This Crispy Chilli Beef is a tasty treat with crunchy beef bites coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s the perfect mix of flavors that make you want to keep eating!
I love serving this with rice or noodles—it’s like a party on a plate! Plus, who doesn’t enjoy that satisfying crunch? You can’t go wrong with this one! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using sirloin or rump for tender cuts that fry well. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you could swap it for chicken or even firm tofu for a vegetarian take!
Cornflour (Cornstarch): This ingredient is key to achieving that crunchy texture. If you’re out, you can use all-purpose flour instead, but the crisp might not be as pronounced.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is the star of the show! If you want a spicier kick, try a spicy chili sauce or make your own by mixing hot sauce with honey or sugar.
Vegetable Oil: For frying, use any neutral oil like canola or sunflower. You could even try sesame oil for a deeper flavor, but be aware it’s more fragrant.
How Do I Achieve The Perfect Crunchy Beef?
Getting that crispy texture down is essential and here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure the beef strips are thin. This helps them cook quickly and get crispy.
- Coat the beef evenly with the cornflour mixture—a light dusting works wonders!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying! Fry in batches to let the oil maintain its temperature.
- Drain the beef on paper towels immediately after cooking to keep it crisp.
Follow these tips, and your crispy beef will be a hit! Enjoy cooking!
Crispy Chilli Beef (with Sweet Chilli)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 400g beef sirloin or rump, thinly sliced into strips
- 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 small onion, chopped into chunks
- 1 red chili, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Fresh coriander, for garnish
- 1 small carrot, julienned (for serving garnish)
- Cooked jasmine or steamed rice, to serve
For the Sweet Chilli Sauce:
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 tsp cornflour mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-15 minutes to cook, making it a quick and tasty choice for dinner. Total time: about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef Coating:
In a bowl, mix together the cornflour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the sliced beef in this mixture until all pieces are evenly coated. This will ensure a crispy texture once fried!
2. Fry the Beef:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches (don’t crowd the pan). Fry until the beef is golden brown and crispy—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes per batch. Once done, remove the beef using a slotted spoon and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.
3. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or sugar), chili flakes (if you like it spicy), and water until well combined.
4. Cook the Aromatics:
After frying the beef, drain excess oil from the pan, leaving about 1 tbsp. Over medium heat, sauté the onion, garlic, ginger, and sliced red chili for about 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant and the onion is slightly softened.
5. Add the Sauce:
Pour the sweet chili sauce mixture into the pan with the aromatics. Bring it to a gentle simmer, and then stir in the cornflour slurry. This will help thicken the sauce. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and thickened.
6. Combine:
Add the crispy beef back into the pan and toss everything together until the beef is evenly coated in the sweet chili sauce.
7. Serve:
Plate the delicious crispy chili beef alongside some steamed jasmine rice. Garnish your dish with sesame seeds, fresh coriander, and a side of julienned carrot to add a touch of color and crunch.
Enjoy your crispy, sweet, and spicy chili beef! This dish is sure to impress family and friends!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time based on the meat used, as they may cook differently.
How Can I Make the Beef Less Greasy?
To reduce greasiness, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying the beef. Fry in small batches, and drain the cooked beef on paper towels right after frying to absorb excess oil.
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the beef and sauce separately in advance. Just fry the beef just before serving to keep it crispy, and reheat the sauce over low heat before combining.
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, and add a splash of water to help revitalize the sauce.