Crispy Chilli Beef

This Crispy Chilli Beef dish brings the delightful flavors of your favorite Chinese takeaway right into your home kitchen. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe highlights crispy steak strips coated in a spicy, tangy sauce that will leave your taste buds tingling. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to impress family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Bold Flavors: The combination of ginger, garlic, and chilli creates a rich flavor profile that is truly satisfying.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve this crispy beef with rice or noodles for a complete meal that everyone will love.
• Better than Takeout: Enjoy the same delicious taste as your favorite Chinese restaurant but made fresh at home.
• Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the spice by adding more or fewer chillies according to your preference.

Tools and Preparation

Before cooking up this delicious Crispy Chilli Beef, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large frying pan or wok
• Slotted spoon or tongs
• Mixing bowl
• Kitchen paper for draining oil

Importance of Each Tool

• Large frying pan or wok: Ideal for achieving high heat needed for crispy beef.
• Slotted spoon or tongs: Perfect for safely removing beef from hot oil without excess grease.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for coating the beef evenly in egg and flour.

Ingredients

This Crispy Chilli Beef features perfectly crispy strips of steak in a tangy spicy sauce, rivaling your favorite Chinese takeaway in just 30 minutes.

• 360g (¾ lbs) thin-cut sirloin steaks (approx 3 thin steaks), cut into thin strips
• 1 small egg
• 4 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ⅛ tsp white pepper
• 4½ tbsp sunflower oil, divided
• 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced into thin strips
• 1 red chilli, finely sliced (discard seeds if you don’t like it too hot)
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato puree (tomato paste in US)
• 6 tbsp caster sugar (superfine sugar)
• 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce (Thai-style recommended)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. Place the thinly sliced steak strips in a bowl and add the egg. Mix together thoroughly to coat all the beef in egg.
2. Add the cornflour, salt, black pepper, and white pepper to the beef. Toss everything together until the meat is fully coated. The mixture will be sticky.

Step 2: Fry the Beef

1. Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in a large frying pan or wok over high heat until very hot.
2. Add half the beef strips one at a time, spreading them out. Fry until dark brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Stir occasionally but avoid moving the meat too much to maximize crispiness.
4. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the crispy beef from the pan and place it in a bowl lined with kitchen paper to absorb excess oil.
5. Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan and cook the second batch of beef in the same way.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

1. Once all the beef is cooked and set aside, add the remaining ½ tablespoon of oil to the pan and reduce heat to medium.
2. Add the sliced onion and cook for about 2 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Then add the finely chopped chilli, minced ginger, and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 30 seconds while stirring.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

1. Add rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, tomato puree, sugar, tomato ketchup, and sweet chilli sauce to the pan.
2. Turn up the heat and let it bubble for a couple of minutes until the sauce starts to reduce slightly and thicken.

Step 5: Combine

1. Return the crispy beef to the pan and stir to coat it in the sauce.
2. Heat through for an additional 1–2 minutes until everything is hot.
3. Serve immediately with rice or noodles for an unforgettable meal!

How to Serve Crispy Chilli Beef

Crispy Chilli Beef is a delicious dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate this tasty meal.

With Steamed Rice

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice acts as the perfect base, absorbing the spicy sauce and balancing the flavors.

On Noodles

• Serve over a bed of stir-fried or plain noodles for a satisfying and hearty meal that combines textures beautifully.

In Lettuce Wraps

• For a lighter option, wrap the crispy beef in fresh lettuce leaves. Add some crunchy veggies for added freshness and crunch.

With Dipping Sauces

• Pair your dish with sweet chilli sauce or soy sauce as a dip for an extra layer of flavor with each bite.

As Part of a Platter

• Include Crispy Chilli Beef as one of several dishes on a sharing platter. This way, it pairs well with other Asian-inspired appetizers.

How to Perfect Crispy Chilli Beef

Achieving the perfect Crispy Chilli Beef requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out fantastic every time.

• Use thin strips of beef – Thin-cut sirloin steaks cook quickly and become crispy without drying out, making them ideal for this recipe.

• Coat evenly with cornflour – Ensure all beef pieces are fully coated in cornflour for maximum crispiness when frying.

• Fry in hot oil – Make sure the oil is very hot before adding the beef strips. This prevents sticking and helps achieve that coveted crunch.

• Avoid overcrowding the pan – Fry in batches so that each piece has enough space to cook evenly and develop a crispy texture.

• Let it rest on paper towels – After frying, place your crispy beef on kitchen paper to absorb excess oil, keeping it crispier for longer.

• Adjust spice levels – Modify the amount of red chilli or use different sauces according to your heat preference to make it just right for you.

Best Side Dishes for Crispy Chilli Beef

Crispy Chilli Beef pairs wonderfully with various sides that complement its flavors. Here are some top choices for a well-rounded meal.

1. Fried Rice – Fluffy fried rice mixed with vegetables enhances the overall taste and adds texture.

2. Spring Rolls – These crispy delights provide a crunchy contrast and are great for dipping.

3. Stir-Fried Vegetables – A colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots adds nutrients and freshness.

4. Egg Fried Noodles – Savory egg noodles bring another layer of flavor while being easy to prepare.

5. Garlic Bread – The buttery garlic flavor makes an unexpected yet delightful pairing with spicy dishes.

6. Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup can help balance the spiciness of the beef while adding warmth to your meal.

7. Cucumber Salad – A light salad made with cucumbers provides a refreshing crunch that offsets the richness of the dish.

8. Pickled Vegetables – Tangy pickles introduce acidity that enhances flavors and aids digestion after enjoying this rich dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crispy Chilli Beef, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are a few common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the Egg Coating: Not using an egg to coat the beef can lead to less crispy results. The egg helps the cornflour adhere better, creating that perfect crunch.

• Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too much beef at once can cause steaming instead of frying. Fry in batches to maintain high heat and ensure each piece gets crispy.

• Ignoring the Oil Temperature: If the oil isn’t hot enough, the beef won’t crisp up properly. Make sure your oil is very hot before adding the meat for optimal results.

• Not Stirring Enough: While you want to minimize movement for crispiness, not stirring at all can cause uneven cooking. Stir occasionally but gently to ensure all pieces are cooked evenly.

• Rushing the Sauce: Allowing the sauce to bubble for a short time may result in a thin sauce. Let it simmer until slightly thickened for a richer flavor that clings to the meat.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Crispy Chilli Beef in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Make sure it has cooled down before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Crispy Chilli Beef

• You can freeze Crispy Chilli Beef for up to 2 months.
• Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty plastic bag.
• Label and date your container for easy identification later.

Reheating Crispy Chilli Beef

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread the beef on a baking sheet and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until crispy.

• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, but know this method may make it less crispy.

• Stovetop: Heat in a non-stick pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method helps retain some crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make my Crispy Chilli Beef even spicier?

You can increase the amount of fresh chilli or add some red pepper flakes into the sauce for an extra kick.

Can I use different cuts of beef?

Absolutely! While sirloin is recommended for its tenderness, flank steak or even chicken can work well in this recipe.

What should I serve with Crispy Chilli Beef?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles. You could also serve it with stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I make Crispy Chilli Beef ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare components ahead of time, but it’s best to fry the beef just before serving for maximum crispiness.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

You can substitute thin strips of tofu or seitan in place of beef; just adjust cooking times accordingly based on your chosen protein.

Final Thoughts

Crispy Chilli Beef is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile! Whether you enjoy it as part of a cozy dinner or as leftovers during lunch, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavors right into your kitchen. Feel free to customize by adjusting spice levels or adding your favorite vegetables. Give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!