Crispy Chilli Beef is a dish that captivates the senses with its bold flavors and delicious texture. This dish offers a perfect combination of crispy fried beef, vibrant vegetables, and an irresistible spicy sauce. Whether you are planning a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps to make Crispy Chilli Beef at home. You’ll learn not only how to cook this delightful dish, but also some tips and variations to make it your own. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Here’s what you will need to create your perfect Crispy Chilli Beef:
- 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: Prepare the Beef
- Slice the beef: Begin by slicing the beef thinly against the grain into strips. This helps the meat stay tender and allows for even cooking.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add wet ingredients: Add the egg and water, then whisk until smooth. This batter will give the beef its signature crispy coating.
Step 3: Fry the Beef
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat enough vegetable oil over medium-high heat for frying.
- Coat and fry: Dip each beef strip into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated. Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Drain: Remove the crispy beef from the oil and drain on paper towels. This step helps to avoid excess oil in your final dish.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Sauté the aromatics: In another pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, sliced onion, and bell pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add sauce ingredients: Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili sauce, and sugar. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Toss the beef: Add the fried beef strips to the sauce, tossing to coat.
- Stir-fry: Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with sliced chilies and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Choosing the Right Beef: Flank steak is a great choice for this recipe as it offers good flavor and texture. However, sirloin also works well if it’s more accessible.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili sauce or omit the red chilies. For extra spice, include more chilies or use a spicy chili sauce.
- Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables like snow peas, broccoli, or carrots for a more colorful and nutritious dish.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari, and use gluten-free flour.
Serving Suggestions
Crispy Chilli Beef is best served hot. Here are a few ideas for serving:
- Over Rice: Steamed jasmine or basmati rice complements the dish well.
- With Noodles: Tossed with noodles for a complete meal, making a delightful stir-fry.
- As Appetizers: Serve in small portions as a finger food for parties or gatherings.
Conclusion
Crispy Chilli Beef is an exciting dish packed with flavors that can elevate any meal. With its crunchy texture and spicy sauce, it’s a favorite for many. This recipe is simple to follow and customizable to suit your taste. Whether you are entertaining guests or treating yourself to a delicious treat, this beef dish is sure to satisfy.
So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and start cooking your Crispy Chilli Beef today! You’ll find that with a little practice, you can master this dish and impress anyone who sits at your table.
FAQs
1. Can I prepare Crispy Chilli Beef in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the beef and the sauce separately in advance. Reheat before serving, but the crispy texture may diminish.
2. Can I use chicken or tofu instead of beef?
Yes, both chicken and tofu make excellent alternatives. Adjust the cooking time as necessary.
3. What other side dishes pair well with Crispy Chilli Beef?
Stir-fried vegetables, spring rolls, or a simple cucumber salad are great side dishes to accompany this meal.
4. Is it possible to make this dish healthier?
You can bake the beef strips instead of frying them to reduce oil content or use less sugar in the sauce.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet for the best texture.
Now you have everything you need to create this delightful dish! Enjoy your cooking adventure and the flavors of Crispy Chilli Beef.
Crispy Chilli Beef
Ingredients
Method
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain into strips.
- In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the egg and water, then whisk until smooth.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat enough vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Dip each beef strip into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated, and fry in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Remove the crispy beef from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- In another pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic, ginger, sliced onion, and bell pepper; sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili sauce, and sugar, and let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the fried beef strips to the sauce, tossing to coat.
- Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Garnish with sliced chilies and chopped green onions, and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
