Name: Celery Stir Fry with Fermented Black Beans
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 tbsp water; ½ tbsp oyster sauce (use vegetarian/mushroom oyster sauce for vegan, gluten-free oyster sauce if needed); 1 tsp sugar; ½ tsp cornstarch; 1½ tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable oil); 4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped; 1 tsp minced fresh ginger; 3 dried chili peppers (adjust for spice preference); 2 tbsp fermented black beans, rinsed lightly; 1 lb celery, sliced on the bias into ½” (1 cm) pieces

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This Celery Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful side dish that comes together in just 20 minutes. Crunchy celery is stir-fried with aromatic garlic, ginger, dried chili, and fermented black beans, then finished in a savory, umami-rich sauce. Perfect as a side for rice or noodles, this dish is vegetarian- and gluten-free adaptable.

Celery Stir Fry with Fermented Black Beans

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stir fry is crisp, fragrant, and full of umami. The celery stays crunchy while the fermented black beans and aromatics provide a deep, savory flavor. The sauce is light yet coats each piece of celery perfectly. Quick to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a simple but satisfying dish for any weeknight meal or dinner party.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp water
½ tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian/mushroom oyster sauce for vegetarian, gluten-free oyster sauce if needed)
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp cornstarch

For the Stir Fry:

1½ tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
1 tsp minced ginger
3 dried chili peppers
2 tbsp fermented black beans
1 lb celery, sliced on the bias into ½” (1 cm) pieces

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Mix the water, oyster sauce, sugar, and cornstarch together in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
Heat oil in a large pan over high heat until it shimmers. Add garlic, ginger, dried chili peppers, and fermented black beans. Stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Celery
Add the celery to the pan. Stir-fry until it starts to turn tender, 3–4 minutes. If the pan gets too dry, add a splash of water or Shaoxing wine to deglaze.

Step 4: Add the Sauce
Stir the sauce again to ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved, then pour it into the pan. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the celery. Transfer to a plate and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Variations

Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free oyster sauce.
Make it vegetarian: Use a vegetarian oyster sauce (mushroom sauce) instead of traditional oyster sauce.
Adjust heat: Add more dried chilies or a pinch of chili flakes for extra spice.

Storage and Reheating

Make-Ahead: You can prep the celery slices and aromatics in advance, but stir-fry and add sauce just before serving for best texture.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Reheat quickly in a pan over medium heat, but celery may lose some crunch.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables?
Yes, you can substitute or add bell peppers, snow peas, or green beans for variation.
Why use fermented black beans?
They add rich umami and depth to the dish. Rinse lightly if they’re too salty.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Increase the dried chili peppers or add a splash of chili oil.
What can I serve this with?
Serve alongside steamed rice, noodles, or as part of a multi-dish Asian-inspired meal.
How do I keep the celery crunchy?
Cook the celery on high heat just until tender-crisp and avoid overcooking. Add sauce at the end to prevent sogginess.

Conclusion

Maggie’s Celery Stir Fry with Fermented Black Beans is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying side dish. Crunchy celery, aromatic garlic and ginger, and savory black beans come together in a perfectly balanced stir fry that’s ideal for weeknight dinners or as part of a larger Asian-inspired spread.