Air Fryer Panda Express Black Pepper Beef

Air Fryer Panda Express Black Pepper Beef — Welcome to a culinary adventure right in your kitchen with the Air Fryer Panda Express Black Pepper Beef! This might be one of the best things you can make in your air fryer!

This recipe brings the bold flavors of Panda Express’s beloved dish to your home. It combines tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and onions with a savory black pepper sauce.

The magic of the air fryer ensures a quick and easy cooking process and achieves perfect caramelization of the beef without excessive oil.

Whether you’re a fan of Panda Express or love the tantalizing combination of meat and black pepper, this air fryer version promises a deliciously satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.

Get ready to experience the convenience and flavor of this classic favorite, all made in the comfort of your kitchen. If you love easy dinner recipes with your air fryer, try my recipes for Panada Express Air Fryer Honey Sesame Chicken, Air Fryer Bacon and Crab Rolls, or Air Fryer Crab Legs.

What is Panda Express Black Pepper Angus Steak?

Panda Express Black Pepper Angus Steak is a popular menu item from the American fast-food restaurant chain known for its American Chinese cuisine. This dish features wok-seared Angus steak cooked to tender perfection and then tossed with a savory and slightly spicy black pepper sauce. The sauce is rich and aromatic, with bold flavors coming from cracked black peppercorns, soy sauce, and garlic, among other ingredients. It’s often served with onions and bell peppers, adding a crunchy texture and sweet contrast. The Black Pepper Angus Steak is a favorite among customers seeking a flavorful, protein-rich meal with a satisfying blend of spices and umami.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Panda Express Copycat Black Pepper Angus Steak

Recreate the bold flavors of Panda Express at home with this Air Fryer Copycat Black Pepper Angus Steak recipe, combining the convenience of air frying with the rich, peppery taste of one of your favorite dishes.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Angus Steak: Select high-quality Angus steak for its superior marbling and tenderness, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result.
• Soy Sauce: Incorporates depth and umami, acting as the base for the marinade and sauce.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds a sweet and savory layer to the sauce, enriching the flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Coarsely ground black pepper is vital, offering the dish its characteristic spicy and bold taste.
• Garlic: Minced garlic brings a pungent aroma and adds complexity to the peppery sauce.
• Onions: Sliced onions add a subtle sweetness and become tender-crisp, complementing the beef perfectly.
• Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers introduce a pop of color and a mild, sweet flavor that balances the dish.
• Cornstarch: A little cornstarch mixed with water thickens the sauce, ensuring it clings beautifully to the steak and vegetables.
• Rice Wine or Shaoxing Wine: A splash of rice wine enhances the sauce with a slight acidity and depth.
• Green Onions: Chopped green onions are sprinkled on top as a garnish, adding freshness and color to the dish.

How to Make Black Pepper Angus Steak In Air Fryer

Making Black Pepper Angus Steak in the air fryer, inspired by Panda Express’s famous dish, is a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Here’s how to create this savory, peppery steak with a crispy edge and tender inside using your air fryer.

Prepare The Marinade: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, graduated sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and cooking wine.

Coat The Steak: Combine the thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce and cornstarch in a large mixing bowl. Ensure each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.

Air-fry Black Angus Steak: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or line the bottom with parchment paper. Spread marinated beef slices in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Set the air fry temperature to 400 degrees F (205°C) and the cooking time to 6-7 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through.

Cooking Vegetables and Combining: In a wok or large skillet over medium heat, quickly sauté the bell peppers and onions until they are slightly tender but still have some crunch. Add the air-fried beef slices to the wok. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and veggies. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Serving: Transfer the black pepper beef to a serving plate. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired. It is best enjoyed hot with steamed rice.

Panda Express Black Pepper Angus Steak Recipe Tips

• Marinate for Flavor Depth: Marinating the beef for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight, helps infuse it with the rich flavors of soy sauce, black pepper, and garlic, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.
• Cornstarch for Crispiness: Lightly coating the marinated beef in cornstarch before air frying helps to thicken the sauce later and contributes to a slightly crispy texture on the meat.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: If necessary, cook the beef in batches. Overcrowding can cause the beef to steam rather than fry, affecting the texture and preventing the desired crispiness.
• Add Vegetables at the End: To maintain the crisp-tender texture of the onions and bell peppers, add them towards the end of cooking time. This prevents them from becoming too soft and maintains a slight crunch.
• Use Freshly Ground Black Pepper: The quality of your black pepper can make a big difference. Using freshly ground black pepper provides a more potent flavor that’s key to replicating the dish’s signature spicy kick.
• Adjust Sauce to Taste: Depending on your taste preference, you may want to adjust the amount of soy sauce or oyster sauce to get the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy sauce.
• Resting Time: Let the beef sit for a few minutes after cooking. This brief rest period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
• Garnish Before Serving: A sprinkle of fresh green onions or a final crack of black pepper over the top can add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
• Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve the Black Pepper Beef hot straight from the air fryer. This dish is best enjoyed when the beef is crispy, and the vegetables are perfectly tender-crisp.

Following these tips will help you create an air fryer version of Panda Express’s Black Pepper Beef that’s not just a quick and easy meal but also a deliciously satisfying one.

Panda Express Black Pepper Angus Steak Recipe Faqs

Can I use a different cut of beef instead of Angus for this recipe? While Angus beef is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, you can use other cuts, such as flank steak or sirloin. Just ensure it’s thinly sliced against the grain for the best texture.

How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough in the air fryer? Marinate the beef to help tenderize it, cook it at a high temperature for a short time, and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure it cooks quickly and remains tender.

Can I make this dish without an air fryer? Absolutely! You can stir-fry the beef and vegetables in a wok or skillet on the stovetop, following similar steps for marinating and cooking.

Is it necessary to marinate the beef? Marinating the beef adds flavor and helps tenderize it, resulting in a more authentic texture and taste. Even a brief marinate (30 minutes) makes a difference.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish? Yes, feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences. Broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms would all be great additions.

How do I know when the beef is cooked through in the air fryer? The beef should be cooked through when it’s no longer pink in the middle and has a slight char on the outside. Cooking times may vary based on your air fryer model, so adjust accordingly.

What should I serve with Black Pepper Beef? This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or a side of sautéed greens for a complete meal.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish? The spiciness primarily comes from the black pepper. You can change the amount of pepper used to increase or decrease the heat level according to your taste.

Can leftovers be stored and reheated? Yes, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the air fryer or on the stove, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent drying out.

Is this recipe gluten-free? To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure your soy sauce and oyster sauce are gluten-free varieties. Many brands offer gluten-free options that are perfect for this dish.

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