Love Panda Express’s Beijing Beef Recipe? This copycat recipe lets you recreate the sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors at home. Perfect for surprising friends with a homemade version of this Chinese-American favorite.
This guide covers everything you need for the perfect Panda Express-style Beijing Beef: prepping the beef, creating the sauce, and stir-frying the veggies. Let’s dive in and learn all the secrets for a successful copycat Panda Express Beijing Beef recipe.
Key Takeaways
- Recreate the iconic Panda Express Beijing Beef dish at home with this easy-to-follow recipe.
- Achieve the perfect texture and flavor by following the detailed instructions.
- Use key ingredients like flank steak, bell peppers, onions, and a blend of sauces to capture the signature taste.
- Enjoy this sweet, savory, and slightly spicy dish as a delicious homemade alternative.
- Customize the recipe by adjusting the heat level or experimenting with different protein options.
Craving Panda Express Beijing Beef?
Are you missing the taste of Panda Express’ famous Beijing Beef? This recipe helps you make it at home easily with simple ingredients to satisfy your cravings.
Satisfy Your Cravings For Beijing Beef at Home
Love Panda Express or just miss their unique Beijing Beef? You can now make it in your kitchen. The recipe is easy to follow, promising a delicious taste that might even beat the original.
Easy-to-Follow Copycat Recipe
This copycat recipe of Panda Express’ Beijing Beef is simple and clear. It’s perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. You’ll find it easy to make the sweet and spicy crispy beef with the recipe’s clear steps and common ingredients.
What is Beijing Beef?
Beijing Beef is a popular Chinese-American dish featuring crispy beef strips in a sweet and spicy sauce, with sautéed bell peppers and onions. It’s known for its perfect mix of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. Now, you can recreate it at home with the right ingredients and steps.
Ingredients Needed
To make Panda Express Beijing Beef at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Beef
- Flank steak or flat iron steak, thinly sliced
- Cornstarch
- Egg whites
For the Sauce
- Soy sauce
- Sweet chili sauce
- Ketchup
- Honey
- Asian chili paste
- Rice vinegar
Other Essentials
- Onion
- Red bell pepper
- Garlic
- Oil for frying
- Salt
Panda Express Beijing Beef Recipe
Preparing the Beef
- Cut the flank steak into thin, 1/4-inch strips.
- In a bowl, mix the beef with egg whites, cornstarch, salt, and cold water. Stir well so the beef is evenly coated.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
Making the Sauce
- Whisk together soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, ketchup, honey, chili paste, vinegar, and garlic in a bowl.
Frying the Beef
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high.
- Fry the beef strips in batches until they’re golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels.
Stir-Frying the Veggies
- Heat oil in the same pan.
- Add onion and bell pepper. Cook and stir until they’re soft but still a bit crisp.
Combining Everything Together
- Add the cooked beef back to the pan with the veggies.
- Pour over the sauce and mix well.
- Cook for another few minutes until everything is hot and the sauce thickens.
Serve the Beijing Beef over rice for a perfect mix of sweet, salty, and a little heat!
Cooking Tips and Tricks To Make it Better Than Panda Express
Getting the Perfect Crispiness
Use plenty of oil and fry the beef at high or medium-high heat to achieve a golden, crispy crust while locking in juiciness.
Adjusting the Heat Level
For more spice, add extra crushed red pepper to the sauce. To reduce the heat, use less or skip the crushed red pepper. Customize the heat to match your taste.
Serving Suggestions
The copycat Panda Express Beijing Beef pairs well with various sides. Try steamed or fried rice, lo mein noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Classic appetizers like potstickers or egg rolls are perfect too.
Side Dish Ideas
- Serve over a bed of fluffy white rice for a classic pairing.
- Pair with fragrant fried rice or savory lo mein noodles for a more substantial meal.
- Try cauliflower rice or cauliflower fried rice as a low-carb alternative.
- Add appetizers like potstickers or egg rolls to complement the Beijing Beef.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftover Beijing Beef in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. This way, you’ll have an easy, tasty meal ready when you’re busy.
Panda Express Beijing Beef Copycat Nutrition Information
Our copycat Beijing Beef is a healthier take on the original without compromising flavor.
| Nutritional Comparison | Panda Express Beijing Beef (5.6 oz serving) | Copycat Beijing Beef (7 oz serving) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 470 calories | 250 calories |
| Protein | 13g | 23g |
| Carbs | 46g | 18g |
| Fat | 26g | 8g |
By using gluten-free hoisin and soy sauce, we made a gluten-free option. This copycat Beijing Beef has fewer calories, carbs, and fat than the original, making it a win for your taste buds and health.
Variations and Substitutions
Adjust the recipe to suit your preferences. Add more crushed red pepper or hot sauce for extra heat, or leave it out for a milder dish. Substitute the beef with chicken, pork, or tofu for different dietary needs.
The original recipe includes onions and bell peppers, but you can add broccoli, snap peas, or water chestnuts for variety and extra nutrients.
FAQ on This Panda Express Copycat
What is the key ingredient needed for the beef in this recipe?
Cornstarch is essential for a crispy texture.
What type of sauce is used?
A mix of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sweet chili sauce, and ketchup creates the signature flavor.
How can I get the beef as crispy as the Panda Express version?
Fry in small batches at high heat with enough oil. The cornstarch coating helps too.
Can I adjust the heat level?
Yes, add more or less crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
What are good side dish ideas?
Steamed rice, fried rice, lo mein noodles, or cauliflower fried rice.
How long can I store leftovers?
Store in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, substitute with chicken, pork, or tofu.
Best Panda Express Beijing Beef Recipe Copycat Ever In Life!
Equipment
- Wok or deep skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Paper towels
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1.5 pounds flank steak thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 egg beaten
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Salt and white pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1.5 tablespoons ketchup
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons crushed chili peppers adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
For Stir-Frying:
- 1/2 medium yellow onion sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper cut into pieces
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- Cornstarch for dusting the beef
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, beaten egg, cornstarch, salt, and white pepper. Add the beef slices and marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: Mix all the sauce ingredients in a separate bowl and set aside.
- Fry the Beef: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Coat the marinated beef slices in cornstarch again and shake off the excess. Fry the beef in small batches until golden brown and crispy, about 1-2 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Remove most of the oil from the wok, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper and stir-fry until slightly charred and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for another 10 seconds.
- Combine and Cook: Add the sauce to the wok and bring it to a simmer until it thickens. Return the fried beef to the wok and toss everything together until the beef is well coated with the sauce. Cook for another minute.
- Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken for beef if desired.
- Adjust the level of crushed chili peppers to control the spiciness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to maintain the sauce consistency.
