Irresistible Sweet Beijing Beef Recipe That You'll Love

Craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy flavors? Look no further than this Beijing Beef recipe! A culinary gem inspired by Chinese-American cuisine, Beijing Beef is known for its crispy fried beef strips coated in a vibrant sauce that’s rich with layers of flavor. Paired with stir-fried bell peppers and onions, it’s a dish that combines taste and texture in every bite.

What makes this recipe special is its adaptability. Whether you’re looking to recreate your favorite restaurant meal or serve up something unique for dinner, Beijing Beef promises satisfaction. This dish brings together simple ingredients, a quick cooking process, and an explosion of flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. Serve it with rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps for a lighter twist—it’s all about your creativity in the kitchen!

Beijing Beef Recipe

Recipe by SoukaynaCuisine: Chinese, AmericanDifficulty: Medium

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

380

kcal

Experience the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with this Beijing Beef recipe. Crispy beef strips, sautéed bell peppers, and onions are coated in a rich sauce that’s sure to impress. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home!

Ingredients

For the Beef
400g beef sirloin, thinly sliced
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg (beaten)
Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
3 tbsp soy sauce
3 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
2 tbsp sugar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
For the Vegetables
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp vegetable oil

Directions

Prepare the Beef:
Coat the sliced beef with cornstarch, flour, and egg to form a light batter.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan and fry the beef slices until golden and crispy. Set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.
Add the cornstarch slurry and stir well to thicken.
Cook the Vegetables:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
Sauté garlic until fragrant, then add the bell peppers and onion. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
Combine and Serve:
Pour the sauce into the skillet and let it simmer until slightly thickened.
Add the fried beef strips and toss to coat evenly.
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Use fresh, high-quality beef for the best flavor and texture.
Adjust the sugar level in the sauce to match your preferred sweetness.
For added spice, include a dash of chili flakes or sriracha.

Tips for Perfect Beijing Beef Recipe

Choose the Right Cut: Opt for tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak for easy slicing and frying.
Prep in Advance: Cut and coat the beef before cooking to save time.
Control the Heat: Fry the beef on medium-high heat for optimal crispiness without overcooking.
Balance the Sauce: Taste-test your sauce to strike the perfect sweet-sour balance.
Fresh is Best: Use fresh vegetables for a crunch that complements the crispy beef.

Recipe Variants

Spicy Beijing Beef: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili paste or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Twist: Swap beef for crispy tofu or seitan to make a plant-based version.
Honey-Garlic Fusion: Replace sugar with honey and add minced garlic for a sweeter, garlicky flavor.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle roasted cashews or sesame seeds on top for added texture.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the beef over cauliflower rice or in lettuce cups for a lighter meal.

Recipe Proposition

Looking for more delicious Asian-inspired recipes? Try this Chicken and Peppers Recipe! Packed with juicy chicken and a tangy sauce, it’s a perfect companion to Beijing Beef for a feast everyone will love.

FAQs about Beijing Beef

Can I use a different protein instead of beef?

Yes! Chicken, pork, or tofu are great alternatives. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein.

How can I make the beef extra crispy?

Double-coat the beef slices in the batter and fry in small batches.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Fry the beef just before serving for the best texture.

What can I serve alongside Beijing Beef?

It pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or chow mein noodles.

Nutrition Information

Per Serving:

Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fats: 22 g
Sodium: 750 mg
Fiber: 3 g

Health Benefits of Beijing Beef

Protein-Packed: The beef provides essential amino acids, supporting muscle repair and growth.
Rich in Vitamins: Bell peppers and onions add vitamin C and antioxidants, boosting immunity and skin health.
Balanced Energy: A mix of protein, carbs, and fats ensures sustained energy for active days.
Adaptable for Dietary Needs: With a few tweaks, you can make this dish gluten-free, low-carb, or even vegetarian.

Pairing Suggestions

Steamed Jasmine Rice: The soft, fragrant rice perfectly complements the bold flavors of Beijing Beef.
Vegetable Fried Rice: Add variety to your meal with a medley of flavors and textures.
Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: These crispy appetizers balance the dish and add extra crunch.
Asian-Style Salad: A light, refreshing cucumber or cabbage salad with sesame dressing pairs wonderfully.
Soup: Start your meal with a hot and sour soup or miso soup to enhance the dining experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Marinating the Beef: Skipping this step can result in less flavorful and tougher beef.
Overcrowding the Pan: Fry the beef in small batches to keep it crispy; overcrowding will steam it instead.
Rushing the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken for the right consistency and depth of flavor.
Using Low-Quality Beef: Tender cuts like flank or sirloin are essential for the best texture and taste.
Overcooking the Vegetables: Aim for slightly tender but still crunchy vegetables to maintain their vibrancy.

Baking Tools and Kitchen Essentials You’ll Need

Wok or Large Skillet: Perfect for stir-frying and evenly cooking the beef and vegetables.
Sharp Knife: Ensures thin, even slices of beef for quick and uniform cooking.
Mixing Bowls: For marinating beef and preparing the sauce.
Tongs: Handy for frying and tossing the beef in the sauce.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients for the sauce.

Fun Fact About Beijing Beef

Did you know that Beijing Beef isn’t an authentic Chinese dish? It’s actually an American-Chinese creation popularized by Panda Express. While inspired by Chinese stir-fry techniques, the crispy fried beef coated in a tangy-sweet sauce reflects the fusion of Western preferences with traditional Chinese flavors. This dish showcases the global adaptability of Chinese cuisine!

Beijing Beef is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary experience that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home. With its crispy beef, tangy sauce, and colorful vegetables, this dish will undoubtedly become a family favorite. Its adaptability allows you to cater to different tastes and dietary needs, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Pair it with jasmine rice, noodles, or a light salad for a wholesome and satisfying dinner.

So, why wait? Gather your ingredients and experience the magic of creating this irresistible Beijing Beef recipe today. Don’t forget to experiment with recipe variants and share your own creative twists!