Panda Express's Beijing Beef (Copycat Recipe)

This Beijing Beef recipe captures the bold flavors and crispy textures of the beloved dish from Panda Express. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers and a sweet and tangy sauce, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare, staying true to traditional Chinese cooking methods.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, toss the sliced flank steak with cornstarch until evenly coated. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp.
4. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes. Pour this sauce over the vegetables in the skillet.
6. Return the crispy beef to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.