Is there anything better than a delicious plate of Crispy Chilli Beef? I don’t think so! There’s something about the crunchy, golden strips of beef smothered in a sweet and savory sauce that just makes my taste buds dance. This recipe always takes me back to those bustling Asian restaurants filled with rich aromas, laughter, and friends gathered around a table, ready to indulge. I can still hear the sizzle of the hot oil and the delightful clinking of chopsticks as we dug into this dish together. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a celebration!
So, if you’re looking to recreate that magic in your own kitchen, I’m thrilled to share my go-to recipe for Crispy Chilli Beef. It’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering. Plus, the best part? You can adjust the heat to fit your taste – whether you like it spicy or prefer a milder flavor. Let’s dive in!
What’s in Crispy Chilli Beef?
Beef Steak: I love using flank or sirloin because they’re tender and cook beautifully. Make sure to slice it thinly so it gets extra crispy!
Cornstarch: This is a key ingredient for that stunning crunch. It helps create a light, crispy coating when fried.
All-Purpose Flour: Paired with cornstarch, it adds to the texture and helps the beef achieve the perfect golden color.
Baking Powder: A little leavening helps to create an extra crispy batter.
Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings, but oh-so-important for flavor!
Water: This combines with the dry ingredients to create a batter for marinating the beef.
Vegetable Oil: Essential for frying. I recommend using oils with a high smoke point, like canola or peanut oil, to get that perfect fry.
Onion: Sliced and sautéed, it adds a sweet and savory element to the dish.
Chillies: I like using red chillies for a pop of color and heat. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance!
Garlic & Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger add an aromatic depth and warmth to the dish.
Soy Sauce: A must-have for that umami flavor.
Oyster Sauce: This sauce brings a rich, savory taste and balances the sweetness.
Rice Vinegar: A splash of this adds tanginess that brightens up the dish.
Sugar: Just a touch of sweetness to balance the savory and spicy elements.
Green Onions (Scallions): They add a fresh crunch when used as a garnish.
Cooked Rice: Perfect for soaking up that luscious sauce!
Is Crispy Chilli Beef Good for You?
Now, while Crispy Chilli Beef is a delicious treat, let’s talk about some of its health aspects.
Beef Steak: Beef is an excellent source of protein and iron, which are essential for muscle growth and oxygen transport in the blood. Just remember to keep an eye on portion sizes.
Cornstarch and Flour: These provide the crispy coating, but they do add carbs, so moderation is key if you’re watching your carb intake.
Vegetable Oil: While necessary for frying, it can be high in calories. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider air frying or baking the beef, though it may alter the crunch factor a bit!
Chillies: They can boost your metabolism and provide a kick of vitamin C. Go on, spice it up!
Overall, this dish is fine to enjoy occasionally as part of a balanced diet. Just serve it alongside some steamed veggies for a complete meal!
Ingredients
– 500g beef steak (such as flank or sirloin), thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 cup water
– Vegetable oil (for frying)
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 red chillies, sliced (adjust to taste)
– 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp oyster sauce
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 2 tbsp sugar
– 1-2 green onions (scallions), chopped (for garnish)
– Cooked rice (for serving)
This recipe serves approximately 4 hungry people.
How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef?
1. **Prepare the Beef:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the sliced beef into the mixture, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Gradually add the water until it forms a batter-like consistency. Set the beef aside to marinate for about 20 minutes.
2. **Heat the Oil:** In a deep frying pan, or wok, pour in enough vegetable oil to submerge the beef strips. Heat over medium-high heat.
3. **Fry the Beef:** Once the oil is hot (you can check by dropping a small bite of batter in; it should sizzle), gently lower the marinated beef in batches. Avoid crowding the pan! Fry for about 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and let drain on paper towels.
4. **Sauté Vegetables:** After frying the beef, carefully remove excess oil from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the sliced onion, chillies, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.
5. **Make the Sauce:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Pour this mixture into the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well and simmer for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. **Combine:** Add the crispy beef back into the pan and toss everything together so the beef is well-coated with the delicious sauce.
7. **Serve:** Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and serve hot alongside steamed rice. Enjoy the burst of flavors!
Serving Suggestions and Variations
You know me, I love to get creative in the kitchen! Here are a few tips to adjust this recipe to suit your taste and occasion:
– **Add Veggies:** Feel free to toss in some bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
– **Spice it Up:** If you really love heat, drizzle in some chili oil or add a teaspoon of chili flakes to the sauce!
– **Go Saucy:** For a saucier version, just double the sauce ingredients. Who doesn’t love more to soak into that rice?
– **Use Lean Cuts:** If you’re looking for a leaner protein option, try chicken or tofu instead of beef.
I really hope you give this Crispy Chilli Beef recipe a try! I can’t wait for you to enjoy it as much as I do. And please, let me know how it turns out or if you put your own spin on it—I love hearing your cooking adventures! Happy cooking!
