why make this recipe
This Homemade Crispy Chilli Beef is quick, tasty, and fun to cook. The beef gets a crunchy coat and a sticky, spicy sauce. It works for a weeknight dinner or for guests.
introduction
This recipe uses simple pantry items and a little frying to make a crunchy, sweet and spicy beef. You can make it in one pan and serve over rice or with a salad. If you want a light side, try a recipe for air-fryer zucchini fritters for a fresh contrast.
how to make Homemade Crispy Chilli Beef
Follow the steps below to make the beef crispy and the sauce glossy.
- Coat the beef in the dry mix, dip in egg, then fry until brown and crispy.
- Make the sauce in a separate pan, then add the cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- Toss the fried beef in the sauce so each piece gets a thin, sticky coating.
For a crunchy side on the plate, you can serve this with crispy baked onion rings.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb beef steak (sirloin or flank), thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- Oil for frying
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red chili, finely sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions :
- Start by coating the beef slices with cornstarch and flour. Dip them in the beaten egg, then set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Fry the beef slices in batches until crispy and cooked through, then remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil and sauté the minced garlic and sliced chili until fragrant.
- Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, and honey or brown sugar. Stir well to combine.
- Add the cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce. Cook for a couple of minutes.
- Toss the crispy beef in the sauce until well coated.
- Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
how to serve Homemade Crispy Chilli Beef
Serve this over steamed white rice or fried rice. You can also serve it with noodles or a simple side of steamed greens. Add extra sliced chili or a wedge of lime for brightness.
how to store Homemade Crispy Chilli Beef
Let the beef cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot pan to keep some crispness. Do not leave at room temperature more than 2 hours.
tips to make Homemade Crispy Chilli Beef
- Pat the beef dry before coating. Dry meat crisps better.
- Heat the oil well before frying and do not crowd the pan. Fry in batches.
- Use a mix of cornstarch and flour for a light, crunchy crust.
- If you like extra crunch or small snacks with the meal, try adding crispy cheesy roll-ups on the side.
- Keep the sauce thick but not gummy. Add cornstarch slurry a little at a time.
variation (if any)
- Make it less sweet by reducing the honey or brown sugar.
- Use chilli flakes or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Swap beef for thinly sliced chicken or tofu for a different protein.
FAQs
Q: Can I bake the beef instead of frying?
A: Yes. Toss the coated beef on a baking sheet with a little oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) until crisp. It will be less deep-fried but still tasty.
Q: How do I keep the beef crispy after mixing with sauce?
A: Toss it quickly and serve right away. If you need to wait, keep the crispy beef separate and add sauce just before serving.
Q: Can I prep this ahead?
A: You can slice the beef and mix the dry coating ahead. Frying is best fresh but you can reheat fried beef in a hot pan.
Q: Is there a gluten-free version?
A: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Conclusion
For another take on crispy chilli beef, see this version from Crispy Chilli Beef – Nicky’s Kitchen Sanctuary.
You can also compare flavors with the take at Crispy Chilli Beef | Don’t Go Bacon My Heart.
If you want a slightly different sweet chilli style, try this recipe at Crispy Chilli Beef (with Sweet Chilli) – Chinese Shredded Beef.