Beijing Beef Recipe: Easy Homemade Version

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Craving a taste of American Chinese cuisine? This Beijing Beef recipe combines tender beef strips with colorful bell peppers and onions, all tossed in a deliciously sweet and tangy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering! Save this recipe for your meal planning, and bring the flavors of the favorite restaurant to your kitchen!

There’s something absolutely irresistible about a dish that combines tender beef with a crispy coating, and that’s exactly what my Crispy Beijing Beef brings to the table! I first tried this dish at a local Chinese restaurant, and let me tell you, I was hooked! The moment I took that first bite, the crunch of the beef and the bold flavors of the sauce sent my taste buds dancing. Ever since, I’ve made it a mission to recreate that magic at home, and I’m proud to say I’ve cracked the code!

This recipe has become one of my favorites not just because it’s delicious, but also because it’s a fantastic way to impress friends and family during cozy dinner gatherings. The combination of the sweet hoisin sauce and the crispy beef creates a symphony of flavors that stays in your mind long after the last bite. Trust me, once you taste this dish, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!

What’s in Crispy Beijing Beef?

Let’s break down all the delightful components that make this recipe so scrumptious!

Flank Steak: This cut of beef is ideal for stir-frying as it’s lean and cooks quickly. Thin slicing ensures it absorbs all those delicious marinade flavors and stays tender.

Cornstarch: The secret to that crispy coating! It gives the beef a light crunch when fried that is downright addictive.

Oil for Frying: I prefer using vegetable or peanut oil as they hold up well under high heat, perfect for frying up those crispy bits!

Red Bell Pepper: Not only does it add a pop of color, but the slight sweetness of bell pepper balances out the dish beautifully.

Onion: Sliced onion gives a savory depth to the stir-fry and a nice texture against the crispy beef.

Green Onions: Chopped for garnish, these add a fresh crunch and a burst of flavor on top, plus they look fabulous when you serve!

Soy Sauce: A marinade staple, imparting an umami flavor that is hard to resist.

Rice Vinegar: This adds a zesty kick that tenderizes the meat and works wonders to enhance the overall flavor.

Ginger & Garlic: These two are dynamite for giving depth and warmth to the marinade. They infuse the beef with a wonderful aroma.

Hoisin Sauce: This sweet and tangy sauce creates a luscious coating that ties the whole dish together.

Brown Sugar: It helps balance the savory soy sauce and adds a hint of sweetness.

Sesame Oil: A drizzle of this oil adds a nutty flavor that gives an authentic touch to the dish.

Water: Just enough to thin the sauce before cooking.

Cornstarch & Water Mix: This mixture is used at the end to thicken the sauce if desired, giving it that glossy finish!

Is Crispy Beijing Beef Good for You?

Now, let’s chat health benefits! Overall, Crispy Beijing Beef can be a balanced meal if enjoyed in moderation.

Flank Steak: A lean source of protein, flank steak is a great choice for muscle building. Plus, it’s rich in iron and vitamin B12, which are vital for overall body functions.

Cornstarch: While it helps achieve that delicious crunch, cornstarch is low in protein and fiber. I recommend not skimping too much on the vegetables to balance it out!

Oil: Using healthy oils and frying in moderation can help keep the dish on the healthier side.

Vegetables: The red bell pepper and onion not only enhance the flavor but also add important nutrients and fiber to the meal.

If you’re looking to lighten it up, consider using air frying for the beef, although that crispy texture might be a little harder to achieve!

Ingredients for Crispy Beijing Beef

This recipe serves about 4 people. Here’s what you’ll need:

– 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil)
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 onion, sliced
– 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

**For the Marinade:**
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp ginger, minced
– 1 tsp garlic, minced

**For the Sauce:**
– 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 1 tbsp sesame oil
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (to thicken)

How to Make Crispy Beijing Beef?

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fabulous dish in no time.

1. **Marinate the Beef:** In a bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced ginger, and garlic. Add the sliced flank steak, ensuring each piece is well coated. Let it marinate for about 30 minutes. This is your time to kick back and maybe prep some rice!

2. **Prepare the Sauce:** In another bowl, combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and water. Just a quick whisk will do! Set it aside for later.

3. **Dredge the Beef:** After marinating, take the beef out and toss it in cornstarch until fully coated. Don’t forget to shake off any excess!

4. **Fry the Beef:** Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated beef in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Let them drain on paper towels after frying.

5. **Stir-fry Vegetables:** In the same pan (don’t wash it yet!), add a touch more oil if needed and toss in the diced bell pepper and sliced onion. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just tender.

6. **Combine Everything:** Return the crispy beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until it’s all well-coated and heated through.

7. **Thicken the Sauce:** If you like a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch-water mixture, stirring until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

8. **Garnish and Serve:** Remove from heat, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve immediately over rice or noodles. Let me know if you can resist taking a photo before diving in!

Delicious Enhancements and Serving Suggestions

Want to elevate your Crispy Beijing Beef to the next level? Here are some tips:

– **Vegetable Variations:** Feel free to throw in other veggies like broccoli or snap peas for added nutrition and color.

– **Spice it Up:** If you love a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce.

– **Alternate Cooking Methods:** Try air frying the beef instead of deep frying for a healthier alternative. You’ll still get a nice crunch!

– **Serving Ideas:** This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, but you could also serve it over lo mein noodles for a hearty meal.

I am excited for you to try this recipe! I promise once you start making this Crispy Beijing Beef at home, it will become a recurring favorite. Don’t forget to pull out your favorite plates for serving — it’s a feast for the eyes too! Share your cooking adventures with me; I love hearing how it turned out for you! Happy cooking!

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