Name: Crispy Chilli Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 2 fresh red chillies, chopped; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece ginger, minced; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 tbsp rice vinegar

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Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a mouthwatering dish that brings bold flavors and satisfying crunch to your table—Crispy Chilli Beef! This delightful recipe combines tender strips of beef with a crispy coating, tossed in a spicy sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. With a perfect balance of sweetness and heat, it’s no wonder this dish is a favorite among those who love Asian-inspired cuisine. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests at a gathering, this Crispy Chilli Beef is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s quick and simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings. In just a few steps, you’ll transform basic ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. So gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chilli Beef

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Ingredients for Crispy Chilli Beef

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Beef Flank Steak: Choose high-quality flank steak for the best texture; slice it thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Cornstarch: This ingredient gives the beef its crispy coating; use enough to cover the meat thoroughly before frying.
Vegetable Oil: Use oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil for frying the beef pieces until golden brown.
Fresh Red Chillies: Adjust the amount according to your spice preference; they add both color and heat to the dish.
Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while enhancing flavor in the sauce.
Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger provide aromatic depth and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

For the Sauce:

Brown Sugar: This balances out the heat from the chillies; use light brown sugar for optimal flavor.
Rice Vinegar: Adds acidity; helps brighten the flavors of the sauce while complementing the sweetness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Begin by slicing your flank steak into thin strips. Ensure each piece is uniform in thickness so they cook evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels before dusting with cornstarch.

Step 2: Heat Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the base of the pan—about half an inch deep—to achieve that crispy texture.

Step 3: Fry the Beef

Once the oil is hot (about 350°F/175°C), add small batches of coated beef strips. Fry until golden brown on each side—approximately two to three minutes per side. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In another pan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and chopped fresh chillies. Stir until sugar dissolves—about two minutes.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add fried beef back into the pan with the sauce. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly in that delicious chili sauce.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Transfer everything onto plates or serving bowls. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired for an extra touch.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
Crispiness Factor: For maximum crunchiness, fry in small batches rather than overcrowding the pan
Adjust Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of chillies based on your spice tolerance; add more for extra kick!

How to Serve Crispy Chilli Beef

This Crispy Chilli Beef is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can prepare the beef in advance by marinating it for at least one hour, or even overnight for better flavor. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them for up to two months.
Reheating: To reheat, place the beef on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a microwave but be cautious as it may soften the crispy texture.

Suggestions for Crispy Chilli Beef

Use Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh ingredients is crucial for achieving the best flavor in your Crispy Chilli Beef. Fresh vegetables, high-quality beef, and spices can elevate your dish significantly. Avoid pre-packaged or frozen components, as they might compromise the taste and texture. Fresh bell peppers add a vibrant crunch, while good quality beef ensures tenderness. If possible, purchase your ingredients from local markets to ensure freshness. Remember that the quality of your dish directly correlates with the quality of the ingredients used.

Control the Heat

Managing the heat when cooking Crispy Chilli Beef is essential. Too much heat can lead to burnt meat and a bitter taste, while too little can result in soggy beef that lacks that desired crispiness. Start by searing the beef over high heat to lock in flavors before adding your sauce. Always monitor temperature levels and adjust as needed. A well-heated pan will give you that perfect sear, making all the difference in achieving crispy edges without compromising flavor.

Balance Flavors

Achieving a perfect balance of flavors is key when making Crispy Chilli Beef. The dish should harmonize spicy, sweet, salty, and savory notes. If you find your sauce too spicy, consider adding a touch of sugar or honey to mellow it out. Similarly, if it’s too sweet, a splash of soy sauce can help bring it back into equilibrium. Taste as you go to ensure that every component complements one another without overpowering the dish.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

One common mistake in preparing Crispy Chilli Beef is overcrowding the pan during frying. When you add too much beef at once, it reduces the pan’s temperature, causing steaming instead of frying. This results in less crispy meat and an overall less appealing texture. To avoid this pitfall, cook your beef in batches if necessary; this ensures each piece gets even exposure to heat and achieves that delightful crispiness everyone loves.

FAQs

What is Crispy Chilli Beef?

Crispy Chilli Beef is a popular Asian-inspired dish featuring tender strips of beef coated in a flavorful batter and fried until crispy. It typically includes sauces such as soy sauce, chili paste, and sometimes hoisin or oyster sauce for depth of flavor. The dish often incorporates vegetables like bell peppers and onions for added texture and taste. It’s known for its sweet, spicy kick combined with savory elements that create an irresistible meal along with rice or noodles.

How do I make my Crispy Chilli Beef extra crispy?

To achieve extra crispiness in your Crispy Chilli Beef, ensure you dry your beef strips thoroughly before coating them with cornstarch or flour. Also, using a hot oil temperature when frying helps seal in moisture while creating a crunchy exterior. After frying, let the beef rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil before tossing it with sauce. Finally, serving immediately after preparation will maintain that delightful crunch.

Can I make Crispy Chilli Beef ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness, you can prepare some elements ahead of time for convenience. Marinate your beef in advance to enhance flavor but avoid coating it until you’re ready to fry; otherwise, the coating may become soggy. You can also chop vegetables beforehand and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge until it’s time to cook.

What sides pair well with Crispy Chilli Beef?

Crispy Chilli Beef pairs beautifully with several side dishes that complement its bold flavors. Serve it over fluffy steamed rice or fried rice to soak up all those delicious sauces. For a fresher option, consider stir-fried greens like bok choy or broccoli on the side. Alternatively, crispy spring rolls or egg rolls make fantastic accompaniments that add variety to your meal while remaining within an Asian cuisine theme.

Conclusion for Crispy Chilli Beef

Crispy Chilli Beef combines bold flavors and textures into one mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. By focusing on fresh ingredients and mastering cooking techniques—such as avoiding overcrowding the pan—you can achieve that perfect crispy finish every time. Balancing flavors enhances enjoyment whether you’re serving it over rice or alongside other Asian-inspired dishes. With these tips in mind and practice under your belt, you’ll become adept at preparing this delightful recipe that brings restaurant-quality dining right into your kitchen! Enjoy crafting this delicious meal today!