Go Back
Kung Pao Beef

Kung Pao Beef Recipe

Rebecca Blumer
Savor the bold flavors of Kung Pao Beef with this easy recipe. Tender beef, crispy veggies, and a spicy-sweet sauce await. Discover the recipe now!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Beef (1 pound/450 grams)

Bell Peppers (2 medium, diced)

Onion (1 medium, diced)

Garlic (3-4 cloves, minced)

Fresh Ginger (1 tablespoon, minced)

Dried Red Chiles or Crushed Red Pepper (2-3 whole dried chiles or 1 teaspoon crushed pepper flakes)

Peanuts (¼ cup, unsalted or lightly salted)

Green Onions (2 stalks, sliced, optional)

Oil (3 tablespoons for stir-frying)

Cornstarch (2 tablespoons)

Soy Sauce (4 tablespoons, divided)

Brown Sugar (1 tablespoon)

Rice Vinegar or White Vinegar (1 tablespoon)

Chicken or Beef Broth (¼ cup)

Optional Extras

  • Feel free to add diced zucchini carrots, or mushrooms if you like extra vegetables.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

  • Prepare the Marinade:
    Take a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Stir until smooth. If you like, add a pinch of crushed red pepper for extra heat.
  • Coat the Beef:
    Place the beef strips in the marinade. Gently mix to ensure each piece gets covered. Let this sit for about 15 minutes. This short marinade period helps the beef stay juicy during cooking.

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Beef

  • Warm the Pan:
    Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. A hot surface is key for a proper stir-fry.
  • Cook the Beef:
    Add the marinated beef strips. Spread them out so they have contact with the hot surface. Let them sear for a minute before you stir. Searing locks in flavor and helps achieve a nice color. Stir-fry the beef for about 3-4 minutes, or until it is lightly browned but not fully cooked through.
  • Remove the Beef:
    Transfer the partially cooked beef to a plate. You will finish cooking it later with the sauce. This process prevents overcooking the meat.

Step 3: Stir-Fry Vegetables and Aromatics

  • Add More Oil:
    In the same wok or skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil if needed. Heat again over medium-high heat.
  • Garlic, Ginger, and Dried Chiles:
    Place the minced garlic, minced ginger, and dried red chiles or crushed red pepper into the hot oil. Stir them for about 30 seconds. Keep an eye on the garlic so it does not burn. This step releases bold aromatics.
  • Add the Vegetables:
    Add the diced onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, or until they begin to soften. If you want them to retain more crunch, reduce the cooking time slightly.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

  • Combine Sauce Ingredients:
    In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and ¼ cup of broth. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  • Thicken with Cornstarch:
    In a separate small dish, dissolve the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a bit of water. This creates a smooth paste that you will add to the sauce.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

  • Return Beef to the Pan:
    Put the beef back into the wok with the vegetables. Stir to combine all items.
  • Pour in the Sauce:
    Add the sauce mixture and stir to coat the beef and vegetables. Let this simmer for about 1-2 minutes.
  • Add the Cornstarch Slurry:
    Gradually stir in the cornstarch slurry. You will see the sauce start to thicken. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of water or broth.
  • Taste Test and Adjust:
    Sample the sauce. If you need more saltiness, add a drop of soy sauce. If you want extra sweetness, add a bit of brown sugar. If you crave extra heat, sprinkle in more red pepper.

Step 6: Final Touches

  • Add Peanuts:
    Stir in the peanuts. Let them warm in the sauce for about a minute. They will retain their crunch but blend into the savory and spicy flavors.
  • Garnish:
    If you have green onions, scatter them on top. This adds color and a mild onion scent.
  • Check Consistency:
    Ensure the beef is fully cooked and the vegetables have the texture you like. If everything meets your preference, turn off the heat.

Notes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Protein: 28g
  • Fat: 15g
    • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Sugars: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
  • Sodium: 850mg
 
Disclaimer: The nutrition information provided is estimated based on automated calculations and should be viewed as an approximation. These values are offered as a helpful reference and may vary depending on specific ingredients and brands used. For the most accurate results, please consult your own nutritional data or preferred brand values.