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Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe

Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe

5.1 from 22 reviews

Crispy Chilli Beef is a flavorful and spicy stir-fry dish featuring tender strips of beef coated in a light batter, fried to golden crispiness, and tossed in a savory, tangy chili sauce with garlic, ginger, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe combines crunchy textures with bold Asian-inspired flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 12 red chilies, sliced (optional for extra heat)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain into strips to ensure tenderness and easy cooking.
  2. Make 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’s smooth and free of lumps.
  3. Fry Beef: Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Dip each beef strip into the batter, coating it fully, then carefully fry in batches for 3 to 4 minutes until the beef turns golden brown and crispy. Drain the fried beef on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  4. Cook Vegetables: In a wok or large pan, heat sesame oil. Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, sliced onions, and bell peppers. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly tender.
  5. Prepare Sauce: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili sauce, and sugar into the pan with vegetables. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
  6. Toss Beef in Sauce: Add the crispy fried beef back into the pan. Toss well to ensure every piece is coated with the sauce. Stir-fry for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to combine flavors thoroughly.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with sliced red chilies for extra heat and chopped green onions for freshness. Serve immediately warm alongside steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili sauce or add extra fresh chilies.
  • Be sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying beef to maintain crispiness.
  • Leftover crispy beef can lose its texture if reheated; re-fry briefly or bake to restore crispness.
  • Substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
  • This dish pairs well with jasmine rice or chow mein noodles.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crispy chilli beef, spicy beef stir-fry, Chinese beef recipe, quick dinner, Asian beef dish