This Crispy Chilli Beef is a flavorful dish that offers a perfect mix of crunch and spice. Tender strips of beef are coated in a crispy batter and tossed in a sweet chilli sauce that’s oh-so-tasty!
I love how the sweetness balances with the spicy kick. It’s great served over rice or on its own. You might just find yourself going back for seconds! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using sirloin or flank steak for their tenderness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Soy Sauce: Always choose a good quality soy sauce for depth of flavor. For a gluten-free alternative, tamari works well too!
Shaoxing Wine: This adds a nice depth of flavor but it’s optional! You can substitute with dry sherry or omit it entirely if you prefer. Just add a splash of extra soy sauce for balance.
Sweet Chilli Sauce: You can find this in most grocery stores, but homemade is super easy. Just mix sugar, vinegar, and chili flakes to taste!
Cornflour: This is essential for that crispy coating. If you need a gluten-free option, cornstarch or rice flour can work just as well!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Crispy Beef?
The secret to crispy beef lies in the coating and frying technique. Start by marinating the beef with key ingredients like soy sauce and sesame oil. Make sure each piece gets a good layer of cornflour for the crunch. Here are the steps:
- Heat your oil properly! It should be around 180°C (350°F) for that crispy finish.
- Fry in small batches so the oil stays hot. If you overcrowd the pan, the beef will steam instead of fry.
- Let the beef drain on paper towels after frying to maintain that crunch!
Following these tips will help you serve up perfectly crispy and flavorful chilli beef every time! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef (with Sweet Chilli)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 400g beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 egg white
- 4 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
For the Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 red chili, thinly sliced
- 1 orange red bell pepper (capsicum), julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
For the Sweet Chilli Sauce:
- 4 tbsp sweet chilli sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 100 ml water
- 1 tsp cornflour dissolved in 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
- Fresh coriander or rocket leaves
- Steamed jasmine rice or plain rice, to serve
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 30 minutes. You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing the ingredients and marinating the beef, followed by 15 minutes cooking everything to perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by marinating your beef strips. In a medium bowl, mix the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and egg white together. Add the beef strips and let them marinate for 10-15 minutes. This will help make the beef juicy and flavorful!
2. Coat the Beef:
Add the cornflour to the marinated beef. Toss everything together until the beef strips are nicely coated. This coating will give it that wonderful crispy texture when fried!
3. Fry the Beef:
In a deep frying pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 180°C (350°F). Carefully fry the beef strips in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels to keep them crispy.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In a separate pan or wok, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced onion, red chili, and bell pepper. Stir-fry everything for about 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly softened and fragrant.
5. Make the Sweet Chilli Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or sugar), chili flakes (if using), and water. Pour this mixture into the pan with the stir-fried vegetables and bring it to a simmer.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornflour slurry (the cornflour dissolved in water) to the sauce, stirring well. Cook for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens slightly and gets glossy.
7. Combine the Beef with Sauce:
Now, it’s time to add the crispy beef strips back into the pan. Toss everything together until the beef is well coated in that delicious sweet chilli sauce.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crispy chilli beef hot over steamed jasmine rice. Don’t forget to garnish with toasted sesame seeds and fresh coriander or rocket leaves for an extra pop of flavor!
Enjoy your crispy, sticky, sweet, and spicy chilli beef! It’s sure to impress your family and friends! 🌟
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! While sirloin or flank steak works best for tenderness, you can also use ribeye or even brisket. Just be mindful that tougher cuts may need a longer cooking time or marination to become tender.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love heat, feel free to add extra chili flakes or sliced fresh chili to the sauce and the stir-fried vegetables. You can also use a spicier sweet chili sauce for added kick!
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can marinate the beef and prepare the sauce a day ahead. Just fry the beef and stir-fry the veggies right before serving for maximum crispiness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best texture, reheat the beef in a hot skillet or frying pan to regain some of its crispiness.