This Crispy Chilli Beef packs a punch with its crunchy edges and a sweet chilli kick! The beef is fried to perfection, creating a tasty treat that’s hard to resist.
Honestly, who can say no to crispy beef and sweet chilli sauce? I love serving it with rice—it’s the perfect combo. You might want to make extra because it disappears fast! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank or sirloin is great for this recipe due to their tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try using chicken breast or tofu for a plant-based version.
Cornflour: This is key for achieving that crispy texture. If you don’t have cornflour, you can use all-purpose flour, but the crunch might not be quite the same.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This provides the essential flavor. If you want to lower the sugar content, you could use a homemade sauce with chili paste and less sugar, or a sugar-free sweet chili sauce if available.
Vegetable Oil: I like to use vegetable oil for frying because it has a high smoke point. You could also try peanut oil for a nice flavor. Just steer clear of coconut oil for frying, as it can change the taste.
How Do You Get the Beef Extra Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture is all about technique! First, coating the beef evenly with cornflour is essential; this helps create a crunchy layer when fried. Let it sit for a bit to absorb flavors and moisture.
- Heat your oil until it’s hot but not smoking. If you drop a small piece of beef in and it sizzles, you’re ready.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan; this keeps the temperature consistent and lets each piece get crispy.
- Don’t skip the part where you drain the beef on paper towels – this removes excess oil and keeps it crunchy.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have that golden, crispy beef ready to impress!
Crispy Chilli Beef (with Sweet Chilli)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 300g beef (thinly sliced, preferably flank or sirloin)
- 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
- 1 red chili, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, sliced
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 cup water
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 15 minutes for cooking, making a total of around 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with cornflour, black pepper, and salt until the beef is evenly coated. It’s important to let it rest for about 10 minutes—this helps the flavor and texture!
2. Fry the Beef:
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Carefully add the beef in batches, frying until it’s crispy and browned on the edges (about 3-4 minutes). Once done, transfer the beef to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
3. Stir-Fry the Aromatics:
In the same pan, remove excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Then, add the sliced garlic and red chili. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, which will make your kitchen smell amazing!
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and water. This combination will create a flavorful sauce that brings everything together.
5. Combine with the Beef:
Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the garlic and chili. Bring it to a simmer and let it thicken slightly for about 1-2 minutes. Then, return the crispy beef to the pan and toss quickly to coat all the pieces evenly with the sauce.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the crispy chili beef over a bed of fluffy steamed white rice. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a beautiful finish. Now you’re ready to enjoy this delicious dish!
Bon appétit! The crispy texture of the beef combined with the sweet and spicy chili sauce makes each bite irresistible. Don’t forget to have some extra rice on the side!
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but make sure to thaw it completely before slicing. The best method is to leave it in the fridge overnight, or for a quicker option, place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour.
What Can I Substitute for Sweet Chili Sauce?
If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can make a quick replacement by mixing a tablespoon of chili sauce with a teaspoon of honey or sugar. Another option is to use sriracha sauce with a bit of sugar to balance the heat!
How Do I Store Leftover Crispy Chilli Beef?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet on medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through, which will help restore some crispiness. You can also use the microwave for a quicker option, but the texture may not be as crunchy.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce and ensure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy this delicious dish without gluten!