Print

Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe

4.4 from 122 reviews

This Crispy Chilli Beef recipe features tender strips of beef coated in a light, crunchy batter and stir-fried with a flavorful, spicy sauce. The beef is first fried until golden and crispy, then tossed with a savory combination of soy sauce, hoisin, garlic, ginger, and fresh vegetables for a deliciously satisfying main course perfect with steamed rice or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 12 red chilies, sliced (optional for extra heat)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain into strips to ensure tenderness and a good texture after cooking.
  2. Make the batter: In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and water and whisk until you have a smooth, slightly thick batter that will evenly coat the beef strips.
  3. Fry the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Dip the beef strips one by one into the batter, coating them fully, then fry in batches for 3-4 minutes until they turn golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
  4. Prepare the sauce base: In a wok or large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, ginger, sliced onion, and bell pepper, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
  5. Add sauce ingredients: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili sauce, and sugar. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  6. Toss beef with sauce: Add the crispy fried beef to the sauce in the wok and toss thoroughly to coat evenly. Stir-fry the mixture for another 2-3 minutes so the beef absorbs the flavor and stays crispy.
  7. Garnish and serve: Garnish the dish with sliced red chilies and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for tofu or cauliflower to enjoy a meat-free option.
  • Spicy Heat: Adjust the amount of chili sauce and fresh sliced chilies to control the level of spiciness to your preference.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch in the batter for a gluten-free version of this dish.
  • Add More Veggies: Feel free to include additional vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or broccoli in the stir-fry for extra nutrition and flavor.

Keywords: crispy chilli beef, fried beef recipe, Asian stir-fry beef, spicy beef dish, beef with chili sauce