Crispy Chilli Beef
Crispy Chilli Beef is a quick and budget-friendly dish that features luscious beef slices fried to a perfect crunch and tossed in a flavorful sweet and spicy sauce, ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced Flank steak or sirloin are ideal cuts.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour Can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Sauce
- 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
For the Vegetables
- 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
Preparation
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain into strips.
- In a bowl, mix the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and water; whisk until smooth.
Cooking
- Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a skillet. Dip beef strips into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Fry the beef in batches for 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- For the sauce, heat sesame oil in a wok or large pan, then add garlic, ginger, onion, and bell pepper; sauté for about 2 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili sauce, and sugar. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the crispy beef to the sauce, tossing to coat well. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with sliced chilies and chopped green onions, and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
Crispy Chilli Beef is best enjoyed right after cooking while it’s still hot and crispy. To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet to regain crispiness.