Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe is a popular Chinese-inspired dish known for its delightful combination of tender beef, a crispy coating, and a spicy, tangy sauce. It’s a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a favorite in restaurants and home kitchens alike. This recipe allows you to recreate the magic at home with simple ingredients and step-by-step guidance. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy family dinner or an impressive meal for guests, Crispy Chilli Beef is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
For the Crispy Beef:
- 300g beef sirloin or flank steak (thinly sliced into strips)
- 3 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for extra crispiness)
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
- Oil for deep frying
The Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
For Stir-Frying:
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 medium carrot (julienned)
- 2 spring onions (scallions) (sliced into 1-inch pieces)
- 1-2 red chillies (sliced, optional)
- Sesame seeds and fresh coriander (cilantro) (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step1: Prepare the Beef
- Thinly slice the beef into strips about 2 inches long and 1/4 inch wide.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cornflour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the beef strips in the dry mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them sit for 10 minutes for the coating to adhere.
Step2: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, chilli flakes, ginger, and garlic.
- Set the sauce aside; you’ll use it later for stir-frying.
Step3: Fry the Beef
- Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of coated beef into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.
- Fry the beef strips in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy (about 2-3 minutes per batch).
- Remove the fried beef with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- In a clean wok or large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over high heat.
- Add the sliced bell peppers, carrot, and red chillies. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still vibrant.
- Add the spring onions and toss for another 30 seconds.
Step5: Combine and Serve
- Reduce the heat to medium and pour the prepared sauce into the wok with the vegetables. Stir well until the sauce begins to bubble and thicken slightly.
- Add the crispy beef strips to the wok and toss quickly to coat them evenly in the sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and fresh coriander.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with crispy tofu or jackfruit for a plant-based alternative.
- Additional Vegetables: Add mushrooms, broccoli, or baby corn to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
- Spice Level: Adjust the chilli flakes and fresh chillies to make the dish milder or spicier.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
Cooking Notes:
- Ensure the beef strips are sliced thinly for quick cooking and even crispiness.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying; this ensures the beef remains crispy.
- The sauce thickens quickly, so monitor closely and reduce heat as needed.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Crispy Chilli Beef over steamed jasmine rice for a classic pairing.
- Enjoy with noodles, such as stir-fried egg noodles or rice noodles.
- Pair with a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.
Tips:
- Prep Ahead: Slice and coat the beef and prepare the sauce ingredients in advance to save time.
- High Heat Cooking: Use high heat for stir-frying to retain the crunchiness of the vegetables.
- Crispiness Tip: Double fry the beef strips for extra crispiness.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot pan to regain some of the crispiness.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 18g
FAQs About Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or even prawns. Adjust the cooking time as needed to avoid overcooking.
Q2: How do I make it spicier?
To increase the heat, add more fresh red chillies, extra chilli flakes, or a splash of sriracha sauce to the dish.
Q3: Can I bake instead of frying?
For a healthier version, coat the beef in a light layer of oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) until crispy, turning halfway through.
Q4: Can I make the dish ahead of time?
While the sauce and vegetables can be prepared in advance, fry the beef just before serving to keep it crispy.
Conclusion
Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe is a delectable dish that combines the richness of beef with bold, spicy flavors and a satisfying crunch. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is versatile, easy to customize, and guaranteed to impress. With its mouthwatering sauce and vibrant vegetables, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy this restaurant-quality recipe from the comfort of your kitchen!
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Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients:
For the Crispy Beef:
- 300g beef sirloin or flank steak (thinly sliced into strips)
- 3 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for extra crispiness)
- Pinch of salt and black pepper
- Oil for deep frying
The Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
For Stir-Frying:
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 medium carrot (julienned)
- 2 spring onions (scallions) (sliced into 1-inch pieces)
- 1–2 red chillies (sliced, optional)
- Sesame seeds and fresh coriander (cilantro) (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step1: Prepare the Beef
- Thinly slice the beef into strips about 2 inches long and 1/4 inch wide.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cornflour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Toss the beef strips in the dry mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Let them sit for 10 minutes for the coating to adhere.
Step2: Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, chilli flakes, ginger, and garlic.
- Set the sauce aside; you’ll use it later for stir-frying.
Step3: Fry the Beef
- Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of coated beef into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.
- Fry the beef strips in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy (about 2-3 minutes per batch).
- Remove the fried beef with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- In a clean wok or large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over high heat.
- Add the sliced bell peppers, carrot, and red chillies. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still vibrant.
- Add the spring onions and toss for another 30 seconds.
Step5: Combine and Serve
- Reduce the heat to medium and pour the prepared sauce into the wok with the vegetables. Stir well until the sauce begins to bubble and thicken slightly.
- Add the crispy beef strips to the wok and toss quickly to coat them evenly in the sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and fresh coriander.
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with crispy tofu or jackfruit for a plant-based alternative.
- Additional Vegetables: Add mushrooms, broccoli, or baby corn to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
- Spice Level: Adjust the chilli flakes and fresh chillies to make the dish milder or spicier.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
Notes
Cooking Notes:
- Ensure the beef strips are sliced thinly for quick cooking and even crispiness.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying; this ensures the beef remains crispy.
- The sauce thickens quickly, so monitor closely and reduce heat as needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 22g