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Crispy Chilli Beef

Crispy Chilli Beef

Crispy Chilli Beef is a deliciously crunchy and spicy dish featuring golden battered beef strips tossed in a vibrant, tangy, and mildly sweet chilli sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests with bold Asian-inspired flavors and a satisfying crunch in every bite.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2-3 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Coating

  • 300g lean beef strips (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Oil for frying (neutral oil with high smoke point, e.g. vegetable or canola oil)

Sauce

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

Garnishes

  • 2 spring onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef into thin, uniform strips to ensure quick and even cooking. Pat the beef dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture, then toss gently in cornstarch until each strip is evenly coated.
  2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, chilli flakes or fresh chillies, rice vinegar, and honey or brown sugar. Mix well and set aside to allow the flavors to develop while you cook the beef.
  3. Fry the Beef: Heat a generous amount of neutral oil in a deep frying pan or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Fry the beef strips in small batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch for about 2-3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy. Drain the cooked beef on paper towels to keep them crisp.
  4. Combine and Toss: Remove excess oil from the pan, then pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a light simmer. Return the crispy beef to the pan and quickly toss to coat each piece evenly, ensuring the sauce clings without making the beef soggy.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Crispy Chilli Beef to a serving plate and sprinkle generously with chopped spring onions and toasted sesame seeds for freshness and added texture. Serve immediately to enjoy the peak crunchiness.

Notes

  • Dry the beef well before coating to ensure maximum crispiness.
  • Use oil hot enough to fry quickly but not smoke to prevent oil absorption and soggy beef.
  • Fry in small batches to maintain even browning and consistent crunch.
  • Toss the beef with the sauce immediately after frying to maintain crispiness.
  • Use fresh garlic, ginger, and chillies for the brightest and most aromatic flavor.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

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