crispy chilli beef

Crispy chili beef is a delicious and popular dish that combines tender beef strips with a spicy, tangy sauce. Here’s a simple recipe to make it at home:

Ingredients:

For the Beef:

• 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red chili, thinly sliced (adjust according to your heat preference)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup hoisin sauce
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:
   • In a large bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
   • Add the beef strips to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the cornstarch mixture.
2. Fry the Beef:
   • Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Fry the beef strips in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan, until they are crispy and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per batch.
   • Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a large pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the minced garlic, sliced red chili, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the bell pepper starts to soften.
   • Add the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), and sesame oil. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
   • Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
4. Combine and Serve:
   • Add the crispy beef strips to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
   • Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
   • Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips:

• Thin Slicing: Slice the beef as thinly as possible for the best texture. Partially freezing the beef for about 30 minutes can make it easier to slice thinly.
• Batch Frying: Fry the beef in batches to ensure they remain crispy and don’t steam.
• Adjust Heat: Adjust the amount of red chili according to your spice preference. You can also add chili flakes for extra heat.

Enjoy your homemade crispy chili beef!