Beijing Beef

Introduction

Beijing Beef is a delightful dish that combines tender strips of beef with vibrant bell peppers and a sweet and savory sauce. This popular dish is often found in Chinese-American cuisine and offers a delicious way to bring the flavors of Beijing to your home kitchen. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as a standout dish for a special dinner.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Beef: 1 pound of flank steak, thinly sliced
Bell Peppers: 1 red and 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
Onion: 1 medium onion, sliced
Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced
Ginger: 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, minced
Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup
Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup
Cornstarch: 1/4 cup
Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
Vegetable Oil: for frying
Green Onions: for garnish

Prep Time

The preparation time for this Beijing Beef recipe is approximately 15 minutes. This quick prep ensures that you can have your meal ready in no time, making it an ideal dish for busy evenings.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The cooking time for Beijing Beef is about 10 minutes. In total, you can expect to spend approximately 25 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields about 4 servings, making it perfect for sharing with family or friends.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Slice the flank steak into thin strips, against the grain. This helps in keeping the meat tender.

Step 2: Marinate the Beef

In a bowl, combine sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add oil and allow it to become hot. Cook the marinated beef in batches for about 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add more oil if necessary. Once hot, add sliced bell peppers and onions. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables become tender yet still crisp.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the garlic and ginger, stirring everything together for an additional minute.

Step 6: Create the Sauce

Pour in the sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, and vinegar. Mix well to coat all ingredients and allow it to simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the Beijing beef hot over rice or noodles, garnishing with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

Notes

Note 1: Beef Alternatives

You can substitute flank steak with sirloin or even chicken for a different variation of this dish.

Note 2: Vegetarian Option

For a vegetarian version, use tofu or seitan instead of beef.

Note 3: Adjusting Spice Level

Feel free to add chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier dish.

Note 4: Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat before serving.

Note 5: Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs well with steamed rice or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cook techniques

Marinating

Marinating the beef enhances its flavor and tenderness. A mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger is ideal for infusing the meat with delicious flavors.

Stir-frying

Stir-frying is a quick cooking method that retains the crispiness of vegetables and the tenderness of meat. Use high heat and a non-stick pan or wok for best results.

Coating

Coating the beef in cornstarch before cooking helps to create a crispy outer layer while keeping the meat juicy inside.

Deglazing

Deglazing the pan after cooking the meat allows you to incorporate the flavorful browned bits into your sauce, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or tofu for a different variation of the dish.

What vegetables can I add?

You can add a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to enhance the nutritional value and flavor.

How can I make it spicier?

To add heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers into the stir-fry.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients and sauce ahead of time and stir-fry just before serving for optimal taste and texture.

Conclusion

The Beijing Beef recipe is a delightful dish that brings together tender beef and colorful vegetables, all coated in a savory sauce. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it is sure to be a hit at the dinner table. The combination of sweet and spicy elements makes this dish a versatile option for various palates.

More recipes suggestions and combination

General Tso’s Chicken

An equally popular dish, General Tso’s chicken offers a similar sweet and spicy flavor profile, making it a great companion to Beijing Beef.

Sweet and Sour Pork

This dish features crispy pork in a tangy sauce that complements the flavors of Beijing Beef perfectly, adding another dimension to your meal.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

A medley of stir-fried vegetables can enhance your dining experience, providing a healthy and colorful addition to the meal.

Fried Rice

Pairing Beijing Beef with fried rice creates a filling and flavorful combination that is sure to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.

Chicken Chow Mein

This noodle dish with vegetables adds great texture and flavor alongside Beijing Beef, making for a delightful dinner spread.

Sesame Noodles

The nutty flavors of sesame noodles offer a unique and tasty side that complements the savory notes of Beijing Beef wonderfully.