Bring the bold flavors of Beijing to your kitchen with this delectable Beijing Beef recipe. Tender beef strips are marinated and fried to perfection, then combined with vibrant vegetables and a tangy, sweet, and sour sauce. This dish is sure to satisfy your craving for Chinese takeout at home.
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, chopped into 1-inch chunks
- 1 large bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced
For the Beef Marinade:
- 12 ounces beef steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank), cut into thin strips against the grain
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Chinese five spice
For the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons of Hoisin sauce (or Oyster sauce)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef:
- In a medium bowl, combine the beef strips with low-sodium soy sauce, white pepper, baking soda, sesame oil, sugar, and Chinese five spice.
- Combine thoroughly and allow to marinate for a minimum of 15 minutes.
- Prepare the Beef for Frying:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy. Incorporate the cornstarch and stir until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
- Dip each marinated beef strip into the egg white and cornstarch mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
- Fry the Beef:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the coated beef strips in batches until golden brown and crispy.
- Move to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil.
- Prepare the Stir Fry:
- In a clean skillet or wok, heat the peanut oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for roughly 30 seconds until it becomes aromatic.
- Add the onion, bell pepper, and red chili pepper. Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they are tender yet still crisp.
- Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, tomato paste, Hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and soy sauce until well combined.
- Combine and Cook:
- Add the fried beef strips to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the top and toss everything together until the beef and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and glaze the beef and vegetables.
- Serve:
- Serve the Beijing Beef hot, over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with additional sliced red chili pepper or green onions if desired.
Conclusion
This Beijing Beef recipe offers a delicious blend of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a perfect sweet and sour sauce. It’s an excellent dish for family dinners or when you’re in the mood for a homemade version of your favorite Chinese takeout. Enjoy the rich and vibrant flavors of this classic dish, right from your own kitchen.