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kung pao beef bowl
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Kung Pao Beef Recipe

This easy Kung Pao Beef recipe delivers bold, spicy-sweet flavors with tender strips of marinated beef, crisp bell peppers, and crunchy peanuts in a savory Sichuan-style sauce. Way better than takeout and ready in under 30 minutes!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef:
  • 1½ pounds flank steak thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • ½ tsp baking soda
For the Sauce:
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce optional
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
For the Stir Fry:
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil divided
  • 6 –12 dried red chilies
  • 1 –2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns
  • 5 cloves garlic chopped
  • 1 thumb ginger finely minced
  • 1 red bell pepper in chunks
  • 1 yellow bell pepper in chunks
  • 4 green onions cut in 1-inch pieces
  • ⅔ cup dry roasted peanuts unsalted preferred
  • Rice for serving optional

Equipment

  • Wok or large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Step 1: Marinate the Beef
  1. Slice beef thinly against the grain.
  2. Mix soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and baking soda in a bowl.
  3. Toss beef to coat evenly and let sit for at least 15 minutes.
  4. Step 2: Make the Sauce
  5. Whisk all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
  6. Set aside and stir again before using.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Beef
  1. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a hot wok.
  2. Cook beef in batches for about 1 minute, stirring briefly.
  3. Remove beef and set aside (a little pink inside is fine).
Step 4: Cook the Aromatics and Veggies
  1. Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the pan.
  2. Stir in chilies and peppercorns for 20 seconds.
  3. Add garlic and ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds.
  4. Add bell peppers, cook 2 minutes.
  5. Add green onions and toss.
Step 5: Combine Everything
  1. Return beef to the pan.
  2. Pour in sauce, stirring constantly as it thickens (30 seconds).
  3. Add peanuts, toss everything, and serve over rice.

Notes

Freeze the beef for 20 minutes before slicing to make thin cuts easier.
Adjust chilies and Sichuan peppercorns for spice level.
For meal prep, store in airtight containers and reheat with a splash of water.