Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture: Crispy Chilli Beef: A Spicy Delight Recipe. This recipe perfectly balances the satisfying crunch of crispy fried beef with a tantalizingly spicy, sweet, and savory sauce. Each bite delivers a mouthwatering combination of tender meat, vibrant peppers, and aromatic garlic and ginger, making it a true standout in any meal rotation. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish promises to impress with its bold flavors and irresistible crunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Crispy Chilli Beef: A Spicy Delight Recipe, the ingredients might seem simple, but each one plays an essential role. From the crisp coating to the rich sauce and fresh veggies, everything contributes to the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. Let’s look at what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
- 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced: The star protein, tender and perfect for quick frying.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Adds a light, crisp crust to the beef when fried.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Combines with cornstarch for a golden, crunchy coating.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the beef’s natural flavors throughout the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the batter.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying): Ensures a perfect, crispy finish on the beef slices.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings a savory umami touch to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Contributes a sweet and tangy richness.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Delivers that signature spicy-sweet kick.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a bright acidity.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds warmth and depth of sweetness to the sauce.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds vibrant color and a sweet crunch.
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Complements with freshness and crispness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced: Offers a zingy, fragrant bite that elevates the flavors.
- 2 green onions, chopped: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish): Provides a subtle nutty crunch and pretty finish.
How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef: A Spicy Delight Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Beef
Start by mixing the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This flour blend is your secret weapon for that signature crispy crunch. Thoroughly coat each thinly sliced piece of sirloin with this mixture to ensure every bite is perfectly crispy.
Step 2: Fry the Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully fry the coated beef slices in batches, turning as needed, until they are golden brown and wonderfully crispy. Then, transfer them to paper towels to drain any excess oil but keep that incredible crunch intact.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
While the beef rests, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar in a small bowl. This sauce is where the magic happens, blending sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy flavors into one harmonious punch that perfectly complements the crispy beef.
Step 4: Sauté Aromatics
Remove most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about a tablespoon to flavor your aromatics. Add minced garlic and fresh ginger, sautéing until fragrant and slightly golden. This step builds a wonderful base aroma that makes your kitchen smell irresistible.
Step 5: Cook the Peppers
Add the thin slices of red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Stir-fry until just tender but still crisp, preserving their vibrant colors and natural sweetness to balance the fiery sauce and crispy beef.
Step 6: Combine Beef and Sauce
Return the crispy beef to the pan with the peppers, then pour in your prepared sauce. Toss everything together so each piece is beautifully coated in that glossy, flavorful sauce. Let it cook together for 2 to 3 minutes to meld all the delicious flavors and warm through perfectly.
Step 7: Garnish and Finish
Finish the dish by sprinkling chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top. These simple garnishes add fresh, crunchy contrast and a nutty touch that makes this Crispy Chilli Beef: A Spicy Delight Recipe truly unforgettable on the plate.
How to Serve Crispy Chilli Beef: A Spicy Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions and sesame seeds are a must, adding color, texture, and fresh bite that balance out the rich, spicy sauce fully. You can also add a few sprigs of cilantro or a squeeze of lime for a fresh twist that brightens everything up.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with simple steamed jasmine rice or fragrant fried rice to soak up the saucy goodness. You could also serve it alongside stir-fried greens like bok choy or snap peas to bring some healthy crunch to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Crispy Chilli Beef: A Spicy Delight Recipe in a stylish bowl with contrasting textures on the side, or wrap the beef and peppers in warm lettuce leaves for a hands-on, refreshing way to enjoy the flavors. Consider adding pickled vegetables for a tangy pop that complements the dish beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover crispy chili beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and beef together for best flavor transfer, but the crispy texture will soften slightly; don’t worry, it still tastes fantastic.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked crispy chili beef in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. For the best texture, freeze the beef and sauce combined, then add fresh garnishes after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve some of the original crispiness and texture of the beef. Adding a quick fresh sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds after reheating will revive the dish’s fresh vibrancy.
FAQs
Can I use other beef cuts for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin is tender and cooks quickly, flank steak or ribeye can also work well if sliced thinly. Just be mindful of the cooking time to keep the meat tender.
Is this dish very spicy?
The heat level mostly comes from the sweet chili sauce, which tends to be mild to medium spicy. You can adjust the amount or choose a hotter sauce to suit your taste preferences.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your soy sauce and hoisin sauce are gluten-free versions. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free and will keep that crisp texture.
What can I substitute if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
If hoisin sauce isn’t available, you can mix some soy sauce, peanut butter, and a touch of honey or molasses to mimic its sweet and savory flavor profile.
How can I make the beef extra crispy?
Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the temperature steady. Also, frying the beef in small batches helps maintain that coveted crispiness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Crispy Chilli Beef: A Spicy Delight Recipe that makes every meal memorable. Its balance of textures, vibrant colors, and layered flavors come together to create a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Don’t hesitate to dive in and enjoy the crispy, spicy delight – it might just become your new favorite go-to dinner!
Print
Crispy Chilli Beef: A Spicy Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Crispy Chilli Beef is a vibrant and spicy stir-fry dish featuring tender beef sirloin coated in a crispy flour mixture, then tossed in a flavorful sweet and spicy sauce with fresh bell peppers and aromatic garlic and ginger. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, this dish delivers a delicious balance of textures and bold Asian-inspired flavors.
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)
Others
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef coating: In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly coat the thinly sliced beef sirloin pieces in this dry mixture ensuring an even coating for crispiness.
- Fry the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully fry the coated beef slices in batches until they are crispy and golden brown on all sides. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar until the sugar dissolves and the sauce is smooth. Set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Pour out most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté over medium heat until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Cook the bell peppers: Add the thinly sliced red and green bell peppers to the skillet. Stir-fry them until they are tender-crisp, approximately 3-4 minutes, which preserves their vibrant color and crunch.
- Combine beef and sauce: Return the crispy fried beef to the skillet with the cooked bell peppers. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over everything and toss to coat the beef and vegetables evenly. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld and the beef is warmed through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish the dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately for the best crispiness and flavor.
Notes
- For extra heat, add chopped fresh chili or a dash of chili flakes to the sauce.
- Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable or peanut oil for frying to prevent burning.
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain for tender bites.
- You can prepare the sauce in advance to save time during cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but may lose crispiness.
