Crispy Chilli Beef is a tasty dish that brings a fun crunch to your dinner table. It’s made with beef strips that are fried until golden and tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce!
This dish is perfect for those who love a bit of zing in their meal. I can’t help but sneak a piece while cooking—just to taste test, you know? 😋
Serving it with some fluffy rice helps balance the flavors, making it even better. It’s quick and easy to whip up for a busy weeknight dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Thinly sliced beef sirloin or rump works best for this dish. If you’re not a beef fan, try chicken or tofu instead for a different twist!
Cornflour and Plain Flour: This combo gives the beef its crispy texture. If you want a gluten-free option, use cornstarch exclusively or try chickpea flour!
Sauces: Soy sauce is essential for umami flavor, while oyster sauce adds depth. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, swap oyster sauce with mushroom sauce or a vegan alternative.
Vegetables: Chillies add heat, but you can adjust the quantity to your preference. If fresh chillies aren’t available, use dried chili flakes instead.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Crispy Beef?
Getting that perfect crunch requires a few key steps. First, make sure your oil is hot enough when frying—around 180°C (350°F) is ideal. This helps seal the batter quickly.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying, as this can lower the oil temperature.
- Let the beef rest in the batter for a while; it helps the coating stick better.
- Drain the fried beef on paper towels to absorb excess oil before adding it to the sauce.
Following these tips will guarantee a deliciously crispy result each time. Happy cooking!
How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 400g beef sirloin or rump, thinly sliced into strips
- 1/2 cup cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1/4 cup plain flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- 120ml cold water
- Vegetable oil, for deep frying
For the Vegetables:
- 2-3 fresh red chillies, sliced
- 3 spring onions, sliced into 2-inch pieces
- 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)
- 1 small onion, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar or honey
- 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or chili paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp cornflour (for slurry)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of preparation and around 10 minutes of cooking. In total, you should be ready to serve a delicious dish in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Batter:
In a large bowl, combine the cornflour, plain flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a dry base. Then, add the beaten egg and cold water, stirring until you have a smooth batter. Make sure there are no lumps!
2. Coat the Beef:
Add the sliced beef to the batter, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Set aside and let it rest while you heat the oil for frying.
3. Fry the Beef:
In a deep pan or wok, heat vegetable oil to around 180°C (350°F). Carefully drop in the beef strips in small batches, frying them for about 3-4 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In a separate pan or wok, add a tablespoon of vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced red chillies, spring onions, carrot, and onion. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until they are softened but still crunchy.
5. Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, and water. For the cornflour slurry, combine 1 tsp cornflour with 1 tbsp water and stir into the sauce mixture.
6. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce into the pan with the vegetables. Stir for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Then, add the crispy fried beef and quickly toss to coat all pieces evenly in the sauce.
7. Serve:
Serve your Crispy Chilli Beef immediately with some fluffy steamed white rice. Enjoy the delightful crunch and spicy flavor!
Happy cooking, and enjoy your deliciously crispy and spicy dish!
Can I Use Other Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! While sirloin or rump works best for tenderness, you can also use flank steak or skirt steak. Just make sure to slice them thinly against the grain for best results.
Can I Substitute the Cornflour and Plain Flour?
Yes! For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or just stick with cornflour alone. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave or a pan on low heat, but note that crispy texture may soften.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No problem! You can replace oyster sauce with hoisin sauce for a similar sweetness, or use soy sauce mixed with a little sugar as an alternative for a different flavor profile.
