Crispy Chinese Sesame Beef

Name: Crispy Chinese Sesame Beef
Prep time: 90 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 105 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 12 oz beef flank steak; 2 clove garlic; 1 tbsp scallions; 1 tbsp water; 2/3 cup hot water; 2 tsp Shaoxing wine; 2 1/2 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 1/2 tsp oyster sauce; 1/2 tsp rice vinegar; 2 tsp sesame oil; 1/2 cup neutral oil, divided; 3 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tsp cornstarch; 2 1/2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds; 1/4 tsp baking soda; 1 pinch white pepper

This crispy sesame beef delivers tender slices of flank steak coated in a glossy sweet-savory sauce with plenty of toasted sesame flavor. It tastes like takeout, but the method is straightforward and perfect for serving over steamed rice on a busy night.

Servings4 Portions

Prep Time90 Mins

Cook Time15 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

beef flank steak
12 oz
garlic
2 clove
scallions
1 tbsp
water
1 tbsp
hot water
0.7 cup
Shaoxing wine
2 tsp
light soy sauce
1 tbsp
oyster sauce
0.5 tsp
rice vinegar
0.5 tsp
sesame oil
2 tsp
neutral oil, divided
0.5 cup
brown sugar
3 tbsp
cornstarch
2 tsp
toasted sesame seeds
1 tbsp
baking soda
0.3 tsp
white pepper
1 pinch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Place the sliced flank steak in a bowl. Add the water, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, oyster sauce, and baking soda, then mix until the beef is evenly coated. Cover and marinate for 1 hour, or refrigerate overnight if preparing ahead.

While the beef marinates, make the sauce. In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the hot water, brown sugar, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and white pepper until the sugar dissolves.

In a shallow dish, combine the cornstarch and toasted sesame seeds for the coating. Dredge each slice of beef until fully coated, then shake off any excess so the crust stays light and crisp.

Heat the neutral oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and a test piece of beef sizzles immediately, fry the beef in a single layer for about 1 minute per side, working in batches if needed. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate or sheet pan in a single layer to keep it crisp.