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Crispy Chilli Beef

Crispy Chilli Beef

Crispy Chilli Beef is a quick and easy dish featuring tender strips of beef double-coated and fried to a perfect crunch, then tossed in a balanced spicy, sweet, and tangy chilli sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this recipe delivers bold flavors, customizable spice levels, and great leftovers with a satisfying crispy texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Coating

  • 500g sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
  • 1 cup cornstarch (use gluten-free cornstarch if needed)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Vegetable oil, for deep frying

Sauce

  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey or sugar
  • 2 tbsp chilli sauce or 1-2 fresh chillies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)

Garnishes

  • 2 spring onions, chopped
  • Optional: toasted sesame seeds, chopped fresh coriander or basil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef into thin, uniform strips for even cooking. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps achieve a perfect crispy coating.
  2. Coat the Beef: Beat the egg in a bowl. Dip each beef strip in the egg, then coat thoroughly with cornstarch, ensuring an even layer that will crisp when fried.
  3. Fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok to around 180°C (350°F). Fry the coated beef in batches for about 3 minutes or until golden and crisp. Drain the fried beef on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  4. Make the Chilli Sauce: In a separate pan, sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or sugar), and chilli sauce or fresh chillies. Simmer gently to develop a rich, tangy, and spicy sauce.
  5. Toss and Serve: Quickly add the fried beef strips to the sauce and toss to coat evenly without losing crispness. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve immediately for the best texture.

Notes

  • Use dry beef strips to ensure cornstarch sticks and crisps well.
  • Maintain oil temperature around 180°C (350°F) to avoid greasy or soggy beef.
  • Fry in batches to keep oil temperature steady and achieve an even golden crust.
  • Toss beef with sauce off heat to keep coating crisp.
  • Use fresh garlic, ginger, and chillies for vibrant flavor.
  • Adjust spice levels by modifying chilli sauce or fresh chilli amount.
  • For a thicker sauce, add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts water and cornstarch) while simmering.
  • To keep the dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free cornstarch.
  • Reheat leftovers in a hot skillet or oven to revive crispiness; avoid microwaving alone.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy chilli beef, spicy beef stir-fry, quick beef recipe, gluten-free chilli beef, crispy beef strips