Crispy Chilli Beef
Why Make This Recipe
Crispy Chilli Beef is a delightful dish that brings together tender beef, a crispy texture, and a flavorful sauce. It’s a great choice for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests. The combination of spices and the crunchiness of the beef makes each bite an explosion of flavor. Plus, it’s not too hard to make, so you can whip it up quickly.
How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef
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)
Directions:
- 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.
How to Serve Crispy Chilli Beef
Serve Crispy Chilli Beef hot, straight from the pan. A bowl of steamed rice or noodles makes a perfect side. You can also add some steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for balance. This dish is great for sharing, so place it in the center of the table and let everyone dig in!
How to Store Crispy Chilli Beef
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, try to use a pan rather than a microwave to keep the beef crispy. Just add a little oil and heat gently until warmed through.
Tips to Make Crispy Chilli Beef
- Make sure the beef is thinly sliced. This helps it cook quickly and stay tender.
- Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature. It should be around 350°F (175°C) for frying.
- Adjust the chili sauce according to your taste. Add more for extra heat or skip it for milder flavors.
Variation
You can experiment with adding other vegetables like carrots or broccoli to the stir-fry. You can also use different cuts of beef or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and batter in advance. Just fry it just before you want to serve to keep it crispy.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken for beef and follow the same cooking instructions.
What can I serve with Crispy Chilli Beef?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of fresh vegetables or a salad.
Crispy Chilli Beef
Ingredients
Method
- 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.