Beijing Beef Recipe: A Delicious Homemade Take on the Classic

Beijing Beef is a flavorful Chinese-inspired dish that’s crispy, sweet, and savory, all at the same time. This recipe brings together tender beef, fresh veggies, and a deliciously sweet and tangy sauce that will remind you of your favorite takeout but with the comfort of homemade goodness. 🍖🍚

In this article, I’ll guide you through a step-by-step process to make the perfect Beijing Beef. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or planning to impress guests with your cooking skills, this recipe is sure to hit the spot! 😋

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Why You’ll Love Beijing Beef

✅ Crispy & Tender Beef – The beef is perfectly crispy on the outside, while staying tender on the inside. 🍖

✅ Sweet & Savory Sauce – A mouthwatering combination of sweetness and savory flavors that’ll have you coming back for more. 🍯

✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights when you need something delicious. ⏱️

✅ Customizable – Feel free to tweak the flavors to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. 🥢

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the key ingredients to make this irresistible Beijing Beef:

For the Beef:

• 1 lb (450g) of flank steak or sirloin steak – Thinly sliced against the grain 🥩
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – For dredging the beef 🧑‍🍳
• 1/4 cup cornstarch – Adds extra crispiness to the beef 🍞
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – To season the beef 🧂
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Adds flavor to the coating 🌶️
• Oil for frying – Vegetable or canola oil works great for frying 🛢️

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce – The savory base of the sauce 🍜
• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor 🍯
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar – For a tangy kick 🍶
• 2 tablespoons sugar – For a touch of sweetness 🍬
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce 🍲
• 1/4 cup water – To balance the sauce consistency 💧
• 2 cloves garlic – Minced for a burst of flavor 🧄
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger – Adds a zesty note 🍑
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil – For that signature flavor 🥡

For the Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper – Thinly sliced 🌶️
• 1 yellow onion – Thinly sliced 🧅
• 1/2 cup broccoli florets – Adds a crunchy texture 🥦
• 2-3 green onions – Chopped for garnish 🧅

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Beijing Beef at home might sound like a challenge, but it’s much simpler than you think! Let’s dive into the process.

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Step 1: Prepare the Beef

To begin, we need to prepare the beef for frying.

1. Slice the Beef: Take your flank steak or sirloin steak and slice it thinly against the grain. Cutting it against the grain will ensure the beef is tender and easy to chew.
2. Season and Coat: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss the beef slices in this mixture, making sure each piece is coated evenly. This will create a crispy outer layer when fried.
3. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat enough oil to coat the bottom over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot, but not smoking.

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Step 2: Fry the Beef

Now that the beef is coated, it’s time to fry it until crispy.

1. Fry in Batches: Carefully add the beef slices to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the beef for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden and crispy.
2. Drain: Once fried, remove the beef from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This step ensures your beef remains crispy. Repeat with the remaining beef slices.

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Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

While the beef is frying, it’s a great time to prepare the sauce. The sauce is what makes this dish extra special!

1. Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, water, and cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved.
2. Add Garlic and Ginger: In a separate pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the garlic and ginger. Stir constantly, bringing it to a simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens up.

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Step 4: Combine the Beef and Sauce

Now comes the fun part—combining everything!

1. Add the Vegetables: In the same pan, add your sliced bell peppers, onions, and broccoli. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
2. Toss the Beef in the Sauce: Add the fried beef to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the thickened sauce over the beef and vegetables, tossing everything together until well coated.

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Step 5: Serve & Garnish

Once everything is mixed together, it’s time to plate and garnish!

1. Garnish: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the top for a fresh and crunchy finish. You can also add sesame seeds for a little extra texture.
2. Serve: Serve your homemade Beijing Beef over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for the perfect meal. It’s also great on its own if you prefer a low-carb option! 🍚

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Tips for the Perfect Beijing Beef

• Choose the Right Cut of Beef: Flank steak or sirloin steak works best for this recipe. These cuts are tender yet hold up well during frying. 🥩
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the beef, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the beef in batches for even cooking and maximum crispiness. 🔥
• Adjust the Sauce to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more sugar or hoisin sauce. For a tangier sauce, add more rice vinegar. 🍯🍋
• Serve Immediately: This dish is best served fresh, as the beef stays crispy when served right away. Letting it sit too long will make the coating soggy. 🕒

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Variations to Try

If you’re looking to change up this recipe, here are a few ideas:

1. Add More Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite veggies to the stir-fry! Mushrooms, carrots, and snap peas all make great additions. 🥕🍄
2. Spicy Version: If you love spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño to the sauce. 🌶️
3. Make it Low-Carb: Skip the rice and serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. 🥦
4. Vegan Option: For a vegan version, use tofu or tempeh in place of beef, and be sure to choose a plant-based hoisin sauce. 🍃

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How to Store & Reheat Beijing Beef

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store and reheat your Beijing Beef:

• Storing: Keep leftover Beijing Beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. 🍱
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best results. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the beef soggy. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts to prevent overcooking. 🔥

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef? Yes, you can use other cuts like ribeye or skirt steak, but they might not be as tender as flank steak or sirloin.
2. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time? While the beef is best served fresh, you can prep the beef, sauce, and veggies ahead of time. Fry the beef and stir-fry the veggies just before serving. ⏰
3. Is Beijing Beef Spicy? It’s not traditionally spicy, but you can easily add heat by incorporating chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce. 🌶️
4. Can I Freeze Beijing Beef? Yes! You can freeze the cooked beef and sauce separately for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw and reheat in a skillet until crispy. ❄️

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Final Thoughts

This Beijing Beef recipe is a must-try for anyone craving a tasty, homemade version of their favorite Chinese takeout dish. With crispy beef, vibrant vegetables, and a rich sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite! 😍

The best part? You can customize it to your liking, making it as sweet, savory, or spicy as you want. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!