and onion. Asparagus is a Spring vegetable, so unless you live in an area where it’s grown year round, you may not be able to find it.Good stir fry vegetables include:
scallion (green onions)carrotsbean sproutseggplantsugar snap peasgreen beanswater chestnutsbaby cornzucchini or yellow squash
Serving and storing beef with black bean sauce
A side of steamed white rice is perfect with any beef stir fry. If you’d like a healthier, whole grain choice, use brown rice instead.If you’re serving more courses, consider making a Chinese appetizer like egg rolls, spring rolls, or pork pot stickers. If you have any leftover beef with black bean sauce, keep it in a covered container in the fridge. Reheat and enjoy it again with 5 days, or toss it out after that.
