Beef in black bean sauce is a flavorful Chinese dish that’s beloved for its bold taste and savory aroma. Made with tender beef strips, fermented black beans, and a mix of fresh vegetables, this dish is easy to prepare at home. Below is a step-by-step guide to creating this delightful meal.
What Is Beef in Black Bean Sauce?
Beef in black bean sauce is a stir-fry dish that combines marinated beef, black bean sauce, and vegetables. The black bean sauce is made from fermented black soybeans, which lend a salty and umami-rich flavor. This dish is popular in Chinese cuisine and pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients You Will Need
For the Beef:
- 500g (1 lb) beef sirloin or flank steak
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons black bean sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 green onions, chopped
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Step 1: Preparing the Beef
Slice the Beef: Cut the beef into thin strips against the grain. This ensures tender pieces that cook evenly.
Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and sugar. Add the beef strips and mix well. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Preparing the Sauce
Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine black bean sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. Set aside.
Step 3: Preparing the Vegetables
Slice the Vegetables: Cut the onion and bell peppers into thin slices. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
Prepare the Green Onions: Chop the green onions and separate the white parts from the green tops. The white parts will be stir-fried, while the green tops are used as garnish.
Step 4: Cooking the Dish
Cooking the Beef
Heat the Pan: Use a wok or large frying pan and heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over high heat.
Stir-Fry the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the hot pan and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes. Cook until the beef is browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
Cooking the Vegetables
Heat More Oil: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan.
Cook the Aromatics: Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the Vegetables: Toss in the sliced onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until they are slightly softened but still crisp.
Combining Everything
Return the Beef to the Pan: Add the cooked beef back into the pan with the vegetables.
Pour in the Sauce: Stir the prepared black bean sauce mixture and pour it over the beef and vegetables.
Cook Until Done: Stir everything together and cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly.
Add Sesame Oil: Drizzle 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over the dish for added flavor.
Step 5: Serving the Dish
Transfer to a Plate: Once cooked, transfer the beef in black bean sauce to a serving dish.
Garnish: Sprinkle the green tops of the chopped green onions over the dish for a fresh finish.
Serve Immediately: Pair the dish with steamed white rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
Choosing the Right Beef
Use tender cuts like sirloin, flank steak, or tenderloin for the best results.
Slice the beef thinly and against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Adjusting the Flavor
Taste the sauce before adding it to the pan. If it’s too salty, dilute with water. If it’s too mild, add more black bean sauce.
Using Fresh Ingredients
Fresh vegetables add crunch and color to the dish. Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, snow peas, or carrots for variety.
Preparing in Advance
Marinate the beef and prepare the vegetables ahead of time to make the cooking process quicker.
Variations
Adding Heat
If you like spicy food, add sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili oil to the dish.
Making It Vegetarian
Substitute the beef with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Use a vegetarian black bean sauce to keep it plant-based.
Serving with Noodles
Instead of rice, serve the dish over stir-fried noodles for a delicious alternative.
Health Benefits
High in Protein
The beef provides a good source of protein, which helps with muscle repair and growth.
Rich in Nutrients
Bell peppers are high in vitamins A and C, while fermented black beans offer antioxidants and probiotics.
Balanced Meal
Pairing the dish with rice or noodles creates a balanced meal with carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables.
Conclusion
Beef in black bean sauce is a satisfying dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. With its tender beef, savory sauce, and fresh vegetables, it’s a meal that will impress your family and friends. By following this step-by-step guide, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home. Enjoy!
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