Crispy Chilli Beef
Crispy Chilli Beef features tender strips of beef coated in a light, crunchy batter and tossed in a vibrant, spicy sauce combining sweet chili heat, savory garlic, and tangy notes. This quick and easy recipe delivers bold flavors and texture, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests with a deliciously satisfying dish.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Beef and Coating
- 500g tender beef strips (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced
- 1 cup cornstarch or potato starch
- Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil, enough for deep frying)
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons chilli sauce or 1-2 fresh chilies, chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
- 2 tablespoons water
Garnishes
- 2 spring onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef into thin strips about 1/2 inch wide for even cooking. Pat the strips dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick and achieve a crisp texture.
- Coat the Beef: Place the beef strips in a bowl and toss evenly with cornstarch, ensuring every piece is lightly coated. This coating is key for the crispy finish after frying.
- Heat the Oil for Frying: Pour enough vegetable or peanut oil into a deep pan or wok for frying. Heat over medium-high until the oil reaches approximately 350°F (175°C) or test by frying a small piece of batter to check crispness.
- Fry the Beef Strips: Fry the coated beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Make the Chilli Sauce: In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, ginger, and fresh chilies or chili paste, cooking until aromatic. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and water. Simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes vibrant.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Add the fried beef strips to the pan with the sauce. Toss gently but quickly to coat every piece evenly while maintaining the crispy texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the crispy chilli beef to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sliced spring onions and toasted sesame seeds for added freshness and crunch. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use dry beef strips to ensure the coating sticks well and fries crispy.
- Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding and maintain oil temperature, avoiding sogginess.
- Keep the oil hot for a perfect crunchy exterior and juicy interior.
- If the sauce is too runny, simmer longer to thicken and avoid sogginess on the beef.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of textures at their best.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: crispy chilli beef, spicy beef recipe, Asian beef stir-fry, gluten free chilli beef, crispy fried beef, quick beef recipe