Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or lengthy prep time? Then look no further than this incredibly easy and flavorful Crispy Chili Beef recipe! This dish delivers the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried beef, coated in a vibrant, spicy-sweet sesame sauce that will have you licking your fingers. Forget complicated techniques and lengthy ingredient lists – this recipe is designed for busy weeknights, yet delivers the bold, authentic taste of your favorite takeout.
Imagine tender strips of beef, boasting a satisfyingly crispy exterior, tossed in a rich, umami-packed sauce that’s both sweet and fiery. This Crispy Chili Beef recipe is your shortcut to a restaurant-worthy meal, ready in under 30 minutes. Ready to transform your dinner routine? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create this delicious masterpiece together!
Tools Needed
- Bowl
- Knife
- Tray
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- T-bone steak (or any beef)
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- White pepper
- Crushed garlic and ginger: 1 tablespoon
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Sesame oil
- Corn starch: 1-2 teaspoons
- Egg: 1
- All-purpose flour
- Sunflower oil
- Olive oil
- Chili: 1
- Water
- White vinegar
- Chinese rock sugar
- Tomato sauce
- Sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Marinate the Beef
- Remove the bone from the T-bone steak and cut it into strips.
- In a bowl, combine beef strips with salt, white pepper, crushed garlic and ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and corn starch. Mix well and refrigerate for 1-2 hours.
Step 2. Crispy Fry the Beef
- Crack an egg into the marinated beef and mix well. In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour and cornstarch. Coat the beef strips in the flour mixture.
- Preheat sunflower oil in a frying pan. Fry the coated beef strips for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from the oil.
- Increase the heat to high. Fry the beef strips again for 5-7 minutes until very crispy.
Step 3. Make the Sweet and Sour Chili Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a pan. Add chopped chili and stir-fry until fragrant. Add crushed garlic and ginger, then add water, white vinegar, Chinese rock sugar, and tomato sauce. Stir until the sugar melts and the sauce thickens. Season with salt.
Step 4. Combine and Serve
- Place the crispy beef on a plate. Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the beef. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- The egg acts as a binding agent for the flour, ensuring a crispier coating.
- Fry the beef twice for extra crispiness. The second fry should be on high heat.
- You can toss the beef in the sauce or simply pour it on top, as preferred.
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 600-800
- Fat: 40-60g
- Carbs: 20-40g
- Protein: 40-50g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of beef for this recipe?
Yes! Sirloin, flank steak, or even thinly sliced ribeye will work well. Just ensure it's cut into thin strips for even cooking.
2. How can I make the sauce spicier or milder?
For spicier chili beef, add more chili garlic sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce or omit the chili garlic sauce altogether.
This Crispy Chili Beef recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and rich sauce – it’s a dish that's as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and prepare to impress yourself and your loved ones with this fantastic meal!