Name: Crispy Chilli Beef: 7 Steps to Dinner Perfection
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound Beef Sirloin or Flank Steak (Cut thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.); 1/4 cup Cornstarch; 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (Substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.); 1 large Egg (Use egg replacer for a vegan alternative.); 1/2 cup Water (Adjust for consistency.); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; To taste Salt & Pepper (Don’t skip this step!); 1 cup Vegetable Oil (Heat thoroughly for crispy texture.); 3 tablespoons Soy Sauce; 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar; 2 tablespoons Hoisin Sauce (Substitute with soy sauce and honey if unavailable.); 2 tablespoons Chili Sauce (Adjust according to taste.); 1 teaspoon Sugar (To balance acidity.); 2 cloves Minced Garlic; 1 inch Minced Ginger; 1 medium Onion (Sliced.); 1 medium Bell Pepper (Sliced.); To taste Red Chilies (Optional for heat.); 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (Optional.); 2 tablespoons Chopped Green Onions (For garnishing.)

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Crispy Chilli Beef is a quick and flavorful dinner option that captures the essence of Chinese cuisine. This dish combines tender beef with a perfect crunch, all enveloped in a sweet and spicy sauce. Whether you’re looking to elevate your weeknight meals or impress guests, this recipe is your go-to solution. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chilli Beef

This recipe offers several benefits that make it a must-try. First, it’s incredibly quick, taking only 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, the combination of textures—crispy beef with sautéed vegetables—makes every bite exciting. Additionally, it’s versatile; you can easily adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Many people ask, What is Crispy Chilli Beef? It’s a delightful stir-fry dish featuring marinated beef with a crunch, often enjoyed in Chinese cuisine. Plus, it’s gluten-free when you use the right ingredients. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something satisfying yet easy to prepare.

Ingredients for Crispy Chilli Beef

Gather these items:

1 pound Beef Sirloin or Flank Steak (Cut thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.)
1/4 cup Cornstarch
1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (Substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.)
1 large Egg (Use egg replacer for a vegan alternative.)
1/2 cup Water (Adjust for consistency.)
1 teaspoon Baking Powder
To taste Salt & Pepper (Don’t skip this step!)
1 cup Vegetable Oil (Heat thoroughly for crispy texture.)
3 tablespoons Soy Sauce
1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
2 tablespoons Hoisin Sauce (Substitute with soy sauce and honey if unavailable.)
2 tablespoons Chili Sauce (Adjust according to taste.)
1 teaspoon Sugar (To balance acidity.)
2 cloves Minced Garlic
1 inch Minced Ginger
1 medium Onion (Sliced.)
1 medium Bell Pepper (Sliced.)
To taste Red Chilies (Optional for heat.)
1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (Optional.)
2 tablespoons Chopped Green Onions (For garnishing.)

How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Beef: Thinly slice your beef against the grain. Allow to marinate.
Step 2: Make the Batter: Combine cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add egg and water, whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Step 4: Coat the Beef: Dip beef strips in batter, ensuring full coverage. Let excess drip before frying.
Step 5: Fry the Beef: Fry beef strips for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Step 6: Sauté the Vegetables: Heat sesame oil, add minced garlic and ginger, sauté for a minute. Add onion and bell pepper, stir for 2 minutes.
Step 7: Prepare the Sauce: Stir soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili sauce, and sugar into vegetables, simmering for 2 minutes.
Step 8: Combine and Serve: Toss crispy beef strips in sauce, stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, garnish and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Chilli Beef

Keep these in mind:

Adjust chili sauce according to your heat preference.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour.
For a vegan alternative, use an egg replacer.
Let the oil heat up properly; this ensures a crispy texture.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying; this helps the beef stay crunchy.

Best Ways to Serve Crispy Chilli Beef

Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

Serve it over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Pair with stir-fried vegetables for added nutrition.
Enjoy it as a filling for wraps or tortillas for a unique twist.

How to Store and Reheat Crispy Chilli Beef

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in a skillet over medium heat to restore the crispiness. This dish is perfect for meal prep, making it ideal for busy weeks ahead!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Chilli Beef

What’s the secret to perfect Crispy Chilli Beef?

The key is to slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Marinating the beef in spices and frying it at the right temperature creates that signature crunch.

Can I make Crispy Chilli Beef ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and batter in advance. Just fry it right before you plan to serve for the best texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crispy Chilli Beef?

To prevent sogginess, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan. Properly draining the beef on paper towels can also help maintain its crunch.

Variations of Crispy Chilli Beef You Can Try

There are many exciting variations you can experiment with:

Add cashews or peanuts for crunch.
Include broccoli or snap peas for a colorful twist.
Make it a sweet and spicy dish by adding pineapple chunks.

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For more delicious recipes, check out our dinner category or try making spaghetti with garlic and oil for a quick meal.

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For more information on the benefits of using fresh ingredients, visit Healthline.

Enjoy your cooking adventure with Crispy Chilli Beef and feel free to explore other recipes like pappardelle with beef ragu for a hearty meal!