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Crispy Chili Beef Recipe

Crispy Chili Beef Recipe - Hearty Food Ideas

Every memorable meal deserves a dynamic duo on the plate. With crispy chili beef, you can easily find your perfect partners. 
Pair it with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delightful sauce. Add some stir-fried bok choy for a crunchy contrast. And a light, tangy cucumber salad cuts through the richness beautifully. Ready to dive into this exciting dish? 
Let’s explore the ins and outs of crispy chili beef together.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 468
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 360g g (¾ lbs) thinly sliced sirloin steaks, cut into strips approximately 3 thin pieces
  • 4 1/2 tbsp sunflower oil, divided into portions
  • 1 small egg beaten
  • 4 tbsp cornflour cornstarch
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp white pepper
  • 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced into thin strips
  • 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
  • 1 tsp freshly minced ginger
  • 1 red chili, finely sliced remove seeds for a milder heat
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste for US
  • 6 tbsp superfine sugar caster sugar
  • 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
  • 2 tbsp Thai-style sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Beef
  1. Start by cutting the sirloin into strips. Aim for uniform pieces. This ensures even cooking. Season the beef with salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Beat the egg in a bowl and coat the beef strips lightly. This helps the cornflour adhere better.
Step 2: Coat the Beef
  1. Take a plate and add cornflour. Toss the egg-coated beef in the cornflour. Make sure each piece is fully coated. This is what gives the beef that signature crispy texture after frying.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
  1. In a large pan or wok, heat 3 tbsp of sunflower oil over medium heat. Ensure it’s hot but not smoking. You want it just right for frying. If the oil shimmers, it’s time for the next step.
Step 4: Fry the Beef
  1. Carefully add the coated beef strips to the pan in batches. Avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the beef and drain on paper towels. Add oil as needed between batches.
Step 5: Stir-fry the Aromatics
  1. In the same pan, add the remaining sunflower oil. Toss in the sliced onions, garlic, ginger, and red chili. Stir-fry until they soften and become fragrant.
Step 6: Create the Sauce
  1. Next, combine rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, tomato paste, superfine sugar, tomato ketchup, sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, and fish sauce in a small bowl. Mix well until sugar dissolves. Pour this mixture into the pan with the aromatics once softened.
Step 7: Combine Everything
  1. Add the crispy beef back into the pan, stirring to combine. Coat each piece with the sauce and cook for an additional minute. Allow the beef to absorb some sauce, thickening slightly.
Step 8: Serve
  1. Remove from heat. Serve immediately. Enjoy the crispy chili beef with your preferred sides!

Notes

  • Quick Frying: Ensure high heat when frying for crispiness.
  • Batch Cooking: Fry in batches to avoid steaming the beef.
  • Taste Test: Adjust seasoning and sweetness according to your preference.
  • Storage: Keep any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for freshness.
  • Garnish: Consider sprinkling with sesame seeds or green onions before serving for added flavor.