Print

Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe

Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe

4.7 from 19 reviews

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.

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. Slice the beef: Cut the beef sirloin or flank steak into thin strips against the grain to ensure tenderness during cooking.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

Keywords: crispy chili beef, Chinese beef recipe, spicy beef stir-fry, hoisin sauce beef, deep fried beef strips