Beijing Beef is a delightful dish that combines crispy beef strips with vibrant vegetables and a tangy-sweet sauce. Inspired by Chinese cuisine, this recipe brings the flavors of Beijing straight to your kitchen.
Why We Love This Beijing Beef Recipe
The reasons for loving Beijing Beef are plentiful. First and foremost, it bursts with flavor. The perfect balance of sweetness from brown sugar and ketchup, combined with the savory notes of soy sauce and hoisin sauce, creates a harmonious flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds. The crispy beef provides a satisfying texture that contrasts beautifully with the fresh crunch of the bell pepper and onion.
Additionally, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can pair it with rice, noodles, or even serve it as an appetizer. It’s great for entertaining, and your guests will appreciate the homemade touch. Making Beijing Beef also allows you to customize the heat level according to your preference by adjusting the amount of red chili pepper. This makes it a dish that everyone can enjoy.
Lastly, this recipe is relatively easy to prepare. With basic ingredients and straightforward directions, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal in under an hour. It’s a quick fix for your busy weeknights, and it’ll likely become a staple in your household.
Ingredients for Beijing Beef
To make this mouth-watering Beijing Beef dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 large egg whites
- 1 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil (for frying beef)
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 medium onion (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 large bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 red chili pepper (thinly sliced)
- 12 ounces beef steak (such as ribeye, sirloin, or flank, cut into thin strips against the grain)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Hoisin sauce (or oyster sauce)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
How to Make Beijing Beef
Creating the perfect Beijing Beef starts with marinating the beef to enhance its flavor. In a small bowl, combine the beef marinade ingredients: soy sauce, white pepper, baking soda, sesame oil, sugar, and Chinese five spice. Mix well and cover it with plastic wrap, letting it chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes. This brief marinating period is crucial as it tenderizes the beef and infuses it with flavor.
While your beef is marinating, prepare the sweet and sour sauce in another small bowl. Combine the rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, tomato paste, Hoisin sauce, and cornstarch. Whisk these together until they form a smooth mixture and set this aside for later.
Next, after the beef has marinated, add the egg whites into the mixture and stir well. This step is essential because it will help the cornstarch create a crispy coating when fried. Then, coat each strip of marinated beef in cornstarch, ensuring they are well-covered.
Now, it’s time to fry the beef! Heat vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F. Fry the beef strips for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Once done, transfer the beef onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
After frying the beef, drain the excess oil from the wok, then add peanut oil and heat it over medium heat. Stir-fry minced garlic for about 30 seconds to release its flavor. Follow this by adding the onion and bell pepper; sauté these veggies for 1 to 2 minutes until they are vibrant and slightly softened.
Pour in the sweet and sour sauce that you’ve prepared earlier, stirring constantly as it thickens. Finally, toss in the crispy fried beef along with the sliced red chili pepper, mixing everything until the beef is well-coated in that luscious sauce. It’s now ready to serve!
How to Serve Beijing Beef
Serving Beijing Beef is as important as preparing it. This dish shines when paired with a bed of fluffy white rice or lo mein noodles. The rice will soak up the savory sauce, making every bite delightful. If you prefer, you can also serve Beijing Beef in lettuce wraps for a refreshing twist.
For added visual appeal, garnish your dish with thinly sliced green onions or sesame seeds. Not only does this improve presentation, but it adds an extra crunch that complements the tender beef. Offer some chili flakes on the side for those who enjoy a bit more heat.
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving Beijing Beef in a large bowl at the center of the table, allowing your guests to help themselves. This communal style of dining invites conversation and joy, making your meal an even more enjoyable experience.
Expert Tips for Perfect Beijing Beef
To elevate your Beijing Beef game, here are some expert tips to consider:
- Beef Selection: Choose a tender cut of beef like ribeye, sirloin, or flank. Cutting against the grain is essential for achieving maximum tenderness.
- Marinating Time: Give the beef enough time to marinate. Even 15 minutes can make a significant difference in flavor and tenderness.
- Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough to fry the beef quickly to achieve that perfect crispy texture. Use a thermometer if possible, aiming for 350°F.
- Do Not Overcrowd: When frying, avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry in batches if necessary to prevent steaming and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the amount of red chili pepper or add additional spices according to your heat tolerance.
- Extra Crispy: If you prefer extra crispy beef, double-dip by coating the beef in egg whites and cornstarch a second time before frying.
How to Store Beijing Beef
If you have leftovers (which may be unlikely, given its deliciousness!), storing them properly is key. Allow the Beijing Beef to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, avoid using the microwave if possible, as it may make the beef soggy. Instead, reheat in a hot skillet or wok for a couple of minutes until heated through. This will help retain the crispiness of the beef.
Variation of Beijing Beef
Feeling adventurous? There are numerous variations you can explore with Beijing Beef. Here are some ideas to customize the dish:
- Vegetable Mix: Feel free to add more vegetables to your stir-fry, like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. This not only enhances the nutrition of the dish but also adds color and texture.
- Protein Substitution: If you’re looking for alternatives to beef, you could use chicken, tofu, or even shrimp. Adjust cooking times accordingly for different proteins.
- Different Sauces: Experiment with different stir-fry sauces. You might swap Hoisin sauce for a sweet chili sauce or add a splash of oyster sauce for a more complex flavor profile.
- Sweet and Spicy: To add more heat, consider incorporating chili paste or Sriracha to your sweet and sour sauce for a spicy kick.
- Asian Style Stir-fry: Add some additional seasonings like ginger or scallions during the stir-frying process for extra flavor.
FAQ About Beijing Beef
What is Beijing Beef?
Beijing Beef is a stir-fried dish featuring crispy beef strips, colorful vegetables, and a sweet and savory sauce, drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese cuisine.
How do I make my Beijing Beef crispy?
To achieve that desired crispiness, coat the beef in egg whites and cornstarch before frying. Ensure the oil is sufficiently hot at around 350°F.
Can I prepare Beijing Beef in advance?
You can marinate the beef ahead of time, but it’s best to fry and serve it fresh for optimal crispiness. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
What can I serve with Beijing Beef?
Beijing Beef pairs excellently with steamed rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles. You can also enjoy it in lettuce wraps for a light touch.
How spicy is Beijing Beef?
The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The red chili pepper adds a mild heat, but you can always increase or decrease its amount to suit your taste.
Beijing Beef
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 12 ounces beef steak (such as ribeye, sirloin, or flank, cut into thin strips against the grain) Choose a tender cut for maximum tenderness.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice
Crispy Coating
- 2 large egg whites Helps achieve a crispy coating.
- 1 cup cornstarch
Vegetable Stir-fry
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil For stir-frying.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 medium onion (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 large bell pepper (cut into 1-inch pieces)
Sweet and Sour Sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Hoisin sauce (or oyster sauce)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch Thickens the sauce.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, combine the beef marinade ingredients: soy sauce, white pepper, baking soda, sesame oil, sugar, and Chinese five spice. Mix well and cover it with plastic wrap, letting it chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes.
- Prepare the sweet and sour sauce in another small bowl by combining rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, tomato paste, Hoisin sauce, and cornstarch. Whisk these together until they form a smooth mixture and set aside.
Cooking
- Add egg whites into the marinated beef and stir well, then coat each strip of beef in cornstarch.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F. Fry the beef strips for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the fried beef onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Drain excess oil from the wok, add peanut oil, and stir-fry minced garlic for about 30 seconds.
- Add onion and bell pepper, sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until vibrant and slightly softened.
- Pour in the prepared sweet and sour sauce, stirring constantly as it thickens, then toss in the crispy fried beef and sliced red chili pepper, mixing everything until well-coated.