Go Back
Beijing Beef Panda Express Recipe

Easy Beijing Beef Panda Express Recipe

Beijing Beef Panda Express Recipe recreates the restaurant favorite with crispy strips of beef tossed in a bold, sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce, then combined with colorful bell peppers and onions. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of crunch, savory flavor, and sticky glaze that makes this dish so addictive.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Chinese
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 1 pound flank steak or sirloin thinly sliced against the grain
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup cornstarch
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Vegetables
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 small onion cut into wedges
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Equipment

  • Large wok or skillet
  • Deep frying pan or Dutch oven
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Slotted spoon
  • Wire rack
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Beef
  1. Slice the beef into thin strips against the grain to ensure tenderness. Season with salt and black pepper. In a bowl, beat the egg and mix it with the beef until evenly coated. In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch and flour, then coat each strip thoroughly. Allow the coated beef to rest for about 10 minutes so the coating adheres well before frying.
    Beijing Beef Panda Express Recipe Step (1)
Step 2: Fry the Beef
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry the beef in small batches for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this lowers the oil temperature and prevents the coating from becoming crunchy. Transfer the cooked beef to a wire rack to drain excess oil while maintaining its crispiness.
    Beijing Beef Panda Express Recipe Step (6)
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil until smooth. This sauce should have a balanced combination of sweetness, tanginess, and savory flavor that closely resembles the signature Panda Express version.
    Beijing Beef Panda Express Recipe Step (5)
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
  1. Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and red bell peppers, then stir-fry for about 2 to 3 minutes. The vegetables should become slightly tender while still retaining a pleasant crunch and vibrant color.
    Beijing Beef Panda Express Recipe Step (4)
Step 5: Combine Everything
  1. Pour the prepared sauce into the wok with the vegetables and cook for about one minute until it begins to bubble and thicken slightly. Add the crispy fried beef and gently toss everything together until each piece is evenly coated in the glossy sauce. Sprinkle in the sliced green onions and stir briefly before removing the wok from the heat.
    Beijing Beef Panda Express Recipe Step (3)
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
  1. Transfer the Beijing Beef to a serving platter or individual bowls while it’s still hot. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and a light sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or chow mein to enjoy the crispy beef at its best. The glossy sweet-and-spicy sauce paired with crunchy vegetables makes every bite incredibly satisfying.
    Beijing Beef Panda Express Recipe Step (2)

Video

Notes

This flavorful dish pairs well with a variety of Asian-inspired sides.
  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Fried rice
  • Chow mein
  • Vegetable lo mein
  • Egg rolls
  • Spring rolls
  • Crab rangoon
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Asian cucumber salad
  • Hot and sour soup