Irresistible Panda Express Copycat Beijing Beef Recipe

Name: Panda Express Copycat Beijing Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb beef flank steak, thinly sliced; 1 cup bell peppers (mixed red and green), sliced; 1 medium yellow onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp brown sugar (light); 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp cornstarch; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Recipe By:

Ruth

Posted:

November 4, 2025

Updated:

November 4, 2025

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There’s a magical dish at Panda Express that has been known to cause spontaneous dance parties in my kitchen. Yes, I’m talking about the sensational Panda Express Copycat Beijing Beef. Imagine tender beef strips coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, all mingling with vibrant veggies like bell peppers and onions. The aroma alone is enough to make you feel like you’re in a bustling Chinese market, but this recipe brings that experience right into your home.

Now, let me take you back to when I first attempted to recreate this masterpiece. I was hosting a dinner party, and the goal was to impress my friends while simultaneously avoiding any culinary disasters. Spoiler alert: it turned out to be a hit! Everyone raved about the flavors and begged for the recipe. The best part? I felt like a culinary wizard casting spells of flavor with every stir of the pan.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Panda Express Copycat Beijing Beef is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
The sweet and spicy flavor profile will have your taste buds dancing with joy
It looks stunning on any dinner table, thanks to its vibrant colors and textures
Versatile enough for meal prep or entertaining, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike

I remember my friend Sarah’s jaw dropping when she took her first bite—it was pure magic!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Beef Flank Steak: Choose tender cuts for the best texture; slices should be thin for quick cooking.
Bell Peppers: Use a mix of red and green for a pop of color and sweetness.
Onion: Yellow onions work best; they caramelize beautifully and add depth.
Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances flavor; minced is ideal for that punchy aroma.
Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth; grate it finely for an even distribution.
Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to balance flavors without overpowering them.
Brown Sugar: This ingredient gives the dish its signature sweetness; light brown sugar is recommended.
Rice Vinegar: A splash provides acidity that brightens up the overall flavor profile.
Cornstarch: Use it for coating the beef—this helps achieve that crispy texture.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust this based on your spice preference; they add a delightful kick.
Vegetable Oil: For stir-frying; choose oils with high smoke points for best results.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Panda Express Copycat Beijing Beef

How to Make Panda Express Copycat Beijing Beef

Prepare the Beef Strips: Start by thinly slicing the flank steak against the grain—aim for about 1/4 inch thick. Toss it in cornstarch until well coated; this step ensures crispy beef when cooked.

Create the Sauce: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until sugar dissolves completely; your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Sauté the Vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced bell peppers and onions, stirring until they soften and become slightly charred—this takes about 4–5 minutes.

Cook the Beef: Push veggies aside in the skillet and add your beef strips—sizzle time! Cook until browned on all sides (about 3–4 minutes), then mix everything together.

Add the Sauce: Pour your prepped sauce over the beef and vegetables. Cook while stirring constantly until everything is well-coated and bubbly—around 2–3 minutes should do it.

Serve Hot: Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles—garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if feeling fancy!

Now you’ve mastered this delightful dish! Enjoy sharing it with loved ones or savoring leftovers (if there are any).

There you have it: an epic journey through flavors awaits you with this Panda Express Copycat Beijing Beef recipe!

You Must Know

Making Panda Express Copycat Beijing Beef at home can be a game-changer
The sweet and savory flavors will make your taste buds dance
Plus, you can control the ingredients for a healthier option that doesn’t skimp on deliciousness

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the beef for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor. Sear it in batches to ensure even cooking and avoid steaming.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the bell peppers for broccoli or snap peas. A sprinkle of sesame seeds at the end adds an extra crunch.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on medium heat in a skillet to maintain texture.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfect Beijing Beef, choose flank steak for its flavor and tenderness
Avoid overcrowding the pan while cooking to achieve that desirable sear
Always taste your sauce before adding it to the beef; adjust sweetness as needed!

It’s funny how my first attempt at making Panda Express Copycat Beijing Beef ended with me covered in soy sauce and a kitchen that looked like it had hosted a food fight, but hey, practice makes perfect!

FAQ

Can I use chicken instead of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken for beef in this recipe.

How spicy is Panda Express Copycat Beijing Beef?

This dish is not spicy, but you can add chili flakes if desired.

What side dishes pair well with Beijing Beef?

Serve it with fried rice or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

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