There’s something irresistibly comforting about Crispy Chilli Beef. Imagine tender strips of beef coated in a light, crispy batter and tossed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that makes every bite a flavor explosion. This dish often graces the menus of Chinese takeaways, but there’s something special about creating it in your own kitchen—no delivery required! Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or a special treat for yourself, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with a personal touch.
Growing up, Crispy Chilli Beef was always a weekend highlight in our household. It’s not just a dish; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and contrasting textures. The crunch of the beef paired with the sticky sauce is a culinary dance you’ll want to revisit again and again. And don’t be surprised if the aroma wafting from your kitchen brings everyone running for a taste!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Better Than Takeout: Fresh ingredients, customizable spice levels, and no mysterious additives.
- Crunchy Perfection: The coating on the beef stays crispy even after being coated in sauce.
- Quick and Easy: It’s surprisingly simple to make, perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.
- Adaptable: You can tweak the spice, sweetness, and tang to suit your palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Crispy Beef:
- 1 lb (450g) beef steak (sirloin or flank), thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp cornflour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 tsp dried chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef:
- Start by thinly slicing the beef steak against the grain. This keeps the beef tender when cooked. Pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture—this step is crucial for achieving a crispy coating.
- In a bowl, mix the cornflour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the beef slices in this mixture until they’re well coated.
- Fry to Crispy Perfection:
- Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (test by dropping a small piece of batter—it should sizzle immediately), fry the beef in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure crispiness.
- Fry the beef strips until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked beef onto a plate lined with paper towels.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a separate wok or large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger, red bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still have a bit of crunch.
- Stir in the soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and chilli flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine the Beef and Sauce:
- Add the crispy beef to the pan and toss it in the sauce until every piece is coated. Sprinkle in the green onions and give it one last toss.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer the Crispy Chilli Beef to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve immediately over steamed rice or alongside noodles for a complete meal.
Helpful Tips:
- Cutting the Beef: Freeze the beef for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This firms it up, making it easier to slice thinly.
- Staying Crispy: Serve the dish immediately to maintain the beef’s crunch. If you need to wait, keep the beef and sauce separate until just before serving.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or swap veggies like snap peas, broccoli, or mushrooms for added nutrition and variety.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Notes:
- Adjust the level of chilli flakes to suit your spice tolerance.
- If you prefer a tangier sauce, add an extra splash of rice vinegar.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 15g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Lamb or chicken work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to slice it thinly for the best results.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the beef is best served fresh to maintain its crunch, you can prepare the sauce and veggies in advance. Simply fry the beef just before serving and toss it in the reheated sauce.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
If your little ones are sensitive to spice, reduce or omit the chilli flakes for a milder version.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot pan or oven to help restore some of the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the beef soggy.
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Conclusion:
Crispy Chilli Beef is one of those recipes that will earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation. It’s packed with bold flavors, offers incredible texture, and is easy enough to make on a weeknight. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout in the first place. So grab your wok and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!
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Crispy Chilli Beef: A Flavorful Takeaway Classic at Home
Description
There’s something irresistibly comforting about Crispy Chilli Beef. Imagine tender strips of beef coated in a light, crispy batter and tossed in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that makes every bite a flavor explosion. This dish often graces the menus of Chinese takeaways, but there’s something special about creating it in your own kitchen—no delivery required! Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or a special treat for yourself, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with a personal touch.
Growing up, Crispy Chilli Beef was always a weekend highlight in our household. It’s not just a dish; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and contrasting textures. The crunch of the beef paired with the sticky sauce is a culinary dance you’ll want to revisit again and again. And don’t be surprised if the aroma wafting from your kitchen brings everyone running for a taste!
Ingredients
-
- 1 lb (450g) beef steak (sirloin or flank), thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp cornflour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 tsp dried chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef:
- Start by thinly slicing the beef steak against the grain. This keeps the beef tender when cooked. Pat it dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture—this step is crucial for achieving a crispy coating.
- In a bowl, mix the cornflour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss the beef slices in this mixture until they’re well coated.
- Fry to Crispy Perfection:
- Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (test by dropping a small piece of batter—it should sizzle immediately), fry the beef in batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure crispiness.
- Fry the beef strips until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked beef onto a plate lined with paper towels.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a separate wok or large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger, red bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still have a bit of crunch.
- Stir in the soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and chilli flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine the Beef and Sauce:
- Add the crispy beef to the pan and toss it in the sauce until every piece is coated. Sprinkle in the green onions and give it one last toss.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Transfer the Crispy Chilli Beef to a serving dish. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve immediately over steamed rice or alongside noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Adjust the level of chilli flakes to suit your spice tolerance.
- If you prefer a tangier sauce, add an extra splash of rice vinegar.