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panda express beijing beef recipe

Beijing Beef Recipe

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb flank steak
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch (for coating)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, sliced into wedges
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 2 tsp cornstarch (for sauce)

Method
 

  1. Slice the flank steak into 1/4-inch strips against the grain. Dip each strip in beaten egg, then dredge in the 1/2 cup cornstarch until fully coated. Set aside on a plate.
  2. Heat the 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the beef in 2 to 3 batches, 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the 3 tbsp soy sauce, 3 tbsp rice vinegar, 3 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, 1 tbsp water, and 2 tsp cornstarch until smooth.
  4. Pour off all but 1 tbsp oil from the pan. Cook the 1/2 onion wedges for 2 minutes, then add the 1 red bell pepper, 3 cloves minced garlic, and 1 tsp chili flakes and cook 1 to 2 minutes more.
  5. Pour the sauce into the pan and stir for 30 seconds until glossy and thick. Add the beef and toss for 1 minute. Remove from heat, drizzle with the 1 tsp sesame oil, toss once more, and serve on a plate with vegetables on top.

Notes

You can slice and coat the beef up to an hour ahead and leave it uncovered in the fridge; the cornstarch coating will dry out slightly and actually fry up crispier. If your sauce seems to tighten before the beef is coated, add a splash of water, about 1 tbsp, and stir quickly over medium heat. Flank steak is worth seeking out here; it has the right grain structure to slice thin and stay tender under the heat.