Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Chilli Beef is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender strips of beef with a spicy, savory sauce and crunchy vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it delivers a wonderful balance of heat and sweetness that everyone will enjoy.
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)
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice the beef thinly against the grain into strips to ensure tenderness.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and water, then whisk until the batter is smooth.
- Step 3: Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a deep pan. Dip the beef strips into the batter, coating them fully, then fry in batches for 3-4 minutes or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Step 4: For the sauce, heat sesame oil in a wok or large pan. Add minced garlic, ginger, sliced onion, and bell pepper, and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Step 5: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili sauce, and sugar. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Step 6: Add the crispy beef to the sauce and toss well to coat evenly. Continue stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes so the beef absorbs the sauce.
- Step 7: Garnish with sliced red chilies and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations
- For extra tenderness, marinate the beef with a little soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes before battering.
- Adjust the chili sauce quantity to match your preferred spice level, or omit the red chilies if you want a milder dish.
- Substitute the beef with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
- Use fresh vegetables like snap peas or carrots for added crunch and color.
Storage
Store leftover crispy chilli beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a pan over medium heat until heated through, which helps maintain the crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the beef crispy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the crispy beef in advance?
Yes, you can fry the beef ahead of time and store it separately. Reheat it briefly in a hot pan before adding the sauce to keep it crispy.
What can I serve with crispy chilli beef?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. Adding a side of steamed vegetables can also balance the meal nicely.
PrintCrispy Chilli Beef Recipe
Crispy Chilli Beef is a flavorful Chinese-inspired dish featuring thinly sliced beef coated in a crunchy batter, fried to perfection and tossed in a tangy, spicy sauce with fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal, this dish delivers a satisfying combination of crispy texture and bold flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
Beef and Batter
- 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
Sauce and Vegetables
- 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)
Instructions
- Slice the beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain into strips to ensure tenderness and easy cooking.
- Prepare the batter: In a bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and water, then whisk the mixture until it forms a smooth batter.
- Fry the beef: Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a pan deep enough for frying. Dip beef strips fully into the batter, then fry them in batches for 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Drain the fried beef on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Cook the aromatics and vegetables: Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet. Add minced garlic, ginger, sliced onion, and bell pepper, then sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Make the sauce: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili sauce, and sugar into the vegetables. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Toss beef with sauce: Add the crispy fried beef strips to the wok and toss them in the sauce. Stir-fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes to fully coat the beef in the sauce and heat through.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the dish with sliced red chilies (optional) and chopped green onions. Serve immediately, ideally with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of chili sauce or add more sliced red chilies.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free soy sauce.
- Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for the most tender results.
- Use fresh vegetables for the best texture and flavor.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the pan when frying to keep the beef crispy.
Keywords: crispy beef, chilli beef, Chinese beef recipe, fried beef, beef stir-fry, easy Chinese dinner
