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Crispy Chilli Beef

Crispy Chilli Beef

Restaurant-style Chinese dish with crispy fried beef strips tossed in a sweet and spicy chilli sauce with peppers and aromatics.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb flank steak or sirloin sliced very thin against the grain
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
  • 1/3 cup sweet chilli sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce low-sodium preferred
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp water
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced
  • 2 red chilli peppers sliced, adjust to taste
  • 1 bell pepper sliced
  • 3 green onions sliced
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet or wok
  • Paper towels
  • mixing bowls

Method
 

  1. Slice beef very thin, about 1/4 inch thick, cutting against the grain. Pat beef dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a bowl, toss beef strips with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
  3. Heat vegetable oil in large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Working in batches, fry beef strips for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and water. Set aside.
  5. Remove most oil from skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add minced garlic, ginger, and sliced chilli peppers. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Pour sauce mixture into skillet and bring to simmer. Let bubble for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
  7. Add crispy beef back to skillet along with sliced bell peppers and green onions. Toss quickly to coat everything in sauce, about 1 minute.
  8. Transfer to serving plate immediately. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onions. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

Slice beef against the grain for tenderness. Pat beef dry before coating. Don't overcrowd pan when frying. Toss quickly in sauce to maintain crispiness. Can use chicken instead of beef.
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