Best Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe

Who can resist the irresistible crunch of Crispy Chilli Beef? This dish is a perfect blend of tender beef, crispy coating, and a spicy-sweet sauce that hits all the right notes. If you’re looking for a dish that’s as fun to cook as it is to eat, you’ve come to the right place.

Imagine biting into crispy, juicy beef strips coated in a tangy sauce that brings a burst of flavor with every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and will make you feel like a pro in the kitchen.

Ready to impress your family or friends with a dish that’s guaranteed to be a hit? Let’s dive into this Crispy Chilli Beef recipe and create something truly delicious together!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

• ¾ lb (360g) sirloin steaks (about 3 steaks) – thinly sliced
• 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 – sliced into thin strips
• 1 red chilli – finely sliced (discard the seeds if you prefer 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 (superfine) sugar
• 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce

Instructions

1. Preparing the Steak

To get that perfect crispy texture, start by slicing your sirloin steaks into thin strips. I recommend placing the steaks in the freezer for about 30 minutes before slicing. This will firm them up, making it easier to cut them nice and thin. As you slice, remove any large pieces of fat since we’ll be cooking the strips quickly, and the fat won’t have time to render down.

2. Coating the Steak

Once all your steak is sliced, place the strips into a bowl and add one small egg. Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece is coated with the egg. You might be wondering why the egg is necessary. The combination of egg and cornflour is what gives the steak that wonderfully craggy and crispy coating.

Next, add 4 tablespoons of cornflour, ¼ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon of white pepper. Toss everything together until the steak is evenly coated. The mixture will be sticky, but trust me, it’s worth it for that perfect crunch.

3. Shallow Frying the Steak

Instead of deep frying, we’re going to shallow fry the steak. This method uses less oil and is easier to clean up afterward. Heat 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a large frying pan or wok over high heat. The oil needs to be very hot before adding the steak.

When the oil is ready, add the steak strips one at a time, spreading them out in the pan. Fry the steak until it’s dark brown and crispy, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes. Stir the meat 3 or 4 times during cooking, but try not to move it around too much to maintain the crispiness.

Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the steak from the pan, placing it in a bowl lined with kitchen roll to soak up any excess oil. You’ll likely need to cook the steak in two batches to ensure everything gets fried to perfection. If necessary, add a little more oil to the pan before frying the second batch.

4. Making the Crispy Chilli Beef Sauce

With the steak done, it’s time to make that delicious sauce that will take your crispy chilli beef to the next level. Add ½ tablespoon of oil to the pan and turn the heat down to medium. Add the sliced onion and cook for about 2 minutes until it starts to soften.

Next, add the finely chopped red chilli, 1 teaspoon of minced ginger, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Stir everything together and cook for about 30 seconds, just until the aroma of the garlic and ginger starts to fill your kitchen.

Now, add the rest of the sauce ingredients: 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 3 tablespoons of dark soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of tomato puree, 6 tablespoons of caster sugar, 2 tablespoons of tomato ketchup, and 2 tablespoons of sweet chilli sauce. Stir well to combine everything, then turn up the heat and let the sauce bubble for a couple of minutes. This will allow it to thicken slightly and develop those rich, tangy flavors.

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5. Combining Everything

Finally, add the crispy beef back into the pan with the sauce. Stir everything together, ensuring each piece of beef is coated in that lovely sauce. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the beef is heated through.

6. Serving

Your Crispy Chilli Beef is now ready to serve! This dish pairs beautifully with egg-fried rice, boiled rice, or even noodles. The crispy beef combined with the sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce is sure to impress anyone at your dinner table.

Tips for Success

• Freezing the Steak: Don’t skip the step of freezing the steak before slicing. It really helps in getting those thin, even strips that cook quickly and evenly.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Fry the steak in batches to maintain high heat and ensure crispiness.
• Splatter Guard: Use a splatter guard while frying to keep your kitchen clean and avoid burns.

Enjoy your homemade Crispy Chilli Beef, and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family. They’ll be amazed at how close it tastes to their favorite takeaway!