Introduction

Crispy Chilli Beef is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Tender beef strips are coated in a light batter, fried to a golden crisp, and tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce with vibrant vegetables. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

A close-up of a plate filled with dark brown glazed beef pieces that look sticky and shiny. The chunks are stacked in a small white plate with a thin gold rim, showing a mix of soft and slightly crisp textures. Small bits of red chili and herbs are scattered throughout the dish, adding touches of red and green. The background is a white marbled surface that contrasts with the rich colors of the beef. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 egg

1/4 cup water

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetable oil for frying

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust to taste)

2 teaspoons sugar

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tablespoon minced ginger

1/2 onion, sliced

1 bell pepper, sliced

1-2 red chilies, sliced (optional for extra heat)

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the beef thinly against the grain into strips to ensure tenderness.

Step 2: In a bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and water, then whisk until the batter is smooth and lump-free.

Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Dip the beef strips fully into the batter, then fry in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain the cooked beef on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 4: For the sauce, heat sesame oil in a wok or large pan. Add minced garlic, ginger, sliced onion, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.

Step 5: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili sauce, and sugar. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 6: Add the crispy beef back into the pan and toss well to coat it evenly in the sauce. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through and combine flavors.

Step 7: Garnish with sliced red chilies and chopped green onions. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or your favorite noodles.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, double fry the beef by frying it once, letting it rest, and then frying again quickly before adding to the sauce.

Adjust the chili sauce and fresh red chilies to control the heat level to your taste.

Substitute beef with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like peanut or canola oil for frying to achieve best crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, flank steak or sirloin are ideal because they slice thin and cook quickly, but other tender cuts like ribeye can work well too. Avoid tough cuts that need long cooking times.

What can I serve with Crispy Chilli Beef?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or stir-fried noodles. You can also add a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.