If you’re craving a dish that combines tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a sweet and savory sauce, look no further than this Beijing beef recipe. This delightful dish is a popular choice in many Chinese restaurants, and now you can recreate it in your own kitchen. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering dish!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
To make this authentic Beijing beef recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 pound (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (red or green)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup (150g) broccoli florets
- 1 cup (150g) snap peas
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced flank steak, soy sauce, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated.
- Let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for tenderizing the meat and enhancing the flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the broccoli florets and snap peas, continuing to stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
- In the same skillet, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the beef, stirring to coat the meat evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Return the stir-fried vegetables to the skillet, mixing them with the beef and sauce. Cook for an additional minute to heat everything through.
- Serve the Beijing beef hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Cooking Tips for Beijing Beef Recipe
- Choosing the Right Cut of Beef: Flank steak is ideal for this recipe due to its flavor and tenderness. However, you can also use sirloin or ribeye if preferred.
- Slice Against the Grain: For the most tender beef, always slice against the grain. This helps break down the muscle fibers.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers to the stir-fry.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or baby corn based on your preference.
Nutritional Information of Beijing Beef Recipe
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 10g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
Storage Advice
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked Beijing beef for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian version of this Beijing beef recipe.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
- Spicy Beijing Beef: Add sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for an extra kick.
Conclusion
This Beijing beef recipe is a fantastic way to bring the flavors of Chinese cuisine into your home. With its tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a sweet-savory sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your results! What variations did you make? Did you add any special ingredients? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
