Irresistible Crispy Chili Beef: A Flavor Explosion!

Crispy Chili Beef is like that friend who shows up uninvited at your party but ends up being the life of it. Imagine tender beef strips coated in a mouthwatering, crispy batter, spiced with just the right amount of chili to set your taste buds dancing. The aroma wafting through the kitchen? Pure magic! Every bite delivers that satisfying crunch followed by an explosion of flavor, making it hard to resist going back for seconds—or thirds.

I remember the first time I made Crispy Chili Beef; it was a chilly Wednesday night, and I was desperate for something exciting to brighten my mood. As soon as I took that first bite, I felt like I had won the culinary lottery. It’s perfect for casual weeknight dinners or impressing friends at gatherings—everyone will ask for your secret recipe! Get ready for a flavorful adventure that will have you craving this dish on repeat.

Ingredients for Crispy Chili Beef

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Beef Flank Steak: Choose a well-marbled cut for maximum tenderness and flavor when cooked.

• All-Purpose Flour: This helps create that all-important crispy coating; use a little extra for dusting.

• Cornstarch: A crucial ingredient that makes the beef super crispy when fried.

• Chili Powder: For that kick! Adjust based on your heat tolerance.

• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with aromatic goodness.

• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor; opt for low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake.

• Vegetable Oil: Essential for frying; choose one with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil.

For the Sauce:

• Ketchup: Yes, ketchup! It gives sweetness and tanginess to balance out the flavors.

• Rice Vinegar: Adds brightness; don’t skip this step!

• Brown Sugar: For a touch of sweetness that complements the heat perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Crispy Chili Beef

Get Ready: Start by cutting your beef flank steak into thin strips against the grain; this ensures tenderness. Aim for about half an inch thick so they fry evenly.

Coat Your Beef: In a large bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, chili powder, and salt. Dredge each beef strip in this mixture until well coated—think of it as giving them a spa day before frying!

Heat the Oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet or wok to cover the bottom generously. Heat it over medium-high until shimmering; you want it hot enough to sizzle when you add the beef.

Fry Away: Carefully add your coated beef strips in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until they’re golden brown and crispy—about three minutes per side should do it!

Make That Sauce: While your beef is frying, whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, and brown sugar in a separate bowl. This sweet-and-sour sauce is what dreams are made of!

Combine & Serve: Once all your beef is crispy and fried to perfection, toss them in the sauce until thoroughly coated. The aroma will drive you wild! Serve immediately over steamed rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Enjoy: Sit back and watch as everyone devours this Crispy Chili Beef with delight! Feel free to share—but no promises they won’t fight you for the last piece!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the beef to infuse those delicious flavors. Sear it in a hot pan for that crispy finish, then stir-fry with veggies while the sauce simmers. This sequence ensures everything cooks perfectly and stays juicy.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what’s in your fridge, or add some heat with extra chili flakes. You can even make it sweeter by incorporating some honey or brown sugar—experiment until your taste buds sing!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.

It was during a family gathering when my aunt declared this Crispy Chili Beef her new favorite dish, prompting laughter as she asked me to make it every week. That compliment still warms my heart!

FAQs :

What ingredients are needed for Crispy Chili Beef?

To make Crispy Chili Beef, you will need thinly sliced beef, cornstarch, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. Additionally, prepare bell peppers and onions for a colorful and flavorful stir-fry. Use oil for frying and sesame seeds as a garnish. This combination of ingredients creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures that makes the dish truly irresistible.

How do I achieve the perfect crispiness in Crispy Chili Beef?

Achieving perfect crispiness in Crispy Chili Beef involves a few key steps. First, coat the beef slices in cornstarch before frying to create a crunchy exterior. Ensure your oil is hot enough when frying; this helps seal in moisture while crisping the outside. Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of frying.

Can I customize the spice level in Crispy Chili Beef?

Absolutely! You can easily customize the spice level in your Crispy Chili Beef by adjusting the amount of chili flakes you use. For a milder dish, reduce the quantity or substitute with sweet paprika. If you prefer more heat, consider adding fresh chopped chilies or increasing chili flakes in the recipe. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance of flavor.

How should I serve Crispy Chili Beef?

Crispy Chili Beef can be served over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. Pair it with a side of stir-fried vegetables to enhance its nutritional value and presentation. This dish also works well as an appetizer at gatherings or family dinners.

Conclusion for Crispy Chili Beef :

Crispy Chili Beef is a straightforward yet delicious dish that brings robust flavors and satisfying textures to your table. By following the steps outlined above, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Remember to adjust spices according to your preference for an enjoyable experience. With fresh ingredients and simple techniques, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Enjoy every crispy bite!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Crispy Chili Beef

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy Chili Beef is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender, juicy beef strips with a crispy coating and a vibrant sweet-and-sour sauce. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, delivering bold flavors and satisfying textures in every bite. Serve it over rice or noodles, and watch your family and friends come back for more!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb beef flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Cut the beef flank steak into thin strips (about 1/2 inch thick) against the grain.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, chili powder, and salt. Dredge each beef strip in the mixture until well coated.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Fry coated beef strips in batches for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, and brown sugar to create the sauce.
6. Toss the fried beef in the sauce until evenly coated and serve immediately over rice or noodles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg