If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crunch with a fiery kick, then you’re in for a treat with Crispy Chilli Beef: A Spicy Delight Recipe. This dish brings together tender strips of beef fried to golden perfection and tossed in a luscious sauce that sings with sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. It’s a celebration of bold flavors and textures that’ll quickly become a favorite go-to meal to impress family or friends on any weeknight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is delightfully straightforward, featuring ingredients that are easy to find yet essential in building the vibrant flavors and satisfying crispy texture of this spicy beef dish. Each one plays its part to bring color, depth, and mouthwatering taste.
- 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced: The star of the dish, chosen for its tenderness and quick cooking time.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Adds a light, crispy coating that locks in juiciness.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Works with cornstarch for the perfect crunchy batter.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Lends a subtle heat that complements the chilli kick.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying): Creates that irresistible golden crust on the beef.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Delivers savory umami depth to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Introduces a sweet and tangy richness.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: The soul of spice and sweetness in the recipe.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that brightens every bite.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the tartness with mellow sweetness.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Provides vibrant color and crunchy sweetness.
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds fresh, crisp texture and balances flavors.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth and depth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced: Injects a lively sharpness to the sauce.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Offers fresh oniony brightness as garnish.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish): Adds nutty flavor and pretty finishing touch.
How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef: A Spicy Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Beef
Start by mixing the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This dry blend is crucial as it creates that irresistible crunchy coating. Then, toss your thinly sliced beef sirloin in this mixture until each piece is nicely covered. This step ensures every bite has a perfect crisp while keeping the beef juicy inside.
Step 2: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat your vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully fry the coated beef slices in batches, so they don’t overcrowd and steam. Cook until each piece is beautifully golden and crispy, then transfer them onto paper towels to drain excess oil. This frying technique makes all the difference in delivering that signature crunch.
Step 3: Whisk the Flavorful Sauce
While the beef is resting, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar in a small bowl. This vibrant sauce mix delivers a perfect harmony of smoky, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, setting the tone for the dish’s bold flavor profile.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies
Remove excess oil from your skillet, leaving about a tablespoon, and sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant and golden. Then, add your sliced red and green bell peppers and stir-fry until just tender, adding a lovely crunch and splash of color that brighten the dish visually and in taste.
Step 5: Combine Beef and Sauce
Return the crispy beef slices to the skillet, pour your prepared sauce over them, and toss everything together gently but thoroughly. Let the mixture cook for 2 to 3 minutes to warm the beef and allow the sauce to coat every crispy piece, marrying the flavors perfectly into the “Crispy Chilli Beef: A Spicy Delight Recipe.”
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish by scattering freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top. This adds a fresh crunch and nutty aroma that complements the complex flavors while making the dish look inviting and irresistible.
How to Serve Crispy Chilli Beef: A Spicy Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped green onions and sesame seeds add a burst of freshness and texture contrast. For a little heat punch and color, sprinkle some sliced red chilies or a drizzle of extra sweet chili sauce. These subtle touches elevate the dish from delicious to truly memorable.
Side Dishes
This spicy delight pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside stir-fried vegetables or a crunchy Asian-style slaw for a refreshing balance to the crispy beef.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve Crispy Chilli Beef: A Spicy Delight Recipe in individual small bowls with chopsticks or on a large sharing platter with lime wedges and fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil. Adding some crushed peanuts or crispy fried shallots on top offers an exciting textural contrast and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the crispy chilli beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 2 to 3 days for optimal flavor and texture. Keep the sauce and beef together so the flavors continue to meld over time.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but to preserve the crispy texture, it’s better to freeze the beef and sauce separately if possible. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back some crispiness, reheat the beef in a hot skillet with a splash of oil rather than microwaving it. Add the sauce after warming the beef so you don’t lose that signature crunch. A quick toss on the stove will freshen up the dish beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can, but sirloin or flank steak are preferred for their tenderness and quick frying. Tougher cuts may require marinating or longer cooking and won’t deliver the same crisp texture.
How spicy is the Crispy Chilli Beef: A Spicy Delight Recipe?
The recipe balances sweet chili sauce with mild heat, so it’s pleasantly spicy but not overpowering. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more chili sauce or fresh chilies to suit your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative like rice flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While this Crispy Chilli Beef: A Spicy Delight Recipe centers on beef, you can swap it with firm tofu or seitan coated and fried similarly for a delicious vegetarian twist.
What can I use instead of sweet chili sauce?
If you can’t find sweet chili sauce, a mix of chili garlic sauce and a bit of honey or sugar works well to mimic the sweet and spicy balance.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Chilli Beef: A Spicy Delight Recipe is a brilliant way to bring bold, satisfying Asian-inspired flavors right into your kitchen. Each crispy, saucy bite bursts with a fantastic blend of heat, sweetness, and freshness that’s sure to brighten any meal. I can’t wait for you to try making it yourself and see how quickly it becomes a treasured favorite at your table!
Print
Crispy Chilli Beef: A Spicy Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Crispy Chilli Beef is a flavorful and spicy stir-fry dish featuring tender beef sirloin coated in a crispy flour and cornstarch mixture, fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce with fresh bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, it’s a perfect quick and delicious meal for four.
Ingredients
Beef and Coating
- 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Other
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating: In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly mix the dry ingredients together to ensure even seasoning. Coat the thinly sliced beef sirloin thoroughly in this dry mixture, setting them aside once each slice is well covered.
- Fry the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Carefully add the coated beef slices to the skillet and fry them in batches if necessary, to avoid overcrowding, until they turn crispy and golden brown, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Remove the fried beef slices and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves completely. Set this flavorful sauce aside for later use.
- Sauté Aromatics: Remove most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon for sautéing. Add the minced garlic and fresh ginger to the skillet and sauté over medium heat until fragrant, approximately 1 minute, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Bell Peppers: Add the thinly sliced red and green bell peppers to the skillet with the garlic and ginger. Stir-fry the peppers until they become tender but still crisp, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Toss Beef with Sauce: Return the crispy fried beef to the skillet with the sautéed peppers. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables, then toss everything together to coat evenly. Continue cooking and stirring for an additional 2-3 minutes so the beef is heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top as a garnish. Serve the crispy chili beef hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, add chopped fresh chili or a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce mixture.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying beef to maintain crispiness.
- You can substitute beef sirloin with other tender cuts like ribeye or flank steak.
- This dish is best served immediately to retain the crisp texture of the beef.
- Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying, such as vegetable or canola oil.
