Panda Express Beijing Beef Recipe – The Ultimate Copycat Version!

Panda Express’ Beijing Beef is a fan favorite—tender strips of beef coated in a crispy batter, sautéed with vibrant veggies, and tossed in a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. If you’ve ever craved the unique flavors of this dish and wished you could recreate it at home, you’re in the right place! This copycat recipe gives you the exact taste of the beloved restaurant dish, but in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Not only is this dish quick to make, but it also provides a flavorful punch that will satisfy your cravings. Let’s dive into how you can make this mouthwatering Beijing Beef dish at home! 🌟

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Why You’ll Love This Beijing Beef Recipe

✅ Crispy & Tender Beef – Perfectly fried beef with a crispy exterior and tender interior.
✅ Sweet & Savory Sauce – The sauce has the perfect balance of sweetness with just the right amount of spice.
✅ Restaurant-Quality Taste – Get the same Panda Express flavor without leaving your home.
✅ Customizable – You can adjust the sweetness, spice, and flavors to suit your preferences.
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes for an amazing dinner or takeout-style meal.

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Key Ingredients & Substitutions 🍽️

Here’s a quick look at the ingredients you’ll need for this Beijing Beef recipe. It’s simple and straightforward, with options to customize to your taste.

For the Beef:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin steak (sliced thinly against the grain) 🥩
• ½ cup cornstarch (for coating the beef) 🌽
• 1 egg (to help bind the cornstarch) 🥚
• Vegetable oil (for frying) 🌱

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup soy sauce (for depth of flavor) 🍜
• ¼ cup hoisin sauce (adds a sweet, tangy flavor) 🧴
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar (for acidity) 🍚
• 3 tbsp sugar (or to taste for sweetness) 🍬
• 1 tbsp chili garlic sauce (for spice) 🌶️
• 1 tbsp ginger (grated) 🧑‍🍳
• 2 cloves garlic (minced) 🧄
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat) 🔥

For the Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper (sliced) 🌶️
• 1 green bell pepper (sliced) 🟢
• 1 medium onion (sliced) 🧅
• ½ cup broccoli florets 🥦

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Step-by-Step Instructions 🍳

This recipe is simple to follow and comes together quickly. Here’s how you can recreate the Panda Express Beijing Beef at home.

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips. This will help make the beef more tender.
2. In a bowl, whisk the egg and cornstarch together until smooth.
3. Coat the beef slices in the egg mixture, making sure each piece is covered with a thin layer.
4. Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Fry the Beef

1. Once the oil is hot, fry the beef in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan.
2. Fry the beef for 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy on both sides.
3. Remove the beef from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

1. In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
2. Sauté the bell peppers, onion, and broccoli until they are slightly tender but still crisp—about 3-4 minutes.
3. Set the cooked veggies aside while you prepare the sauce.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili garlic sauce, grated ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Stir the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Once the sauce has thickened, return the fried beef to the skillet and toss it in the sauce to coat evenly.
2. Add the cooked vegetables back into the pan and mix well to combine all ingredients.
3. Stir for another 1-2 minutes until everything is well-coated and heated through.

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Tips for the Best Beijing Beef 🍴

• Choosing the Right Beef: Use flank steak or sirloin, as these cuts of beef are tender and hold up well when fried. If you use a tougher cut, make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain to improve tenderness.
• Crispy Beef: To get the crispiest beef, make sure the oil is hot before adding the beef. This ensures a nice golden crust without overcooking the meat.
• Vegetable Substitutes: Feel free to use other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or even mushrooms for a unique twist. The more colorful, the better!
• Adjusting Spice: The amount of chili garlic sauce and red pepper flakes can be adjusted depending on how spicy you want your dish. For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the heat.
• Make It Sweeter or More Savory: If you like a sweeter sauce, add more sugar or hoisin sauce. For a savory touch, increase the soy sauce.

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Serving Suggestions 🍽️

Panda Express’ Beijing Beef pairs well with several different side dishes to create a well-rounded meal. Here are a few ideas:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice – The fluffy texture of jasmine rice complements the crispy beef and flavorful sauce. 🍚
• Fried Rice – A savory side like fried rice works great if you want to keep the Asian-inspired theme going. 🍛
• Stir-Fried Noodles – If you’re craving something hearty, stir-fried noodles make a great pairing with Beijing Beef. 🍜
• Chinese Broccoli or Bok Choy – Add some greens to your meal for a well-balanced plate. 🥢
• Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls – These crispy, savory appetizers are a perfect accompaniment to this rich dish. 🥟

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Storing & Reheating 🧊

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), you can store them properly for later.

Storing Leftovers:

• Store Beijing Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If you’d like to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of water to help rehydrate the sauce.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until the beef is warmed through.

Pro Tip: For the crispiest beef, it’s best to reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 🤔

1. Can I use a different protein instead of beef? Absolutely! You can use chicken breast or even tofu if you prefer a different protein.
2. What if I don’t have hoisin sauce? You can substitute with a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and a little peanut butter if you’re in a pinch.
3. How can I make this recipe spicier? Add more chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes to increase the spice level. You could even toss in a few fresh chopped chilies for an extra kick.
4. Can I make Beijing Beef ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the beef and sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to fry the beef fresh for that crispy texture.

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Conclusion – A Must-Try Panda Express Copycat Dish! 🍽️

There you have it—Panda Express Beijing Beef made right at home! 🍜 With crispy beef, vibrant veggies, and a sweet and spicy sauce, this dish is a flavor explosion in every bite. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or whenever you’re craving some takeout-style goodness.

Now that you know how easy it is to make this popular dish, go ahead and give it a try! Let me know how it turned out and what your favorite side dish is to pair it with. Enjoy your homemade Beijing Beef, and happy cooking! 😍🥢