This Easy Crispy Chilli Beef is packed with flavor and has a fun crunch! You’ll love the crispy beef strips coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, served over fluffy rice—yum!
Perfect for a quick dinner, this dish makes my taste buds dance! I always make extra rice to soak up that delicious sauce because, let’s be real, who wants to miss out on any flavor? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using beef sirloin or flank steak for tenderness. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use chicken or tofu for a different spin, especially for a lighter meal.
Cornflour (Cornstarch): This helps create that delightful crispiness. If you’re out, use all-purpose flour, though it may not be quite as crunchy. Gluten-free flour can also work if needed.
Vegetable Oil: Canola oil or peanut oil are great substitutes, especially for their high smoke point, perfect for frying. Olive oil is not ideal here due to its low smoking point.
Sauces: Soy sauce adds saltiness; tamari can replace it for a gluten-free option. As for oyster sauce, try mushroom sauce for a vegetarian option. If you want it spicy, consider adding sriracha to the mix!
Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice is perfect for this dish. If you’re in a rush, microwaveable rice pouches can save time. Quinoa or cauliflower rice can be great alternatives for a healthy twist.
How Do I Get My Beef Extra Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crispiness with your beef, follow these tips:
- Make sure your beef strips are thinly sliced. The thinner they are, the quicker they will crisp up!
- Cornflour is your best friend: coating the beef strips evenly helps create a crispy outer layer during frying.
- Fry the beef in batches! This prevents crowding in the pan, which can lower the temperature and lead to steaming instead of frying.
- Let the cooked beef rest on paper towels to drain excess oil, keeping it crisp before serving.
Easy Crispy Chilli Beef with Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef:
- 500g (1 lb) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 3 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For The Sauce & Vegetables:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 red chili, thinly sliced (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 spring onions (scallions), chopped
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth (or water)
To Serve:
- Cooked jasmine or basmati rice
- Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, extra sliced chili, fresh coriander (cilantro)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. So, in just about 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Beef:
Start by placing the thin beef strips in a bowl, then sprinkle the cornflour over the beef. Toss the beef with the cornflour until all the pieces are evenly coated. Set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Frying the Beef:
In a large non-stick frying pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef in batches. Fry the beef strips until they are crispy and browned on all sides. This should take about 3-4 minutes per batch. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pan and place it on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
With the same pan, if it looks dry, you can add a little more oil. Then, toss in the minced garlic, sliced onion, red chili, and bell pepper. Sauté these ingredients for about 2-3 minutes or until they become fragrant and slightly softened.
4. Making the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and broth. Pour this mixture into the pan with the sautéed vegetables and bring it to a simmer.
5. Combining Everything:
Once the sauce is simmering, return the crispy beef to the pan. Toss everything together until the beef is well coated with the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce thickens a bit.
6. Final Touches:
Stir in the chopped spring onions, give it a quick mix, and then remove the pan from heat.
7. Serving:
Serve the crispy chilli beef hot over a bed of steamed rice. For a lovely touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds, add a few extra slices of chili, or top it with fresh coriander. Enjoy your meal!
Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious crispy chilli beef with fluffy rice! 🎉
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Protein Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If using tofu, opt for firm tofu, press it to remove excess moisture, and cut it into strips for frying.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red chili or omit it altogether. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance heat if you find it too spicy. Alternatively, add more chili if you want extra heat!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal crispiness, you can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat in a pan and toss to combine.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a pan over low heat for best results, or use the microwave, ensuring even heating.