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Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe

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4.1 from 27 reviews

Crispy Chilli Beef is a vibrant and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring thinly sliced sirloin steak coated in a crispy cornflour batter, tossed in a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce made with chilli, garlic, ginger, and a blend of savory sauces. Perfect for a quick yet indulgent meal, this recipe delivers the ideal balance of crispy texture and bold flavors, best served over rice or noodles.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Beef and Coating

  • 360 g (¾ lbs) thin-cut sirloin steaks (approx 3 thin steaks) cut into thin strips
  • 1 small egg
  • 4 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp white pepper
  • 4 ½ tbsp sunflower oil (divided)

Sauce and Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion (peeled and sliced into thin strips)
  • 1 red chilli (finely sliced, seeds discarded 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 (or tomato paste in the US)
  • 6 tbsp caster sugar (or superfine sugar)
  • 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
  • 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce (Thai-style recommended)

Instructions

  1. Coat the Beef: Place the steak strips in a bowl and add the egg. Mix thoroughly to coat the steak evenly in the egg.
  2. Add Cornflour and Spices: Sprinkle in the cornflour, salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Toss the mixture thoroughly to form a sticky coating around each strip of beef.
  3. Heat Oil for Frying: Heat 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a large frying pan or wok over high heat until very hot and shimmering.
  4. Fry First Batch of Beef: Add half the beef strips to the pan, spreading them out in a single layer. Fry without excessive stirring for about 5-6 minutes until the beef is dark brown and crispy, stirring gently 3-4 times to encourage crisping.
  5. Drain First Batch: Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the crispy beef from the pan and place it on a bowl lined with kitchen paper to absorb excess oil.
  6. Fry Second Batch: Add an additional tablespoon of oil to the pan and repeat the frying process with the remaining beef strips. Drain and rest with the first batch.
  7. Sauté Onions: Add the remaining ½ tablespoon of oil to the pan, reduce heat to medium, and sauté the sliced onion for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
  8. Add Aromatics: Stir in the finely sliced chilli, minced ginger, and minced garlic, cooking and stirring for 30 seconds to release their flavors.
  9. Prepare Sauce: Add rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, tomato puree, caster sugar, tomato ketchup, and sweet chilli sauce to the pan. Turn the heat up and let the sauce bubble for a couple of minutes until slightly reduced.
  10. Combine Beef and Sauce: Return all the crispy beef to the pan, stir to coat them thoroughly with the sauce, and heat through for 1-2 minutes until piping hot.
  11. Serve: Serve the crispy chilli beef immediately alongside steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For less heat, remove chilli seeds before slicing.
  • Cooking in batches prevents overcrowding, ensuring the beef crisps properly.
  • Use a high smoke point oil such as sunflower for frying to avoid burning.
  • Adjust sugar and chilli sauce amounts to balance sweetness and heat to personal liking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Chinese-inspired

Find it online: https://allyumcooks.com/crispy-chilli-beef-recipe/