Name: Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: chinese
Ingredients: 300g beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 1 egg white; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1/2 tsp white pepper; 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying); 1 tsp sesame oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp ginger, minced; 1 red chili, finely chopped; 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced; 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce; 1 tbsp tomato ketchup; 1 tbsp dark soy sauce; 1 tbsp vinegar (rice or white vinegar); 1 tsp sugar; 2 spring onions, sliced; Salt to taste

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Chilli Beef is a classic Chinese takeaway dish that combines crunchy, golden-brown strips of beef with a sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce. The contrast between the crispy coating and the bold flavors of the sauce makes this dish truly irresistible. Whether you’re looking to recreate a restaurant favorite at home or simply want an exciting new dish to try, this recipe delivers on both taste and texture. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make with common pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Beef (sirloin or flank steak)
Cornstarch
Egg white
Soy sauce
Vinegar (rice or white vinegar)
Sugar
Garlic
Ginger
Red chili
Red bell pepper
Spring onions
Sesame oil
Vegetable oil
Sweet chili sauce
Tomato ketchup
Dark soy sauce
White pepper
Salt

Directions

Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef into thin strips against the grain. In a bowl, combine the beef with soy sauce, white pepper, and egg white. Mix well and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
Coat the Beef: Add cornstarch to the marinated beef, ensuring each strip is evenly coated. This will give the beef its signature crispy texture.
Fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the beef strips in batches until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
Prepare the Sauce: In a separate pan, heat a little sesame oil. Sauté garlic, ginger, and chopped red chili until fragrant.
Add Vegetables: Stir in sliced red bell pepper and cook for a couple of minutes until slightly softened.
Combine Sauces: Add sweet chili sauce, tomato ketchup, dark soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Stir well and let it simmer for a minute.
Toss in the Beef: Add the crispy beef to the sauce and toss quickly to coat each piece evenly.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced spring onions over the dish and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Variations

Spicier Version: Add extra red chilies or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and cornstarch instead of flour for coating.
Vegetarian Twist: Swap beef for crispy tofu or jackfruit to enjoy the same flavors in a plant-based way.
Less Sweet Version: Reduce the sugar and sweet chili sauce if you prefer a more savory taste.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a hot pan for a few minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the beef soggy.
Freezing: Not recommended as the crispy coating can become soft upon thawing.

FAQs

How do I keep the beef crispy?

Make sure to fry in hot oil and coat the beef thoroughly with cornstarch. Serve immediately after tossing in the sauce to prevent sogginess.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, sirloin, flank steak, or even ribeye work well. The key is to slice it thinly against the grain for tenderness.

What can I serve with Crispy Chilli Beef?

Steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles complement the dish beautifully.

Can I bake the beef instead of frying it?

Yes, coat the beef with cornstarch, spray with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the beef and sauce separately, then fry and toss just before serving.

How do I adjust the spice level?

Reduce or increase the number of chilies to suit your taste.

What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?

You can substitute it with a mixture of honey, a bit of hot sauce, and extra ketchup.

Can I use air-fryer for the beef?

Yes, coat the beef, lightly spray with oil, and air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Replace sugar with a low-carb sweetener and use almond flour instead of cornstarch for coating.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer longer or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it up.

Conclusion

Crispy Chilli Beef is the ultimate combination of crunch and bold flavors, making it a surefire hit for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this dish is a fantastic homemade alternative to takeout. Try it today and enjoy the irresistible fusion of sweet, spicy, and crispy goodness!

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