Name: Crispy Chilli Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 360 g thin-cut sirloin steaks (approx 3 thin steaks cut into 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 the seeds if you don't like it too hot); 1 tsp minced ginger; 3 cloves garlic (peeled and minced); 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 3 tbsp dark soy sauce; 2 tbsp tomato puree (for US); 6 tbsp caster sugar (or superfine sugar); 2 tbsp tomato ketchup; 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce (Thai-style)

Introduction to Crispy Chilli Beef

If you’ve never tried homemade crispy chilli beef, you’re in for a delightful surprise. This dish combines tender strips of beef, a rich blend of spices, and a sweet and spicy sauce that takes your taste buds on a delicious adventure. While takeout can be tempting, making this dish at home is a total game changer. Not only can you control the quality of your ingredients, but you can also customize the heat level to suit your palate.

Why settle for being just another takeout customer when you can soar as a culinary maestro in your own kitchen? The combination of crispy beef and fragrant sauces results in a satisfying meal that’s perfect for impressing friends or simply indulging in a midweek treat. You can even experiment with fresh vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition.

Plus, the satisfaction of biting into perfectly crispy beef paired with vibrant, flavorful sauces is unparalleled. Ready to elevate your dinner game? The following recipe will guide you step-by-step in creating your very own crispy chilli beef masterpiece from scratch. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for Crispy Chilli Beef

Creating the perfect crispy chilli beef at home is easier than you might think! Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

360 g (¾ lbs) thin-cut sirloin steaks – Opt for three thin steaks, as they fry up beautifully into crispy strips. Note: A good cut makes all the difference!
1 small egg – This will help the cornflour stick, ensuring a lovely crunch on your beef.
4 tablespoon cornflour (cornstarch) – A critical ingredient for that unbeatable crispiness.
¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon white pepper – Just the right seasonings to elevate the flavor.
4 ½ tablespoon sunflower oil (divided) – You'll use this for frying, giving your beef a lovely golden hue.
1 medium onion (peeled and sliced into thin strips) – Adds sweetness and balance to your dish.
1 red chilli (finely sliced) – This will spice things up; remove the seeds if you prefer a milder kick.
1 teaspoon minced ginger and 3 garlic cloves (peeled and minced) – Essential aromatics for depth of flavor.
2 tablespoon rice vinegar, 3 tablespoon dark soy sauce, 2 tablespoon tomato puree, 6 tablespoon caster sugar, 2 tablespoon tomato ketchup, and 2 tablespoon sweet chilli sauce – These will create the sweet and tangy sauce that brings this dish to life.

Ready to whip up this delightful dish? Gather your ingredients and let’s get cooking!

Preparing Crispy Chilli Beef

Making crispy chilli beef at home is an exciting culinary adventure you won't want to miss! This delightful dish combines tender beef strips with a spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce, providing a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Follow these steps to create your masterpiece.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving into cooking, it's crucial to gather all your ingredients for this flavorful dish. Here’s what you will need:

360 g (¾ lbs) thin-cut sirloin steaks (approx. 3 thin steaks), cut into thin strips
1 small egg
4 tablespoon cornflour (cornstarch)
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon white pepper
4 ½ tablespoon sunflower oil (divided)
1 medium onion, peeled and sliced into thin strips
1 red chilli, finely sliced (discard the seeds if you prefer a milder heat)
1 teaspoon minced ginger
3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
2 tablespoon rice vinegar
3 tablespoon dark soy sauce
2 tablespoon tomato puree
6 tablespoon caster sugar (superfine sugar)
2 tablespoon tomato ketchup
2 tablespoon sweet chilli sauce

Marinating the Beef

To start, place the sliced steak in a bowl and add the egg. Mixing the egg with the beef strips is essential, as it helps bind the coating. Once mixed, sprinkle in the cornflour along with the salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Toss everything together until the beef is thoroughly coated—this sticky mix is your secret to achieving that lovely crispiness.

Coating the Beef for Crispiness

The cornflour is vital for that crispy exterior, so don’t skimp on this step! It creates a beautiful contrast between the crunchy outside and tender inside of the beef.

Frying the Beef Strips

Heat 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a large frying pan or wok over high heat until it’s sizzling hot. You’ll likely need to work in batches to achieve the perfect crispiness. Add half of the beef strips, making sure to spread them out so they fry evenly. Resist the urge to move them too much—this is key to achieving that crunchy texture! Fry for about 5-6 minutes until they’re dark brown, stirring just a few times.

When done, remove the crispy beef and place it in a bowl lined with kitchen paper to absorb excess oil. Repeat the process with the remaining beef.

Making the Sauce

Time to create the rich sauce! In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and sauté the sliced onion for about 2 minutes until slightly softened. Then, toss in the finely chopped chilli, minced ginger, and minced garlic, cooking for an additional 30 seconds to release their fragrant aromas.

Now, add the rice vinegar, soy sauce, tomato puree, caster sugar, tomato ketchup, and sweet chilli sauce. Turn up the heat and let it simmer until the sauce reduces, which should take a couple of minutes.

Combining Everything

Finally, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the crispy beef back into the pan and give everything a good stir, allowing the beef to warm through for an additional 1-2 minutes. Serve your crispy chilli beef over rice or noodles for a delicious complete meal. Enjoy!

By following these steps, not only will you have a gorgeous dish to impress your friends, but you're sure to feel accomplished cooking this popular favorite right in your own kitchen!

Variations on Crispy Chilli Beef

Crispy Chilli Beef with Vegetables

Elevate your Crispy Chilli Beef experience by adding a colorful array of vegetables! Try tossing in sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to complement the beef. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds nutritional benefits. The crunchiness of the veggies balances perfectly with the crispy beef, making it a delightful addition to your meal. For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle a bit of soy sauce over the veggies while they sauté.

Spicy Crispy Chilli Beef

If you crave a kick, spice things up with Spicy Crispy Chilli Beef! Simply increase the quantity of fresh chilies or add a teaspoon of chili flakes to the sauce mixture for an extra heat boost. You can also swap out sweet chili sauce for a hotter variant. For those who love experimenting, consider a splash of sriracha for a tangy twist! Adding a hint of lime juice before serving can elevate the spice level and introduce a refreshing zesty flavor.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Crispy Chilli Beef

Creating perfect crispy chilli beef involves a few key steps to ensure that your dish is not just flavorful but also boasts the right texture.

Coat Well: Make sure each strip of beef is thoroughly coated in the egg and cornflour mixture for a uniform crispy texture.
High Heat Is Key: Use high heat when frying to achieve that golden crisp. A hot pan helps seal in the juices while creating a crunchy exterior.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry in batches; overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of frying.

By following these simple tips, you'll guarantee a deliciously crispy and satisfying dish that's sure to impress! For more details on ingredients or techniques, check out this article on crispy beef for additional insights.

Serving Suggestions for Crispy Chilli Beef

What to Pair with Crispy Chilli Beef?

To elevate your Crispy Chilli Beef experience, consider serving it with a side of fluffy steamed rice or savory fried rice. These sides help balance the dish's heat and richness while providing a comforting base. If you’re in the mood for something different, pair it with tangy noodles tossed in sesame oil for a delightful twist.

Creative Serving Ideas

For a fun dinner party, transform your Crispy Chilli Beef into a vibrant wrap! Use lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps, adding julienned vegetables like carrots and bell peppers for extra crunch. You can also serve this dish in a customizable platter with dips like sweet chilli sauce or a spicy peanut sauce. This encourages your guests to get creative, making each bite unique!

For some repeatable inspiration, check out our favorite side dish ideas at Serious Eats or explore ways to enhance your Asian cuisine skills at BBC Good Food.

Time breakdown for Crispy Chilli Beef

Preparation time
Getting ready for this dish will take you approximately 20 minutes. This includes slicing the beef and veggies, mixing the marinade, and coating the beef strips.

Cooking time
You'll spend about 15 minutes cooking the crispy chilli beef. The frying and stir-frying stages are quick, bringing all those vibrant flavors together beautifully.

Total time
In total, you're looking at around 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight meal that feels special without taking hours to prepare!

For more guidance, check out this article for helpful tips on pan frying techniques!

Nutritional Facts for Crispy Chilli Beef

Calories

A serving of crispy chilli beef typically contains around 400-500 calories, making it a satisfying choice for dinner without tipping the scales too much.

Protein

This dish is a protein powerhouse, with approximately 30 grams per serving. That’s great news if you’re aiming to support muscle repair or simply enjoy a hearty meal!

Sodium

Keep in mind that the sodium content can vary. On average, you’re looking at about 800-900 milligrams per serving, primarily from soy sauce. For lower sodium options, consider low-sodium soy sauce or adjusting your seasoning for flavor while keeping your intake in check.

Incorporating crispy chilli beef into your meal planning can be a delicious way to enjoy protein while managing your nutritional needs.

FAQ about Crispy Chilli Beef

Can I use different cuts of beef?
Absolutely! While thin-cut sirloin is our go-to for crispy chilli beef, you can experiment with cuts like flank steak, ribeye, or even tenderloin. Just ensure they are cut thinly for that perfect crisp.

What if I don't like it too spicy?
No problem at all! You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or omitting the fresh red chilli. Alternatively, try using milder varieties like bell peppers, or just a pinch of chili flakes for some warmth without overwhelming heat.

How do I make it healthier?
There are several ways to lighten up your crispy chilli beef. Consider using lean beef cuts, and replace some of the sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can also sauté your veggies in less oil or use a healthier oil, such as olive oil, for frying. For an even lighter touch, serve your dish over a bed of steamed veggies rather than rice for a nutritious twist!

For more tips and nutritional insights, check out Healthline's guide.

Conclusion on Crispy Chilli Beef

In summary, crispy chilli beef is more than just a dish; it's a celebration of flavors and textures that can brighten up any meal. With its crunchy exterior and spicy sauce, it's sure to impress at your next dinner party or cozy night in. Enjoy every bite!