Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe
Crispy Chilli Beef is a flavorful Chinese-inspired dish featuring tender strips of beef coated in a light, crispy batter, wok-fried with a savory-sweet, spicy chili sauce and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick dinner, it combines bold flavors with a satisfying crunch.
- Author: Sana
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying and Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Halal
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
- 1–2 red chilies, sliced (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Slice the beef: Cut the beef sirloin or flank steak into thin strips against the grain to ensure tenderness during cooking.
- Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and water, then whisk thoroughly until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
- Fry the beef: Heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a deep pan or wok. Dip each beef strip fully into the batter, then carefully fry in batches for 3 to 4 minutes or until the pieces turn golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Cook the vegetables: In a wok or large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, minced ginger, sliced onion, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp.
- Make the sauce: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili sauce, and sugar into the vegetables. Let the sauce simmer gently for around 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Toss beef with sauce: Add the crispy fried beef strips to the wok and toss them in the sauce mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated. Stir-fry together for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and combine flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle sliced red chilies (if using) and chopped green onions over the top. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying – about 350°F (175°C).
- Adjust chili sauce amount depending on your preferred spice level.
- You can substitute beef with chicken or tofu for a variation.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor, although powdered can be a last resort.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a side salad to balance the richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: crispy chili beef, Chinese beef recipe, spicy beef stir-fry, hoisin sauce beef, deep fried beef strips