Introduction:
Experience the irresistible crunch and bold flavors of Crispy Chilli Beef! This dish features tender strips of beef, coated in a crispy batter and tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping appetizer, Crispy Chilli Beef delivers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes that will leave everyone craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Crispy and Crunchy: The beef is coated in a light batter for a delightful crunch.
- Flavor-Packed: A spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce brings bold flavors to every bite.
- Quick to Prepare: Ideal for busy evenings or when you want a delicious meal in no time.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level and add your favorite veggies for a personal touch.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (or more for extra heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually add the cold water to the dry ingredients, stirring until you have a smooth batter.
- Add the sliced beef to the batter, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Fry the Beef:
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Fry the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, chili paste, garlic, and ginger.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Combine and Serve:
- Toss the crispy beef in the sauce until well-coated.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro, if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately while the beef is still crispy. Enjoy with steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for Success:
- Batter: For extra crispy beef, ensure the batter is cold and thick. It should coat the beef well and cling during frying.
- Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) before frying to achieve a crispy texture. If the oil is too cool, the beef will be greasy.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by simmering longer for a thicker consistency or adding a little water if it’s too thick.
Recipe Variations:
- Vegetable Addition: Add bell peppers, onions, or broccoli to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Spice Level: Increase or decrease the chili paste to adjust the spiciness of the dish.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
- Pair with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the beef.
Freezing and Storage:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to retain some crispiness.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for the crispy texture of the beef, but you can freeze the cooked beef separately from the sauce and reheat before serving.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to keep the beef crispy. Avoid microwaving as it may make the coating soggy.
Special Equipment:
- Skillet or Wok: For frying the beef.
- Saucepan: For preparing the sauce.
FAQ:
- Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts like ribeye or chuck, but flank steak or sirloin works best for tenderness. - Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat before tossing with the beef. - Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, other high-heat oils like canola or peanut oil can also be used for frying.
Preparation Time:
- 15 minutes for prepping ingredients and slicing the beef.
Cook Time:
- 10 minutes for frying the beef and making the sauce.
Total Time:
- 25 minutes (including prep and cook time).
Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
Crispy Chilli Beef
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cold water
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (or more for extra heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef:
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually add the cold water to the dry ingredients, stirring until you have a smooth batter.
- Add the sliced beef to the batter, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Fry the Beef:
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Fry the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a separate saucepan, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, chili paste, garlic, and ginger.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Combine and Serve:
- Toss the crispy beef in the sauce until well-coated.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro, if desired.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately while the beef is still crispy. Enjoy with steamed rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 30g
Closing Notes:
Have you tried making Crispy Chilli Beef? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your delicious creations and check back for more tasty recipes.
