Beijing-Style Beef Stir-Fry

Crispy Sweet & Spicy Beijing-Style Beef Stir-Fry is a delightful dish that brings bold flavors and vibrant colors to your table. This Beijing-Style Beef Stir-Fry is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a sweet-spicy sauce, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of sauces offers a rich taste that balances sweet and spicy perfectly.
• Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables, this stir-fry is a nutritious choice for any meal.
• Impressive Presentation: The colorful mix of bell peppers and glossy sauce makes this dish visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Beijing-Style Beef Stir-Fry, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok or large skillet: Ideal for stir-frying as it distributes heat evenly and allows for quick cooking.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes slicing meat and vegetables easy and safe.
• Measuring spoons: Ensure accurate measurements for ingredients, which is crucial for achieving the right flavor balance.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing apple vinegar (or dry apple juice)
• Oil for frying

For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp chili garlic sauce (adjust to heat preference)
• 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

How to Make Beijing-Style Beef Stir-Fry

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by marinating the beef slices. In a bowl, combine the beef with cornstarch, soy sauce, and vinegar. Let it sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In another bowl, mix together ketchup, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, and cornstarch mixed with water. Stir until well combined and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until browned on both sides (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from pan and keep warm.

Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables

In the same wok, add more oil if necessary. Toss in sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked beef to the wok with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce over everything. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. Cook for another minute until heated through.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Remove from heat and serve your Beijing-Style Beef Stir-Fry immediately over rice or noodles for a complete meal. Enjoy!

How to Serve Beijing-Style Beef Stir-Fry

Beijing-Style Beef Stir-Fry is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

Over Rice

• Serve the stir-fry over steamed white or brown rice for a filling meal. The rice absorbs the delicious sauce, making every bite flavorful.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Spoon the beef mixture into crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh and crunchy alternative. This adds a nice texture and freshness to each bite.

With Noodles

• Pair with cooked noodles like chow mein or rice noodles for a heartier option. Toss the noodles in the sauce for added flavor.

Topped with Sesame Seeds

• Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving. This adds a nutty flavor and a beautiful presentation.

Accompanied by Pickled Vegetables

• Serve with pickled vegetables on the side to add a tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the stir-fry.

How to Perfect Beijing-Style Beef Stir-Fry

Creating the perfect Beijing-Style Beef Stir-Fry requires attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips for an unforgettable dish.

• Choose Quality Meat: Use flank steak or sirloin for tenderness. Thinly slicing against the grain helps keep it juicy.

• Marinate Properly: Allow the beef to marinate in soy sauce and cornstarch for at least 15 minutes. This enhances flavor and tenderness.

• Use High Heat: Stir-frying over high heat allows for quick cooking while keeping the beef tender and veggies crisp.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than frying, affecting texture.

• Balance Flavors: Adjust sweetness and spice levels according to your preference by modifying ingredients like brown sugar and chili garlic sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Beijing-Style Beef Stir-Fry

Pairing side dishes with your Beijing-Style Beef Stir-Fry can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent choices to complement this dish.

1. Steamed Broccoli: A simple side that adds color and nutrients, balancing out the richness of the stir-fry.

2. Fried Rice: Flavorful fried rice made with vegetables and eggs provides additional textures and tastes that pair well.

3. Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls filled with veggies offer a delightful crunch before enjoying the stir-fry.

4. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumbers, vinegar, and sesame oil adds a lightness that contrasts nicely with the beef.

5. Sautéed Snow Peas: These sweet, crunchy peas add color and are quick to prepare, enhancing both presentation and flavor balance.

6. Garlic Bok Choy: Sautéed bok choy with garlic brings earthiness and complements Asian flavors beautifully.

7. Quinoa Salad: A nutritious option that can be flavored with soy sauce or sesame dressing, providing a protein boost alongside your meal.

8. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup rounds out the meal perfectly, adding warmth and depth of flavor before diving into your stir-fry.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the beef can lead to a less flavorful dish. Always marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance taste.
• Using Too Much Heat: Cooking on high heat is essential, but too much can burn the ingredients. Control the heat to achieve a perfect stir-fry without charring.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too much beef at once can lower the pan’s temperature and steam the meat. Cook in batches for a crispy texture.
• Ignoring Vegetable Timing: Vegetables require different cooking times. Add them in stages based on their cooking needs for optimal crunch and flavor.
• Neglecting Sauce Preparation: If you add sauce directly from the mixing bowl, it may not coat evenly. Prepare it separately and add it gradually while stirring.
• Not Adjusting Spice Levels: Everyone has different spice tolerance levels. Start with less chili garlic sauce and adjust according to your heat preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Beijing-Style Beef Stir-Fry

• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Beijing-Style Beef Stir-Fry

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Spread stir-fry on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add stir-fry and cook until heated thoroughly, about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Beijing-Style Beef Stir-Fry.

What is Beijing-Style Beef Stir-Fry?

Beijing-Style Beef Stir-Fry is a savory dish featuring thinly sliced beef cooked quickly with vegetables in a flavorful sauce that balances sweetness and spice.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute chicken for beef in this recipe. Just ensure it’s sliced thinly, similar to beef for even cooking.

How spicy is Beijing-Style Beef Stir-Fry?

The spice level can be adjusted according to your preference by varying the amount of chili garlic sauce used in the recipe.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, replace the beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of any meat-based options.

Final Thoughts

Beijing-Style Beef Stir-Fry is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a quick meal that brings vibrant flavors to your table!