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How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef
1. Prepare the Beef
Start by slicing the beef into thin strips against the grain. This ensures that the beef remains tender. Pat the beef strips dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this helps achieve that crispy texture when frying.
In a large bowl, combine the cornflour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the beef strips in the flour mixture, making sure each piece is well-coated. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Fry the Beef
Heat enough vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan to submerge the beef strips. The oil should be around 350°F (175°C) for deep-frying. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of the flour mixture into the oil—if it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready.
Fry the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the beef for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove the beef from the oil and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
3. Prepare the Sauce
In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chili paste, and sesame oil. Stir the sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency.
Once the sauce is simmering, mix cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce to thicken it slightly, then simmer for another 1-2 minutes. The sauce should become glossy and slightly thicker.
4. Combine Beef and Sauce
Add the crispy beef strips to the sauce, tossing them carefully to coat the beef in the sauce. Be gentle, as the crispy coating can start to soften if left too long in the sauce. Stir in the red bell pepper, onion, and a handful of spring onions for added crunch and color. Toss everything together and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
5. Garnish and Serve
Remove the pan from the heat and garnish with fresh red chilies (if using), sesame seeds, and more spring onions. Serve your crispy chilli beef hot with steamed rice, noodles, or even a simple side of sautéed vegetables.
Tips for the Perfect Crispy Chilli Beef
- Use the Right Cut of Beef: Flank steak or sirloin works best for this dish. These cuts are tender enough to cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the sauce while still maintaining their texture.
- Ensure the Beef is Dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispy beef. Make sure to dry your beef thoroughly before coating it in the flour mixture. This will help the batter stick and ensure a crispy result.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the beef, avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry in batches if necessary to ensure the beef gets crispy rather than steamy.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re not a fan of too much heat, start with a smaller amount of chili paste or sriracha and gradually add more to taste. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter dish.
- Serve Immediately: Crispy chilli beef is best enjoyed right away. The longer it sits in the sauce, the more the crispy coating will soften. Serve it as soon as it’s ready to enjoy the perfect contrast of textures.
Why Crispy Chilli Beef is a Must-Try
This dish is a flavor-packed feast for the senses. The crispy beef gives you that satisfying crunch, while the spicy, tangy sauce adds layers of complex flavor that are hard to resist. The combination of sweetness, spiciness, and savory goodness makes Crispy Chilli Beef a crowd favorite that can easily become your go-to recipe for entertaining, weeknight dinners, or even meal prepping for the week.
The dish is highly customizable depending on your spice tolerance and vegetable preferences, and it’s quick enough to prepare on busy evenings. Plus, it tastes just as good—if not better—than the version you’d order at a restaurant!
Conclusion: Crispy, Spicy, and Irresistible
There’s no denying the appeal of Crispy Chilli Beef. It’s crunchy, flavorful, and packed with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. This dish brings the authentic flavors of Chinese cuisine to your kitchen with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you serve it as a main dish with rice or noodles or as a show-stopping appetizer, Crispy Chilli Beef is guaranteed to impress.
With its quick cooking time and versatile flavor profile, it’s a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. So fire up the wok, get ready to fry up that crispy beef, and enjoy the bold, vibrant flavors of this dish in the comfort of your own home!
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