Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Chilli Beef is a deliciously crunchy and flavorful dish that combines tender beef strips with a spicy, tangy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles to satisfy your cravings.

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

1. Step 1: Slice the beef thinly against the grain into strips to ensure tenderness.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and water, then whisk until you have a smooth batter.
3. Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan 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 on paper towels to remove excess oil.
4. Step 4: For the sauce, heat sesame oil in a wok or large pan. Add garlic, ginger, onion, and bell pepper, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
5. Step 5: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili sauce, and sugar. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 minutes so the flavors meld.
6. Step 6: Add the crispy beef to the sauce, tossing well to coat each piece. Stir-fry together for another 2–3 minutes to combine flavors and heat through.
7. Step 7: Garnish with sliced red chilies and chopped green onions, then serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, let the battered beef rest for 10 minutes before frying.
• Adjust the chili sauce amount to your preferred heat level or omit red chilies if you want a milder dish.
• Try adding other vegetables like snap peas or carrots for more color and texture.
• If you don’t have hoisin sauce, a mix of soy sauce and a small amount of honey works as a substitute.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce saucy and prevent the beef from drying out. It’s best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, flank or sirloin steak works best for this recipe due to their tenderness and ability to slice thinly. Avoid tougher cuts unless you marinate them first.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The level of spiciness depends on the amount of chili sauce and fresh chilies you use. You can adjust these ingredients to suit your heat preference or omit chilies for a milder version.

Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe

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4.5 from 100 reviews

A delicious and flavorful Crispy Chilli Beef recipe featuring tender beef strips coated in a crunchy batter, stir-fried with a spicy, tangy sauce made from soy, hoisin, and chili sauces. Perfect as a main dish served with steamed rice or noodles.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Beef and Batter

• 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

Sauce and Vegetables

• 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

1. Slice the beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain into strips to ensure tenderness and quick cooking.
2. Prepare the batter: In a bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and water, then whisk until the batter is smooth and well combined.
3. Fry the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Dip the beef strips into the batter, coating them fully, and fry in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain the fried beef on paper towels to remove excess oil.
4. Prepare the sauce: Heat sesame oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic, minced ginger, sliced onion, and bell pepper; sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
5. Simmer the sauce: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili sauce, and sugar. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
6. Toss the beef in sauce: Add the crispy fried beef to the sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly. Stir-fry together for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the beef to absorb the sauce.
7. Garnish and serve: Garnish with sliced red chilies and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

• For extra heat, include the optional red chilies or adjust chili sauce amount.
• Make sure oil is hot enough before frying to achieve the perfect crispy texture.
• Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
• Use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor.
• Drain fried beef well to avoid sogginess when mixing with sauce.
• Can be served with steamed rice or noodles for a hearty meal.

Keywords: crispy chilli beef, spicy beef stir-fry, Chinese beef recipe, hoisin sauce beef, easy beef recipes