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Crispy Chilli Beef

Crispy Chilli Beef

Crispy Chilli Beef is a flavorful dish featuring tender beef strips coated in a light, crispy batter and smothered in a sticky, sweet, spicy, and tangy chilli sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and is adaptable to different heat levels and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Coating

  • 300g lean beef strips (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced against the grain
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 tablespoons chilli sauce or 1-2 fresh chillies (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice

Garnish

  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • Optional: toasted sesame seeds, sliced red chillies

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness. Pat the slices dry to remove any moisture, then toss them in cornstarch ensuring each strip is evenly coated for a crispy finish.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, chilli sauce, honey, and a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice. Stir well to create a sticky, flavorful glaze.
  3. Fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat until hot enough to sizzle a cornstarch-coated strip. Fry the beef in small batches, avoiding overcrowding, until golden and crispy. Drain the cooked beef on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  4. Combine Beef and Sauce: Remove extra oil from the pan, then pour in the prepared sauce. Simmer the sauce briefly until it thickens slightly. Return the crispy beef to the pan and toss quickly to coat all pieces evenly in the glossy chilli sauce.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and optional toasted sesame seeds or sliced red chillies over the beef. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

  • Use cold beef slices to help the cornstarch adhere better and create a crunchier texture.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
  • Pat dry the beef before coating to avoid soggy results.
  • If the sauce is too thin, thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch dissolved in water) and simmer until desired consistency.
  • Use fresh garlic, ginger, and chillies for authentic and vibrant flavors.
  • Recipe is easily customizable for spice level and dietary preferences (gluten-free, vegetarian).

Nutrition

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