Making Panda Express Beijing Beef At Home | But Better

beef

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: pork

Chicken or pork can lower costs while still providing protein.

hoisin sauce

🥗Healthier: miso paste

💰Cheaper: soy sauce

Miso offers umami flavor with fewer additives.

vegetable oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Olive oil is healthier, while canola is often cheaper.

cornstarch

🥗Healthier: arrowroot powder

💰Cheaper: flour

Arrowroot is a gluten-free alternative, while flour is often less expensive.

Slice 1.5 lb of flank steak into half inch thick strips against the grain.

Season the beef with salt to taste, 0.5 tsp ground white pepper, and grated ginger. Toss to combine.

Prepare the breading station: whisk together 1 egg and 1.5 tbsp of water for the egg wash.

In a medium bowl, combine 0.5 cup cornstarch, 0.75 cup all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt for the flour dredge.

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together 0.5 cup water, 0.25 cup granulated sugar, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 2 tbsp white distilled vinegar, 1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar (optional), 2 tbsp ketchup, 2 tbsp shacha sauce, and 0.5 tsp finely ground Sichuan peppercorns (optional) until combined for the sauce.

Heat vegetable oil in a large wok to 350°F. Fry the beef in batches until light golden and crisp. Drain on a wire rack.

Wipe the wok clean and add 3 tbsp vegetable oil. Heat over medium-high heat.

Add the red bell pepper and yellow onion to the wok, season lightly with salt, and stir-fry until the vegetables begin to brown and the onion turns translucent.

Add the sauce mixture and 1 tsp fine ground chili flakes to the wok. Stir and boil for 2 minutes to reduce.

In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry. Whisk half of the slurry into the sauce to check for thickness, adding more if needed.

Once the sauce has thickened, add the fried beef and toss to coat thoroughly.

Turn off the heat and add 3 cloves of finely chopped garlic, tossing until well combined.

Serve the beef over steaming hot rice.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens