Peking Shredded Beef

Peking Shredded Beef is a delicious dish that combines crispy strips of beef with a rich, savory-sweet sauce. The texture of the beef is perfectly crisp, while the combination of ginger, garlic, and sweet bean sauce brings out the umami flavors that make this dish irresistible. It’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful dish to impress guests.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the bold flavors it offers. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that will leave everyone satisfied. You can also easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less ginger and garlic, depending on your preferences. Whether you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine or just looking for a new beef recipe, this one is sure to become a favorite in your home.

Full Recipe:

• 500g beef flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 small carrot, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 spring onions, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, finely grated
• 2 tablespoons sweet bean sauce (or hoisin sauce as substitute)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and cornstarch. Add the beef slices and marinate for 20 minutes.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in batches and stir-fry until crispy and browned, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set aside.
3. In the same wok, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add garlic, ginger, carrots, and bell pepper, and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
4. Return the beef to the wok, add sweet bean sauce, and stir everything together for 1-2 minutes until the sauce is well coated on the beef and vegetables.
5. Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped spring onions on top for garnish.
6. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Peking Shredded Beef: A Crispy, Savory Delight

Peking Shredded Beef is a popular Chinese dish known for its unique combination of crispy beef strips and a savory-sweet sauce, making it a favorite among fans of Asian cuisine. This dish originates from Northern China, where bold flavors and rich sauces dominate the culinary landscape. Peking Shredded Beef has gained international recognition for its simplicity, yet it packs a powerful punch of flavors. In this article, we’ll dive into the history, cooking techniques, flavor profiles, and various ways to enjoy and customize this dish.

History and Origins of Peking Shredded Beef

Peking cuisine, which is also referred to as Beijing cuisine, is one of the most influential and iconic styles of cooking in China. It is best known for using ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and sweet bean paste. Peking Shredded Beef, often overshadowed by the more famous Peking Duck, is one of the lesser-known treasures of this region.

The dish is traditionally served in Chinese restaurants and is a reflection of Beijing’s preference for deep, savory flavors balanced with sweetness. Historically, the northern regions of China have relied on hearty meat-based dishes due to the cooler climate. Beef, being one of the more readily available meats in this area, has long been a staple in their cooking. The shredded, crispy texture of the beef in this recipe is achieved through a specific technique that gives it an irresistible crunch, while the sauce adds a rich, sticky coating that appeals to a wide range of palates.

Flavor Profile: The Perfect Balance

The hallmark of Peking Shredded Beef lies in its flavor profile. This dish is all about balance — balancing textures and flavors to create a truly satisfying culinary experience. Here’s what makes this dish so special:

• Crispy Beef Strips: The beef is thinly sliced and lightly coated in a marinade, then quickly stir-fried until it reaches a perfect crispiness. This creates a wonderful contrast between the tender inside and the crunchy outer layer.
• Savory-Sweet Sauce: The sauce typically contains a blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sweet bean paste, giving it a delightful combination of umami and sweetness. This balance is what makes the dish so addictive — each bite delivers both depth and sweetness without overwhelming the palate.
• Aromatic Elements: The use of ginger and garlic in this recipe adds an aromatic kick, providing warmth and a touch of spice. These flavors are essential to Chinese stir-fry dishes and help elevate the beef’s natural richness.
• Fresh Vegetables: Carrots, bell peppers, and spring onions add color and texture, along with a subtle sweetness and crunch. These vegetables not only enhance the visual appeal of the dish but also contribute a refreshing contrast to the richness of the beef and sauce.

Cooking Techniques

The technique used in preparing Peking Shredded Beef is straightforward, but it requires attention to detail to get the textures just right. The process starts with marinating the beef, which helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor before it hits the hot wok. Here are a few key cooking tips:

• Thinly Sliced Beef: To achieve the characteristic crispy texture, it’s important to slice the beef very thinly. Freezing the beef for about 20 minutes before slicing can make this easier.
• High-Heat Stir-Frying: Stir-frying at high heat is essential to cook the beef quickly and prevent it from becoming tough. This method locks in the juices and gives the beef its crispy exterior.
• Batch Cooking: When stir-frying, avoid overcrowding the wok. Cooking the beef in batches allows each slice to crisp up properly, as overcrowding will cause the meat to steam instead of fry.
• Building the Sauce: The sauce is added toward the end of the cooking process. Once the beef and vegetables are cooked, the sauce is poured in and stirred quickly to coat everything evenly. This final step ensures the sauce clings to the beef and vegetables without becoming too thick or soggy.

Ways to Serve Peking Shredded Beef

Peking Shredded Beef is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Traditionally, it’s served with steamed white rice, which soaks up the rich sauce beautifully. However, there are many other ways to enjoy this dish:

• Noodles: Toss the crispy beef and vegetables with stir-fried noodles for a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, low-carb option, serve the shredded beef in lettuce cups. The crispness of the lettuce complements the rich flavors of the beef and sauce.
• Tacos: A fusion twist could involve using the shredded beef as a filling for soft tacos, topped with fresh herbs like cilantro or pickled vegetables for added zing.
• Banh Mi: Another fusion idea is to use the crispy beef as a filling for a Banh Mi sandwich, paired with pickled vegetables, spicy mayo, and fresh coriander.
• Over Rice Noodles: For an even lighter meal, you can serve the beef over cold or hot rice noodles with a drizzle of extra sauce.

Customization and Substitutions

One of the best things about Peking Shredded Beef is its adaptability. You can easily customize the dish to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some ideas for tailoring the recipe to fit your needs:

• Protein Alternatives: While beef is the traditional choice, you can easily swap it out for chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Each protein brings a slightly different texture and flavor, but the sauce will work well with all of them.
• Spice It Up: If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding some chili paste, chili flakes, or fresh chopped chili peppers to the sauce or stir-fry.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce and hoisin sauce with gluten-free alternatives. Many brands now offer gluten-free versions of these staples.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix up the vegetables in this dish depending on what you have on hand. Snow peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli would all make excellent additions.
• Sauce Adjustments: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, you can increase the amount of sugar or hoisin sauce. For a more savory or salty version, add extra soy sauce or a dash of fish sauce.

Nutritional Information

Peking Shredded Beef is not just delicious but also provides a good balance of nutrients. The beef offers a high-quality source of protein and iron, which is vital for muscle growth and energy levels. The vegetables contribute fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this dish a well-rounded option for lunch or dinner. Here’s a breakdown of the potential health benefits:

• Beef: Rich in protein, zinc, and iron, beef helps in muscle repair and boosts immune function. It also provides B-vitamins, which are essential for energy metabolism.
• Carrots: High in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, carrots promote good vision, skin health, and immune function.
• Bell Peppers: A good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, bell peppers can help improve skin health, boost the immune system, and reduce inflammation.
• Garlic and Ginger: Both garlic and ginger have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. They also help aid digestion and add a wonderful aroma to the dish.

Conclusion

Peking Shredded Beef is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients and cooking techniques can come together to create a dish that is both visually stunning and packed with flavor. Its crispy texture, paired with the savory-sweet sauce, makes it an ideal option for any meal. Whether you’re serving it with rice, noodles, or even as part of a fusion dish, the versatility of this recipe makes it a must-try for anyone who enjoys bold, Asian-inspired flavors.

By mastering the balance of textures and flavors, you can make this dish your own with endless possibilities for customization. From its roots in Beijing cuisine to its popularity across the world today, Peking Shredded Beef is a dish that truly stands the test of time. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your guests with its crispy, savory goodness.

With so many ways to serve and enjoy this dish, Peking Shredded Beef is not just a meal—it’s a gateway to experiencing the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine from the comfort of your own kitchen.