Spicy Crispy Beef Bites

Crispy Chilli Beef – A Homemade Takeaway Classic

Crispy Chilli Beef, a beloved dish often found on Chinese takeaway menus, is the ultimate combination of tender beef, a crispy exterior, and a sweet yet spicy sauce that takes it to the next level. If you’ve ever wondered how to replicate this restaurant-style treat in your own kitchen, you’re in for a treat. The good news is that making your own crispy chilli beef is easier than you think. This homemade recipe will not only save you from waiting for delivery but also let you enjoy a fresher, healthier version of your favourite dish.

Understanding the Key Ingredients in Crispy Chilli Beef

Before jumping into the cooking process, let’s take a quick look at the main ingredients that make this recipe work so beautifully. You’ll be using thin-cut sirloin steak for the beef strips. This cut is ideal because it’s tender yet capable of holding up well in the frying process. The key to achieving that crispy texture lies in a simple batter made of cornflour (cornstarch) and egg, which coats the steak pieces. These thin strips, when fried, turn into crispy perfection that pairs wonderfully with the bold and tangy sauce.

The sauce is what truly sets this dish apart. The combination of rice vinegar, soy sauce, tomato puree, and sweet chilli sauce creates a delicious balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. Adding a bit of ginger and garlic infuses the sauce with fragrant depth, while a touch of sugar helps bring out the sweetness. The final result is a dish with irresistible layers of flavor, perfect for serving over rice or noodles.

Preparation and Cooking Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we understand the key ingredients, it’s time to start preparing and cooking. This recipe doesn’t require any complicated techniques, but some attention to detail is essential to ensure your beef strips are perfectly crispy and the sauce is just right. Below is the detailed preparation and cooking process that will guide you step-by-step to achieving a dish that rivals your favorite Chinese takeaway.

Step 1: Preparing the Beef

Start by cutting your thin-cut sirloin steaks into thin strips. Aim for uniformity so the beef cooks evenly. The thickness of each strip should be about the size of a small finger. The next step is to prepare the batter, which is simple but crucial. In a medium-sized bowl, crack one small egg and whisk it until smooth. Add the cornflour (cornstarch), salt, black pepper, and a pinch of white pepper. The cornflour helps create a crispy exterior once fried. Mix these ingredients together to form a batter that will coat the beef strips evenly.

Step 2: Coating the Beef

Add the sliced beef strips to the batter mixture and toss them to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated. The batter will be slightly sticky, but don’t worry, it’s exactly what you want for a crisp finish. Once the beef is well-coated, set it aside while you prepare the frying pan.

Smoke the Beef (Optional but Recommended):
Heat a piece of charcoal on an open flame until red-hot. Place a small heatproof bowl or foil cup in the center of the marinated beef. Add the hot charcoal to the bowl, drizzle ½ tsp oil over it, and immediately cover the bowl with a lid or foil. Let it infuse for 5-10 minutes for a smoky flavor.

Step 3: Frying the Beef

Now, the fun part—frying! Heat your pan (or wok) and add 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil. You want the oil to be very hot, so wait until it shimmers. Working in batches, carefully add the coated beef strips one at a time, spreading them out in the pan. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan, as this can prevent the beef from crisping up properly. Fry the beef for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure an even, golden-brown crust.

Avoid moving the beef around too much, as the crispiness comes from the meat being undisturbed in the hot oil. Once the beef is crispy and browned, remove it from the pan using a slotted spoon and place it on a plate lined with kitchen roll to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Preparing the Sauce

Once all the beef is fried and set aside, it’s time to focus on the sauce. In the same pan, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil and turn the heat to medium. Start by adding the sliced onion and sauté it for 2 minutes, allowing it to soften slightly. Then, add the finely chopped red chilli, minced ginger, and garlic. Stir these ingredients for about 30 seconds to release their fragrant aromas.

Step 5: Cooking the Sauce

Next, it’s time to build the sauce. Add the rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, tomato puree (or paste), and sugar to the pan. Stir these ingredients together and let the sauce come to a bubble. The sugar helps balance the tanginess of the vinegar and the richness of the soy sauce. You’ll notice the sauce start to reduce slightly as it cooks, intensifying its flavor.

Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, add the sweet chilli sauce and tomato ketchup, mixing well. These ingredients will add depth, richness, and a hint of sweetness that brings the dish together. Let the sauce bubble for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined and reduced.

Step 6: Combining the Beef with the Sauce

Now, it’s time to bring the crispy beef back into the mix. Add the fried beef strips to the sauce, stirring gently to coat each piece in the sauce. Heat everything through for 1-2 minutes until the beef is hot and glossy. The crispy exterior of the beef should remain intact, and the sauce should cling to it perfectly.

Step 7: Serving the Dish

Crispy Chilli Beef is best served immediately, while the beef is still crispy. Pair it with a bowl of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. If you like, garnish with some fresh coriander or extra slices of chilli for added color and flavor.

Tips for Making Perfect Crispy Chilli Beef Every Time

1. Oil Temperature: The key to crispy beef is the temperature of the oil. If it’s too low, the beef will absorb too much oil and become greasy rather than crispy. If it’s too high, the beef may burn before it crisps up. Aim for medium-high heat.
2. Batch Cooking: Frying in batches ensures that the beef has enough room in the pan to crisp up. Overcrowding the pan can cause the beef to steam rather than fry.
3. Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chilli and sweet chilli sauce according to your spice preference. Removing the seeds from the chilli can reduce the heat.
4. Don’t Skip the Cornflour: The cornflour is essential for achieving that signature crispy texture. Be sure to coat the beef evenly for the best results.

Conclusion

Crispy Chilli Beef is a delicious, flavorful dish that brings the best of Chinese cuisine to your kitchen. With the perfect balance of crispy beef and tangy, spicy sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re craving something indulgent or just want a dish that packs a punch of flavor, this recipe is the answer. It’s easy to make and customizable, so feel free to adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Simple Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe

Ingredients:

• 360g (¾ lbs) thin-cut sirloin steaks (about 3 steaks), cut 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 chilli, finely sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
• 1 tsp minced ginger
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato puree (paste in the US)
• 6 tbsp caster sugar (or superfine sugar)
• 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce (Thai-style preferred)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef: In a bowl, whisk the egg and coat the beef strips with the egg. Add cornflour, salt, black and white pepper, and toss to coat the beef evenly.
2. Fry the Beef: Heat 3 tbsp of oil in a frying pan or wok over high heat. Fry the beef in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same pan, add the remaining oil and sauté the onion for 2 minutes. Add the red chilli, ginger, and garlic, and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the rice vinegar, soy sauce, tomato puree, sugar, ketchup, and sweet chilli sauce. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
4. Combine: Add the crispy beef back into the pan and stir to coat in the sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
5. Serve: Serve the crispy chilli beef with rice or noodles. Enjoy!

 Smoke the Beef (Optional but Recommended):
Heat a piece of charcoal on an open flame until red-hot. Place a small heatproof bowl or foil cup in the center of the marinated beef. Add the hot charcoal to the bowl, drizzle ½ tsp oil over it, and immediately cover the bowl with a lid or foil. Let it infuse for 5-10 minutes for a smoky flavor.