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Beef in Black Bean Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 73 reviews

This classic Beef in Black Bean Sauce recipe combines tender thinly sliced beef rump steak with the bold umami flavors of preserved black beans, garlic, and a savory soy-based sauce. Marinated for an hour and quickly stir-fried with crunchy capsicum and onions, this dish delivers a perfect balance of rich, salty, and slightly sweet notes. Best served hot over steamed white rice, it’s a quick and flavorful meal inspired by traditional Chinese cuisine.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade

  • 400g/14 oz beef rump steak (top sirloin), thinly sliced 3mm / 0.1″
  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tsp dark soy sauce
  • 2 tsp cornflour/cornstarch
  • 2 tsp white sugar
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda (bi-carbonate)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil (toasted)

Main Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (75g) preserved black beans (salted, fermented black beans)
  • 1 brown onion, medium size, cut into 2.5cm/1″ squares
  • 1 green capsicum (bell pepper), medium size, cut into 2.5cm/1″ squares
  • 1 tbsp garlic, finely minced (~4 cloves)
  • 1/2 cup peanut oil (or vegetable, canola oil)
  • 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)
  • 1 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 2 tbsp cornflour/cornstarch (20g)
  • 1 cup water
  • Steamed white rice, to serve

Instructions

  1. Marinate the beef: In a bowl, mix the marinade ingredients except the sesame oil (light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, cornflour, sugar, baking soda). Add the thinly sliced beef and mix thoroughly to coat the meat well. Next, add the toasted sesame oil and mix again. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 1 hour.
  2. Soak the preserved black beans: Place the preserved black beans in a medium bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for 30 minutes to 1 hour to soften and reduce excess saltiness. Drain once soaked.
  3. Prepare the sauce: In a jug or small bowl, combine the cornflour, light soy sauce, and sugar. Stir until lump free, then gradually mix in the water. Set this sauce mixture aside.
  4. Cook the beef: Heat the peanut oil in a wok or large non-stick pan over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry quickly for about 30 seconds until the beef changes color from red to brown. Remove the beef using a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate, keeping any juices.
  5. Prepare the vegetables and aromatics: Discard all but 3 tablespoons of the oil from the wok. Return the wok to high heat and add the soaked black beans; stir-fry for 20 seconds. Add the minced garlic and stir for 10 seconds until fragrant. Then add the chopped onion and green capsicum and cook for 1 minute until slightly softened but still crisp.
  6. Combine beef back in: Return the cooked beef and any accumulated juices to the wok. Toss and stir-fry for 1 minute to combine flavors.
  7. Add cooking wine: Pour the Chinese cooking wine around the sides of the wok so it flows into the beef and vegetables. Toss the mixture for an additional 30 seconds to allow the alcohol to cook off and flavors to meld.
  8. Thicken with sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture into the wok. Stir well and let it bubble for about 1 minute, or until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly with a glossy finish.
  9. Serve: Transfer the beef in black bean sauce to a serving bowl and serve immediately with freshly steamed white rice.

Notes

  • Preserved black beans are salted, fermented black soybeans that add deep umami flavor; rinsing and soaking reduces excess salt and softens them.
  • Thinly slicing the beef rump steak ensures quick cooking and tender results.
  • Use toasted sesame oil for a richer, nutty aroma; avoid untoasted (yellow) sesame oil.
  • High heat stir-frying allows the beef to sear quickly and keeps vegetables crisp.
  • If Shaoxing wine is unavailable, dry sherry can be a substitute.
  • Discard most of the oil after cooking the beef to avoid greasy texture but keep enough for flavor.
  • The baking soda in marinade tenderizes the beef for a softer texture.

Keywords: Beef in black bean sauce, Chinese beef recipes, stir-fry beef, savory beef dish, black bean beef, quick Chinese dinner

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/beef-in-black-bean-sauce-recipe/