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Crispy Chilli Beef is a popular dish, offering perfectly crispy strips of beef in a tangy, spicy sauce. The homemade version is even better than the takeaway, as you get the perfect crispy coating while still tasting the tender beef inside. This recipe is quick, and you’ll only need a few ingredients to make a flavorful dish without the hassle of a deep fryer. Serve it with rice or noodles for a full meal!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

360g (¾ lb) thin-cut sirloin steaks, sliced into thin strips
1 small egg
4 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
⅛ tsp white pepper
4 ½ tbsp sunflower oil, divided
1 medium onion, sliced into thin strips
1 red chili, finely sliced (seeds discarded if preferred milder)
1 tsp minced ginger
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp rice vinegar
3 tbsp dark soy sauce
2 tbsp tomato puree (paste for US)
6 tbsp caster sugar (superfine sugar)
2 tbsp tomato ketchup
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce (Thai-style)

Directions

Prepare the beef: Place the thinly sliced steak into a bowl, add the egg, and mix to coat the beef. Add cornflour, salt, black pepper, and white pepper, then toss to coat well. It will be sticky, but this helps create a crispy coating.
Fry the beef: Heat 3 tbsp of sunflower oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add the beef strips one by one, and fry until dark brown and crispy. This usually takes about 5-6 minutes. Remove the beef and set it aside. Repeat the process for the second batch of beef.
Cook the aromatics: Add the remaining ½ tbsp of oil to the pan and lower the heat to medium. Add the sliced onion and cook for about 2 minutes. Then add the chili, ginger, and garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds.
Prepare the sauce: Add the rice vinegar, soy sauce, tomato puree, caster sugar, ketchup, and sweet chili sauce to the pan. Stir well and let it bubble for 2 minutes.
Combine the beef: Return the crispy beef to the pan and toss everything together for 1-2 minutes, until the beef is well coated and heated through.
Serve: Serve the crispy chilli beef with rice or noodles, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrients

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 472 kcal
Carbohydrates: 37 g
Protein: 21 g
Fat: 26 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Cholesterol: 100 mg
Sodium: 1141 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 26 g

Why Choose Crispy Chilli Beef?

Crispy Chilli Beef is the perfect option for those craving a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy dish with the perfect balance of textures. The crispy beef provides a satisfying crunch, while the tangy sauce adds a rich, flavorful kick that will leave your taste buds wanting more. This homemade version gives you full control over the ingredients, which is ideal for anyone who enjoys a healthier or customized take on a classic.

By making this dish at home, you avoid the excessive oils and preservatives that often come with takeaway food, making it a more wholesome alternative. The beef is coated in a seasoned cornflour (cornstarch) batter, fried until crispy, and tossed in a delicious sauce made from rice vinegar, soy sauce, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sugar for sweetness. You can adjust the amount of chili and spice to suit your personal preference, making it as mild or as fiery as you like.

The dish is packed with protein from the beef, while the sauce adds a burst of flavor with its combination of savory, sweet, and spicy elements. It’s a great dish to enjoy on its own or served alongside a simple side like rice or noodles, turning it into a complete and satisfying meal.

How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef

Making Crispy Chilli Beef is easier than you might think, and it can be ready in under 30 minutes! Here’s how to prepare this flavorful dish:

Prepare the Beef: Slice your sirloin steak into thin strips. In a bowl, add the egg and mix it with the beef until well-coated. Then, add the cornflour, salt, black pepper, and white pepper, and toss the beef until it’s evenly coated. The batter will be sticky, but this helps create the crispy coating once fried.
Fry the Beef: Heat 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a large frying pan over high heat. Add the beef strips one by one, ensuring they don’t stick together. Fry the beef until it turns dark brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the beef and set it aside. Repeat the process for the second batch of beef if necessary.
Cook the Aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining ½ tablespoon of oil and reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onion and cook for about 2 minutes. Once the onion begins to soften, add the chili, ginger, and garlic, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Prepare the Sauce: Add the rice vinegar, soy sauce, tomato puree, caster sugar, ketchup, and sweet chili sauce to the pan. Stir everything together, letting it bubble for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine the Beef: Return the crispy beef to the pan and toss it with the sauce, allowing the beef to be fully coated. Stir everything together for 1-2 minutes, making sure the beef is heated through and the sauce is evenly distributed.
Serve: Serve the crispy chilli beef hot with your choice of rice or noodles. You can garnish the dish with fresh herbs or additional chili slices for extra flavor.

Flavor Profile of Crispy Chilli Beef

Crispy Chilli Beef offers a dynamic and mouthwatering flavor profile. The beef itself, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, provides the perfect base for the tangy and sweet sauce. The sauce is a delicious balance of heat from the chili, sweetness from the sugar and sweet chili sauce, and savory richness from the soy sauce and ketchup.

The ginger and garlic bring warmth and depth to the dish, while the onion adds a subtle sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the spice. The crispy beef strips, once tossed in the sauce, absorb all the wonderful flavors while maintaining their crunch, making each bite irresistible. This combination of textures and flavors—spicy, sweet, crispy, and savory—creates a balanced and exciting dish that is both satisfying and indulgent.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Crispy Chilli Beef, like many Chinese-style dishes, is higher in fat due to the frying process. However, by controlling the amount of oil used for frying, you can make it a healthier alternative to takeaway versions. Additionally, using lean sirloin steak for the beef helps keep the dish relatively lean, while still providing a good source of protein.

The sauce, which is a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, tomato puree, and sweet chili sauce, adds a savory-sweet element to the dish. The addition of ginger and garlic enhances the flavor while providing some health benefits, such as improving digestion and boosting the immune system.

While the dish does contain some sugar (from the caster sugar and sweet chili sauce), it’s an essential component of the sweet and spicy sauce that makes this dish so addictive. For those looking to reduce sugar intake, you can adjust the amount of sugar or use a sugar substitute.

This dish provides 472 calories per serving, with 37g of carbohydrates and 21g of protein, making it a balanced option for a meal. It’s a great source of energy while also providing a decent amount of protein to keep you full and satisfied.

Serving Suggestions for Crispy Chilli Beef

Crispy Chilli Beef is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

With Rice: Serve the crispy beef over a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a filling meal. The rice will absorb the flavorful sauce, creating a satisfying dish.
With Noodles: Toss the crispy beef with some cooked noodles, such as egg noodles or rice noodles, for a different texture and flavor. The noodles will provide a great base for the rich sauce.
With Vegetables: To add more nutrients, serve the dish with some stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. These will provide extra crunch and color, while also balancing out the richness of the beef.
As an Appetizer: Crispy Chilli Beef can also be served as an appetizer or party dish, where guests can enjoy the flavorful beef on its own or with a side of dipping sauce.

Conclusion: A Flavorful and Satisfying Meal

In conclusion, Crispy Chilli Beef is a deliciously indulgent dish that brings together the perfect combination of crispy beef, spicy heat, and a tangy-sweet sauce. With its bold flavors and satisfying textures, it’s the perfect option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want to enjoy something flavorful and exciting. It’s quick, easy to make, and can be served with rice or noodles for a complete meal. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or simply love crispy dishes, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Try making Crispy Chilli Beef at home today and enjoy the rich, flavorful taste without the hassle of a deep fryer!

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