Beijing Beef Recipe – A Sweet and Sour Delight
Beijing Beef is a flavorful and crispy dish with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory elements. Inspired by sweet and sour ribs, this dish is a popular choice for those who love bold flavors with a crispy texture. If you're a fan of Chinese takeout, this homemade version will surely impress!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crispy and Juicy: The beef is fried twice for the perfect crunch.
Rich in Flavor: A combination of garlic, onion, and bell pepper enhances the taste.
Delicious Sauce: The sweet and sour sauce, made with ketchup, soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar, brings everything together.
Now, let's dive into the step-by-step guide to making this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients
For Marinating the Beef:
300g beef (thinly sliced)
1 tbsp soy sauce
½ tsp salt
½ tsp sugar
1 tbsp cooking wine (optional)
½ tsp white pepper
For the Batter:
¼ cup corn starch
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
¼ cup water
For the Sauce:
2 tbsp ketchup
1½ tbsp sugar
1 tbsp light soy sauce
½ tbsp dark soy sauce
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp rice vinegar
Other Ingredients:
½ red bell pepper (cut into strips)
½ onion (sliced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
½ tbsp corn starch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
Oil for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
1. In a bowl, mix the beef slices with soy sauce, salt, sugar, cooking wine (if using), and white pepper.
2. Let it marinate for 15 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
1. In a separate bowl, mix corn starch, flour, baking soda, salt, and water to create a smooth batter.
2. Coat each beef slice evenly in the batter.
Step 3: Fry the Beef
1. Heat oil in a pan to 370°F (188°C) and fry the beef for 2.5 minutes until golden.
2. Remove and drain. Increase the oil temperature to 400°F (204°C) and fry again for 30 seconds to achieve extra crispiness.
3. Set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
1. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan and stir-fry onion and bell pepper for 30 seconds to remove the raw taste.
2. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 5: Make the Sweet and Sour Sauce
1. In the same pan, add minced garlic and optional chili flakes. Sauté until fragrant.
2. Add the ketchup, sugar, soy sauces, and salt. Stir well.
3. Pour in the corn starch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens.
4. Finally, add the rice vinegar to preserve its tangy flavor.
Step 6: Combine Everything
1. Add the fried beef to the pan and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce.
2. Add the stir-fried onion and bell pepper, mixing well.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your crispy Beijing Beef with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Tips for the Best Beijing Beef
✔ Double Frying is Key: This ensures a crispy texture even after tossing in the sauce.
✔ Don't Overcook the Vegetables: Keeping them slightly crunchy adds to the texture.
✔ Use Fresh Garlic: It enhances the aroma and flavor of the dish.
Final Thoughts
Beijing Beef is a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home. The crispy beef, coated in a flavorful sweet and sour sauce, makes it a must-try recipe. Try it today and enjoy a delicious homemade Chinese meal!
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments!
