Beijing Beef

I have a kid that loves panda express beijing beef. this is my best stab at it. naturally, she thinks mom's is better. what i've learned: sherry may be used in place of the ponzu, but ponzu with citrus is it. also, i used a double batch of recipe #443956 and it is the perfect amount for the hoisin sauce. i found when making the hoisin, it's best to use a black bean sauce and honey combination. another thing, cut the strips very thin; they fry crisper. should you like it less sweet, cut back on the sugar, panda's is pretty sweet. let me disclose that i am not claiming this as an exact replica, but still very good. 9/13/11 upadate: i retried the recipe for the 10th time. quite possibly for a better match of the panda express, in place of the 3/4 cup hoisin, use half the amount as hoisin and the other half sweet and sour sauce to make 3/4 cups. i added that to the ingredients so as not to forget.

Steps

In a bowl , whisk together all marinade ingredients.

Place marinade in a small sealable plastic bag , adding beef slices.

Seal and massage to coat.

Marinate for 15 minutes.

In the meantime , in a small bowl mix all the sauce ingredients together , whisking to completely combine.

Set aside.

Drain marinade from beef.

Coat the beef slices with cornstarch.

Heat oil over medium-high heat until very hot.

Shake off any excess cornstarch from the beef slices and fry in batches until golden brown.

Drain on paper towels.

Set aside.

Heat wok over medium-high heat.

Add 1 tablespoons oil and heat to almost smoking.

Add minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 10 seconds.

Add bell peppers and onion.

Stir fry for 2 minutes.

Pour sauce mixture into the wok over the vegetables and heat until boiling and sauce thickens.

Remove from heat then add beef to vegetables and coat with the sauce.

Sprinkle on top toasted sesame seeds.

Ingredients

sirloin steak, cornstarch, oil, egg, salt, water, sugar, hoisin sauce, ponzu sauce, white vinegar, sambal oelek, vegetable oil, garlic, fresh ginger, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, white onion, sesame seeds