Crispy Chilli Beef is a tasty dish that’s full of flavor! You’ll love the crunchy beef tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s like a party in your mouth!
I can’t resist that crispy coating; it’s so addictive! I like to serve it with rice or noodles to soak up the extra sauce. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something zesty! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using sirloin or flank steak for its tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, use chicken or tofu instead. Both will work well with the same marinade and sauce.
Sauces: Soy sauce and oyster sauce add deep flavor. If you’re avoiding seafood, try mushroom sauce as a substitute for oyster sauce. Tamari is a great gluten-free option for soy sauce.
Cornstarch: This is key for crispy coating. If you don’t have it, you can use potato starch instead, which also gives a nice crunch.
Chillies: Fresh red chillies add heat and color. If you prefer less spice, opt for mild peppers or even bell peppers for a sweet crunch instead!
How Do I Get My Beef Perfectly Crispy?
Achieving that crispy texture is all about the coating and frying process. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Make sure to coat the beef evenly with cornstarch. This helps create a nice barrier that keeps the moisture in while frying.
- Fry in small batches to avoid crowding the pan, which can make the beef steam instead of fry. This ensures each piece gets crispy.
- Keep your oil hot enough; around 350°F (180°C) is ideal. If the oil is too cool, the beef will absorb more oil and become soggy.
With these tips and ingredients, you’re all set to make an amazing Crispy Chilli Beef!
How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 500g beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon Chinese cooking wine (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 egg white
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch (cornflour)
For the Sauce and Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 fresh red chillies, sliced
- 3 spring onions (green parts only), sliced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes or chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Cooked steamed white rice, to serve
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes preparing and marinating the beef and 15 minutes cooking it to crispy perfection. It’s a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese cooking wine (if using), and sesame oil. Mix everything well, and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This will add great flavor to your beef!
2. Coat the Beef:
Add the egg white to the marinated beef and mix until every piece is well coated. Then, toss the beef slices in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This will give your beef that delicious crispy texture.
3. Fry the Beef:
Heat enough vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, deep-fry the beef pieces in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Make sure to drain them on paper towels to get rid of any excess oil.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
Next, remove excess oil from the wok, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Sauté the minced garlic until it’s fragrant. Then, add the sliced red chillies and half of the spring onions, stir-frying them for about 1 minute.
5. Create the Flavorful Sauce:
Now, stir in the sugar, rice vinegar, water, chili flakes, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and let the sauce caramelize slightly for 1-2 minutes. This step adds depth to the flavor!
6. Combine and Finish:
Finally, add the crispy fried beef back into the wok and toss everything together to coat the beef evenly with the sauce. Garnish your dish with the remaining spring onions.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Crispy Chilli Beef immediately with some steaming hot white rice. Enjoy your meal!
This dish is sure to impress with its crispy texture and bold flavors. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with chicken breast or thigh, sliced thinly. Marinate and cook it the same way for a delicious alternative.
What if I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No problem! You can use soy sauce as a substitute, or try a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar for a sweeter flavor that mimics oyster sauce.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Crispy Chilli Beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place it in a frying pan over medium heat to maintain the crispiness, or microwave with a damp paper towel to avoid toughness.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes, you can easily ramp up the heat! Add more chili flakes or use spicier chillies. You can also include sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!
