Crispy Chilli Beef: The Ultimate Stir-Fry Recipe
Introduction to Crispy Chilli Beef
Crispy Chilli Beef is a sensational dish that brings together tender beef strips, vibrant vegetables, and a tantalizing sauce. This dish is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a quick and delicious meal that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, this crispy beef stir-fry will surely satisfy your taste buds!
A Personal Story Behind My Crispy Chilli Beef Journey
Growing up, my family often enjoyed takeout from our favorite local Chinese restaurant. One dish that stood out to me was their crispy chilli beef. The crunch of the beef paired with the heat of the chili created a dish that I still crave today. After many attempts to replicate it at home, I finally created this version that captures all the deliciousness without the need for takeout.
What Makes This Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe Special?
What sets this recipe apart is the perfect combination of textures and flavors. The beef is crisped to perfection, while the sweet and spicy sauce adds depth and richness. Additionally, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights. Plus, the vibrant colors of the vegetables make it visually appealing, ensuring that it’s not just a feast for the palate but the eyes as well!
The Full Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe
Ingredients
- 360 g (¾ lbs) thin-cut sirloin steaks, cut into thin strips
- 1 small egg
- 4 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅛ tsp white pepper
- 4 ½ tbsp sunflower oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced into thin strips
- 1 red chilli, finely sliced (discard seeds for less heat)
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 6 tbsp caster sugar or superfine sugar
- 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the steak strips with the egg until well coated.
- Add cornflour, salt, black pepper, and white pepper to the steak. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat 3 tbsp of oil in a large frying pan or wok over high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the beef to get that crispy texture!
- Cook half of the beef strips until dark brown and crispy, stirring occasionally for about 5-6 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan for best results.
- Remove the cooked beef and drain on kitchen paper. Repeat with the remaining beef.
- Reduce heat to medium, add ½ tbsp oil, and cook the sliced onion for 2 minutes until slightly softened. Stir occasionally.
- Add the chilli, ginger, and garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in rice vinegar, soy sauce, tomato puree, sugar, ketchup, and sweet chilli sauce. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Return the beef to the pan and heat through for 1-2 minutes, ensuring all the beef is coated with the sauce.
- Serve the crispy beef stir-fry with rice or noodles. For extra crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Crispy Chilli Beef
This crispy chilli beef is incredibly versatile. You can serve it over steamed rice, egg noodles, or even with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a healthier option. For those who enjoy a bit of a twist, try adding bell peppers or snap peas to the stir-fry for extra crunch and color. If you prefer a spicier version, add more sliced chilies or a splash of hot sauce. It’s a dish that can easily be tailored to your taste!
Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Chilli Beef
Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes, while sirloin works great, you can also use flank steak or ribeye for a different flavor and tenderness.
Is this dish very spicy?
The level of spiciness depends on how many seeds you leave in the chili. For a milder option, discard the seeds.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time and combine them just before serving to keep the beef crispy.
What can I serve with Crispy Chilli Beef?
This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or even a fresh salad for a lighter meal.
Crispy Chilli Beef
Equipment
- Frying pan or Wok For frying the beef and cooking the sauce.
- Mixing bowl For coating the beef with egg and spices.
- Kitchen paper For draining excess oil from the beef.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 0.75 lbs thin-cut sirloin steaks, cut into thin strips
- 1 small egg
- 4 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.125 tsp white pepper
- 4.5 tbsp sunflower oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced into thin strips
- 1 red chilli, finely sliced (discard seeds for less heat)
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 6 tbsp caster sugar or superfine sugar
- 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the steak strips with the egg until well coated.
- Add cornflour, salt, black pepper, and white pepper to the steak. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat 3 tbsp of oil in a large frying pan or wok over high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the beef to get that crispy texture!
- Cook half of the beef strips until dark brown and crispy, stirring occasionally for about 5-6 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan for best results.
- Remove the cooked beef and drain on kitchen paper. Repeat with the remaining beef.
- Reduce heat to medium, add ½ tbsp oil, and cook the sliced onion for 2 minutes until slightly softened. Stir occasionally.
- Add the chilli, ginger, and garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in rice vinegar, soy sauce, tomato puree, sugar, ketchup, and sweet chilli sauce. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Return the beef to the pan and heat through for 1-2 minutes, ensuring all the beef is coated with the sauce.
- Serve the crispy beef stir-fry with rice or noodles. For extra crunch, sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top before serving.