I still remember the first time I tried Beijing Beef, crispy slices of beef tossed in a glossy, tangy-sweet sauce with bright bell peppers and onions. It was one of those unforgettable bites that instantly made it onto my list of comfort foods. This Beijing Beef recipe brings that same bold flavor and texture right to your kitchen, without needing to order takeout.
The beauty of this dish lies in its balance. You get crispiness from the lightly battered beef, a sweet and spicy kick from the sauce, and freshness from the stir-fried vegetables. It’s the kind of dish that hits all the right notes and satisfies a craving fast.
This Beijing Beef recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend dinner that feels a little more special. The steps are simple, and I’ve packed in all the tips you need to get that iconic texture and flavor right on the first try. Plus, you can serve it with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps for a fun twist.
Let’s dive into what makes this version a standout and why it deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation.
Table of contents
What Makes This Beijing Beef Recipe So Good
This Beijing Beef recipe works because it nails three critical components, crispy beef, a flavorful sauce, and quick-cooked veggies that still have a little crunch. While many recipes fall short on one of those, this one brings them together in perfect harmony.
1. The Beef
Thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin is key here. It’s marinated in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of cornstarch which helps lock in moisture and create a base layer for the crispy coating. The beef is then lightly coated in a dry mixture (not a wet batter), making it ultra crisp when shallow-fried.
2. The Sauce
Sweet, tangy, and just a bit spicy. This sauce is what gives Beijing Beef its bold personality. I use a blend of hoisin sauce, ketchup (yes, ketchup), rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar, balanced with chili flakes or sriracha for heat. The secret to depth? A splash of oyster sauce and fresh ginger for complexity.
3. The Veggies
Red bell peppers and onions are stir-fried just long enough to stay vibrant and crisp. They add color, crunch, and freshness to balance the richness of the beef and sauce.
The best part about this recipe is that it’s highly customizable. Want it less spicy? Cut back the chili. Need it gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your sauces are certified gluten-free.
Recipe Card
Beijing Beef Recipe
4
servings20
minutes15
minutes380
kcalExperience 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!
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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.
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Quick Tips to Master This 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.
Tasty Twists on the Classic Beijing Beef Recipe
Beijing Chicken
Swap out the beef for thin slices of boneless chicken thighs. It’s a lighter option that still crisps beautifully and absorbs the sauce just as well. Great for folks who prefer poultry or want to reduce red meat.
Vegetarian Beijing “Beef”
Use seitan, tofu, or even cauliflower florets. Toss them in the same cornstarch mixture and pan-fry until crisp. The sauce and veggies remain unchanged, making this an easy plant-based spin.
Extra Veggie Beijing Beef
Bulk up the recipe with snow peas, baby corn, or broccoli. Stir-fry the extra veggies before adding the beef to the sauce. It’s a great way to stretch the recipe and make it more nutrient-dense.
Low-Carb Beijing Beef Bowl
Serve the dish over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of white rice. You can also reduce the sugar in the sauce and skip the ketchup for a more keto-friendly version.
FAQs about Beijing Beef
Yes! Chicken, pork, or tofu are great alternatives. Adjust the cooking time based on the protein.
Double-coat the beef slices in the batter and fry in small batches.
You can prep the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Fry the beef just before serving for the best texture.
It pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or chow mein noodles.
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.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fats: 22 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
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.
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!
The Final Bite
There’s something satisfying about nailing a takeout favorite at home, and this Beijing Beef recipe delivers that joy every single time. From the irresistible crisp of the beef to the perfectly balanced sauce and crunchy veggies, this dish is a full-on flavor experience that rivals any restaurant version.
What I love most is how quickly it all comes together once the prep is done. It’s a weeknight win, a crowd-pleaser for casual dinners, and a fun dish to impress friends without stress. Plus, the flexibility means it works for almost every type of eater, from meat lovers to those looking for a lighter or plant-based twist.
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.
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