How long should vegetables be deep-fried for Beijing Beef?

The appropriate cooking time for deep-frying vegetables used in dishes like Beijing Beef is critical to achieving the right texture and flavor. Deep-frying vegetables for a brief period, specifically around 5 seconds, ensures that they are cooked quickly and maintain their crispiness without becoming overly soft or greasy. This quick frying allows the vegetables to retain their vibrant color and nutrients, while being hot enough to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

This brief frying method also respects the cooking principles of keeping ingredients fresh and lively, as opposed to leaving them in oil for longer periods, which would compromise both texture and taste. Other options offered longer frying times, which would lead to less desirable results in quality and consistency.