Easy Beef in Black Bean Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This easy beef in black bean sauce recipe is a flavorful and satisfying stir-fry perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender strips of rump steak combine with vibrant peppers and a savory black bean sauce for a dish that’s both comforting and packed with bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 x 250g rump steaks
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 large white onion, cut into thin wedges
- 1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced
- 1 green pepper, deseeded and sliced
- 2 fat garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 thumb-sized piece ginger, peeled and grated
- 1-2 red chillies, finely chopped
- 5 tbsp black bean sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 2 tsp sugar
- Sticky rice, to serve
- Coriander leaves, to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Remove the thick layer of fat from the steaks and discard. Slice the steaks into 1cm-thick, long strips. Toss the beef strips with the cornflour and season lightly.
- Step 2: Heat the sesame oil in a large frying pan or wok over high heat. Add the steak strips and fry for 3-5 minutes until golden brown on the outside. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate.
- Step 3: Add the onion and sliced peppers to the pan. Fry for 6-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Step 4: Stir in the crushed garlic, grated ginger, and chopped chillies. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Return the beef to the pan. Stir through the black bean sauce, rice wine vinegar, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of water to loosen the sauce slightly.
- Step 6: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then remove from the heat.
- Step 7: Serve the stir-fry in deep bowls with sticky rice. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add more chillies or a splash of chili oil when cooking.
- If you prefer, substitute rump steak with sirloin or flank steak for similar results.
- Use hoisin sauce or oyster sauce in combination with black bean sauce for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Add vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms for more variety and texture.
- Marinate the beef in soy sauce and a little sesame oil for 15 minutes before cooking to add depth of flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover beef in black bean sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. For best texture, reheat only once.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, sirloin, flank, or skirt steak work well in this recipe. Choose a tender cut that cooks quickly to keep the beef juicy.
What if I don’t have black bean sauce?
If you don’t have black bean sauce, you can substitute with a mix of soy sauce, fermented bean paste, and a little garlic for a similar savory depth, but the authentic taste might vary.
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Easy Beef in Black Bean Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This easy beef in black bean sauce recipe features tender strips of rump steak stir-fried with vibrant peppers, onions, and a fragrant blend of garlic, ginger, and chilli, all coated in a rich, savory black bean sauce. Served with sticky rice and optionally garnished with fresh coriander, this flavorful dish offers a quick yet satisfying meal inspired by Chinese stir-fry traditions.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 2 x 250g rump steaks, trimmed of thick fat layer
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 large white onion, cut into thin wedges
- 1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced
- 1 green pepper, deseeded and sliced
- 2 fat garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 thumb-sized piece ginger, peeled and grated
- 1–2 red chillies, finely chopped
Sauce
- 5 tbsp black bean sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp water (to loosen sauce)
To Serve
- Sticky rice
- Coriander leaves, to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Remove the thick layer of fat from the side of the rump steaks and discard it. Slice the steak into 1cm-thick, long strips. Toss the beef strips with the cornflour along with salt and freshly ground black pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a large frying pan or wok over high heat. Add the beef strips and fry for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is golden brown on the outside but still tender. Remove the beef using a slotted spoon and transfer it to a plate to rest.
- Cook the vegetables and aromatics: In the same pan, add the sliced onion and both red and green peppers. Fry for 6-7 minutes or until they just begin to soften. Stir in the crushed garlic, grated ginger, and finely chopped red chillies, and cook everything together for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine and simmer: Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Add the black bean sauce, rice wine vinegar, sugar, and 2 tablespoons of water to loosen the sauce. Stir everything to combine thoroughly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat immediately once simmering.
- Serve: Spoon the beef and vegetable stir-fry into deep bowls alongside mounds of steaming sticky rice. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired for an added burst of freshness.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red chilli based on your preferred heat level.
- Use rump steak as it stays tender when quickly stir-fried; other tender cuts like sirloin can also be substituted.
- Ensure high heat when stir-frying to properly sear the beef and vegetables.
- Black bean sauce can be found in most Asian supermarkets – look for fermented black bean paste-based sauces.
- Sticky rice pairs perfectly by soaking up the savory sauce and adding texture contrast.
- For gluten-free preparation, ensure the black bean sauce and soy sauces used are gluten-free certified.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: beef black bean sauce, easy beef stir-fry, rump steak recipe, Chinese beef recipe, quick dinner, stir-fried beef with peppers
