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Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe

4.9 from 134 reviews

This Crispy Chilli Beef recipe features tender strips of beef sirloin or flank steak coated in a light, crunchy batter and fried to golden perfection. Tossed in a savory and spicy sauce made with soy, hoisin, and chili sauces, along with aromatic garlic, ginger, and fresh vegetables, it is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Perfectly garnished with sliced chilies and green onions, this dish makes a delicious meal served alongside steamed rice or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Batter

  • 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Sauce and Vegetables

  • 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
  • 1/2 onion, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 12 red chilies, sliced (optional for extra heat)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Slice the Beef: Thinly slice the beef sirloin or flank steak against the grain into strips to ensure tenderness when cooked.
  2. Prepare the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and water, then whisk together until the mixture is smooth with no lumps.
  3. Fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a deep pan or wok suitable for frying. Dip each beef strip into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated. Fry the strips in batches for about 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  4. Cook the Vegetables and Aromatics: In a wok or large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, minced ginger, sliced onion, and sliced bell pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
  5. Make the Sauce: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili sauce, and sugar into the vegetable mixture. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes to combine flavors.
  6. Toss Beef in Sauce: Add the crispy beef strips into the wok with the sauce and vegetables. Toss everything together well to coat the beef evenly. Continue stir-frying for another 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with sliced red chilies (if using) and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For extra heat, include the optional red chilies or increase chili sauce to taste.
  • Use a neutral vegetable oil with a high smoke point for frying.
  • Slice beef thinly and against the grain to keep it tender.
  • Drain fried beef on paper towels to keep it crispy and reduce greasiness.
  • This dish is best served immediately to maintain crispiness of the beef.

Keywords: crispy chilli beef, Chinese beef recipe, fried beef strips, spicy beef stir-fry, hoisin sauce beef