Name: Crispy Chilli Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 egg; 1/4 cup water; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Vegetable oil for frying; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust to taste); 2 teaspoons sugar; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon minced ginger; 1/2 onion, sliced; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1-2 red chilies, sliced (optional for extra heat); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a lot to love about Crispy Chilli Beef. The crispy beef strips, with their delicate crunch, provide the perfect contrast to the sweetness and heat from the sauce. The sauce itself is the star, with just the right balance of sweetness, heat, and umami, making every bite bursting with flavor. Plus, the dish comes together relatively quickly, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. Whether you’re a fan of Chinese takeout or simply want to elevate your cooking, this recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients

1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust to taste)
2 teaspoons sugar
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1/2 onion, sliced
1 bell pepper, sliced
1-2 red chilies, sliced (optional for extra heat)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Begin by preparing the beef. Slice the beef thinly against the grain into strips.
In a bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and water, whisking until you get a smooth batter.
Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Dip the beef strips into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated, and then carefully fry them in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the oil and drain on paper towels.
For the sauce, heat sesame oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger, onion, and bell pepper, sautéing for a couple of minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili sauce, and sugar, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add the crispy beef strips to the sauce and toss to coat the beef in the sauce evenly. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Garnish with sliced red chilies (if using) and chopped green onions.
Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for tofu or cauliflower to create a vegetarian version of this dish.
Spicy Heat Level: Adjust the amount of chili sauce and fresh chilies to increase or decrease the heat level.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for the batter to make the dish gluten-free.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or broccoli to the stir-fry for more variety and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the beef in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, ensuring it’s heated through. For the crispiest result, avoid microwaving the beef as it can become soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I use any other type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the beef with chicken or pork, but beef works best for this recipe because of its tenderness and flavor.

2. How do I get the beef crispy?

The key to crispy beef is to ensure the batter is thin and the oil is hot enough for frying. Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying to allow the beef to crisp up properly.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While the beef is best served fresh and crispy, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Fry the beef just before serving for the best texture.

4. How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is adjustable. Use more or less chili sauce and fresh chilies according to your personal preference for heat.

5. Can I make the sauce spicier?

Yes, you can add more chili sauce, fresh chilies, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.

6. What can I serve with Crispy Chilli Beef?

Crispy Chilli Beef is best served with steamed jasmine rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of sautéed vegetables.

7. Can I freeze Crispy Chilli Beef?

While the crispy beef is best eaten fresh, you can freeze the cooked beef (without the sauce) for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, reheat in a skillet and toss with the sauce.

8. How do I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce isn’t thick enough, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) to thicken it.

9. Can I skip the hoisin sauce?

If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute with additional soy sauce or use a mixture of soy sauce and a little bit of honey for sweetness.

10. Can I make this dish healthier?

You can make this dish healthier by reducing the amount of oil used for frying and opting for a lighter batter or using an air fryer to cook the beef.

Conclusion

Crispy Chilli Beef is a delightful combination of crispy, tender beef and a savory, tangy sauce that packs a punch of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or craving a flavorful dish for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. With easy-to-find ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a satisfying option that’s both delicious and customizable. Enjoy your crispy, spicy, and sweet dish, and don’t forget to add your favorite side for the perfect meal!

Crispy Chilli Beef

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Crispy Chilli Beef is a delicious, crunchy beef dish coated in a crispy batter, stir-fried with bell peppers, onions, and a tangy, spicy sauce. A perfect combination of crispy and flavorful, this dish is great for dinner or as a starter.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 15min
Total Time: 30min
Yield: 4servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-frying / Frying
Cuisine: Chinese

Instructions

Slice beef thinly against the grain into strips.
In a bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and water, whisk until smooth.
Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Dip beef strips into the batter, coating fully, and fry in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
For the sauce: Heat sesame oil in a wok or large pan. Add garlic, ginger, onion, and bell pepper; sauté for 2 minutes.
Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili sauce, and sugar. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Add crispy beef to the sauce, toss to coat. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
Garnish with sliced chilies and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Vegetarian Version: Swap beef for tofu or cauliflower.
Spicy Heat: Adjust chili sauce and fresh chilies to control heat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for the batter.
Add More Veggies: Try adding mushrooms, carrots, or broccoli to the stir-fry.