Beijing Beef

Introduction

Beijing Beef is a popular Chinese-American dish that brings together tender strips of beef, vibrant vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce that’s simply irresistible. Inspired by the bold flavors of Beijing cuisine, this dish strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and umami elements, making it a standout at any meal. The beef is cooked until tender, and the sauce—rich and slightly sticky—coats every bite, adding layers of flavor that will leave you craving more.

What I love about Beijing Beef is how quickly it comes together while still offering the same satisfying depth of flavor you’d expect from a takeout favorite. It’s one of those dishes that’s easy to whip up on a busy weeknight but still feels special enough for a dinner party or a weekend treat. The crisp vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots add a fresh crunch that complements the richness of the beef and sauce perfectly.

I often make this when I’m craving something flavorful but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s packed with flavor, looks beautiful on the plate, and is a great way to impress family or friends. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for customizing with your favorite vegetables or even adding some heat with a dash of chili flakes if you like a little spice. Beijing Beef is a crowd-pleaser, and it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your rotation!

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Chinese food lovers
• Meal prep
• Family gatherings
• Asian-inspired meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Beijing Beef will become your go-to recipe:

• Sweet and Savory Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sugar creates a perfect balance of savory and sweet, while the beef adds a hearty depth.
• Crispy Beef: The beef strips are coated in cornstarch and fried to golden perfection, giving them a crispy exterior and tender interior.
• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal or when you need a quick dinner option.
• Versatile: You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili flakes or sauce, making it customizable to your taste preferences.
• Colorful and Nutritious: The bell peppers, onions, and other vegetables add a pop of color and nutritional value, making this dish as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Beijing Beef:

• 1 lb beef flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• Green onions, sliced, for garnish
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Beef: Flank steak or sirloin is ideal for this recipe as it’s tender and cooks quickly, absorbing the sauce perfectly.
• Hoisin Sauce: Adds a sweet and savory depth of flavor to the dish, which is essential to Beijing Beef’s signature taste.
• Soy Sauce: Brings a salty, umami-rich flavor to the sauce, balancing the sweetness from the hoisin and sugar.
• Bell Peppers and Onion: These vegetables add color, crunch, and nutritional value to the dish, balancing out the richness of the beef.
• Rice Vinegar: Provides acidity to cut through the sweetness and helps balance the flavors in the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Used to coat the beef, giving it a crispy texture when fried and helping the sauce adhere better.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Beijing Beef:

Prepare the Beef:

1. Slice the Beef: Thinly slice the beef against the grain to ensure tenderness. If you’re using flank steak, this step is crucial for achieving a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
2. Coat the Beef: In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. This will help create the crispy texture when fried.

Make the Sauce:

3. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil. Add the chili flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
4. Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, which will be used to thicken the sauce later.

Cook the Beef:

5. Fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches and cook until it’s golden and crispy on the outside, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
6. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if necessary and sauté the garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Cook the Vegetables:

7. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add the bell peppers and onion to the skillet and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized.

Combine and Simmer:

8. Add the Sauce and Beef: Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables and pour the sauce over the mixture. Stir to combine and coat the beef and vegetables in the sauce.
9. Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened and is glossy.

Garnish and Serve:

10. Garnish and Serve: Serve the Beijing Beef hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

How to Serve

Beijing Beef is versatile and pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some ideas on how to serve this dish:

• With Steamed Rice: The sweet and savory sauce pairs perfectly with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice, allowing the flavors to soak into the rice.
• With Fried Rice: For an extra indulgent meal, serve it alongside fried rice, which complements the dish’s richness.
• With Noodles: Pair the Beijing Beef with stir-fried noodles or chow mein for a more filling, hearty meal.
• With Sautéed Greens: A side of sautéed bok choy, spinach, or Chinese broccoli adds a touch of freshness and balance to the richness of the beef.
• As a Party Appetizer: Serve Beijing Beef as a bite-sized appetizer at a party, allowing guests to enjoy it in small portions.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Beijing Beef turns out perfect every time:

• Slice Beef Thinly: Make sure the beef is sliced thinly against the grain for tenderness. If you have trouble slicing the beef, freeze it for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the beef, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the pieces cook evenly and become crispy.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer more heat, increase the amount of chili flakes or use a spicy chili sauce to enhance the dish.
• Use a Wok: A wok provides even heat distribution, making stir-frying and sautéing faster and more efficient.
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Beijing Beef:

• Spicy Beijing Beef: Increase the amount of chili flakes or add chili paste for a spicier kick.
• Beef and Broccoli: Add steamed broccoli to the dish for extra crunch and nutrition.
• Beijing Chicken: Swap the beef for chicken breast or thighs for a lighter version of this dish.
• Vegetarian Beijing: Use tofu or tempeh instead of beef for a vegetarian option.
• Crispy Beijing Beef with Cashews: Add roasted cashews to the stir-fry for a nutty crunch.
• Mango Beijing Beef: Add slices of fresh mango for a tropical sweetness that complements the savory sauce.
• Beijing Beef with Pineapple: Stir in pineapple chunks for a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory flavors.
• Beef and Pea Pods: Add snow peas or sugar snap peas for extra color and crunch.
• Beijing Beef with Carrots: Slice carrots thinly and stir-fry them along with the bell peppers for added sweetness.
• Beijing Beef with Bell Pepper and Zucchini: Swap one bell pepper for zucchini for a different texture and flavor profile.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Beijing Beef for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Storage: Store leftover Beijing Beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for best results.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Beijing Beef easier:

• Wok or Large Skillet: A wok or large skillet is ideal for stir-frying the beef and vegetables evenly.
• Electric Mixer: While not necessary for this recipe, it can help if you’re making a large batch of sauce and need to whisk it quickly.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife will help you slice the beef thinly and easily.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Useful for flipping and removing the beef from the oil without excess grease.
• Bowl for Cornstarch: You’ll need a separate bowl to coat the beef in cornstarch before frying.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
   Yes, you can substitute flank steak with sirloin or ribeye for a different texture, though flank steak is preferred for its tenderness.
2. Can I make this dish without hoisin sauce?
   You can substitute hoisin sauce with a combination of soy sauce, sugar, and a small amount of peanut butter for a similar taste.
3. Is this dish gluten-free?
   This recipe contains soy sauce, which typically has gluten. To make it gluten-free, use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the beef and vegetables ahead of time, then combine them when ready to serve.
5. Can I add more vegetables?
   Absolutely! Feel free to add extra vegetables like snap peas, mushrooms, or bok choy to enhance the flavor and texture.

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Conclusion

Beijing Beef is a vibrant and mouthwatering dish that brings the bold flavors of Chinese-American cuisine into your home. With crispy beef strips, fresh vegetables, and a sweet-savory sauce, this dish strikes the perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s quick, easy, and customizable, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special meal with friends and family. Whether served with rice or noodles, it’s a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy restaurant-style Beijing Beef without leaving the house. You can adjust the level of sweetness or spice to your preference, making it perfect for anyone’s taste. Plus, with simple ingredients that are easy to find, you can whip up this dish whenever the craving strikes.

I can’t wait to see how your Beijing Beef turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I love seeing your delicious creations! Let me know in the comments if you made any special tweaks to the recipe. Enjoy!