Description
A quick and flavorful Kung Pao Beef recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender beef coated in a savory and slightly sweet sauce with crunchy peanuts and vibrant vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound beef sirloin, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large bell pepper (any color), seeded and sliced into thin strips
- ½ cup roasted peanuts, unsalted
- 2 green onions, white and green parts separated, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare and Marinate the Beef: Slice 1 pound of beef sirloin into uniform, bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and ½ tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix thoroughly and let marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Whisk Together the Kung Pao Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce (¼ cup minus 1 tablespoon), rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and the remaining ½ tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
- Prep the Vegetables and Aromatics: Slice the bell pepper into thin strips. Slice the green onions, separating the white and light green parts from the darker green tops.
- Searing the Beef: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil. Add the marinated beef in a single layer (in batches if necessary) and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove beef and set aside.
- Stir-Frying the Aromatics and Vegetables: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the hot wok and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the white and light green parts of the green onions and stir-fry for 1 minute. Add the sliced bell pepper and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Bringing It All Together: Return the seared beef to the wok. Whisk the prepared Kung Pao sauce and pour it over the beef and vegetables. Stir to coat evenly and let simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add the roasted peanuts and stir for another minute. Garnish with the dark green tops of the green onions before serving.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg