Authentic Beijing Beef Stir Fry: A Sweet and Tangy Delight

Beijing Beef Stir Fry is a popular Chinese-inspired dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Featuring crispy beef strips tossed in a bold sweet-and-sour sauce with fresh vegetables, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience. With its restaurant-quality taste and vibrant colors, it’s an ideal dish to impress family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry

• 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

Beef Marinade

• 12 ounces beef steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank), thinly sliced 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

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
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef : In a bowl, combine the beef strips with soy sauce, white pepper, baking soda, sesame oil, sugar, and Chinese five spice.
2. Coat the Beef : Beat the egg whites in a shallow dish and mix with cornstarch until a thick batter forms. Dip each piece of marinated beef into the batter, ensuring a thorough coating.
3. Fry the Beef : Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to 350°F (180°C). Fry the beef in batches until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per batch.
4. Prepare the Vegetables : In a clean wok or large skillet, heat peanut oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and stir-fry until fragrant. Toss in onion, bell pepper, and red chili pepper.
5. Make the Sauce : In a bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, tomato paste, Hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and soy sauce. Pour the sauce into the wok with the vegetables.
6. Combine and Serve : Add the fried beef to the wok and toss until evenly coated with the sauce. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Conclusion

This Beijing Beef Stir Fry delivers a symphony of flavors and textures. The crispy beef pairs beautifully with the sweet-and-sour sauce and crunchy vegetables, making it a dish you’ll want to recreate time and again. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.