Crispy Chili Beef -

Gather these ingredients to create a delicious Crispy Chili Beef:

3/4 lbs thin-cut sirloin steaks, cut into thin strips
1 small egg

4 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

1/8 tsp white pepper
4 1/2 tbsp sunflower oil, divided
1 medium onion, peeled and sliced into thin strips

1 red chili, finely sliced
1 tsp minced ginger
3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

2 tbsp rice vinegar
3 tbsp dark soy sauce
2 tbsp tomato puree (tomato paste)

6 tbsp caster sugar (superfine sugar)
2 tbsp tomato ketchup
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce (Thai-style)

Directions

Follow these easy steps to whip up Crispy Chili Beef:

Step 1: Place the steak strips in a bowl and add the egg. Mix well to coat the steak evenly in the egg.
Step 2: Add the cornflour, salt, black pepper, and white pepper to the bowl. Toss everything together until the steak is well coated. The mixture will be sticky.

Step 3: Heat 3 tbsp of sunflower oil in a large frying pan or wok over high heat until very hot.
Step 4: Working in two batches, add half of the steak strips to the pan, spreading them out. Fry until the steak is dark brown and crispy, about 5-6 minutes, stirring only 3-4 times to ensure maximum crispiness.
Step 5: Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the crispy beef from the pan, and place it in a bowl lined with kitchen paper to soak up any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining steak, adding another 1 tbsp of oil to the pan.

Step 6: Once all the beef is cooked and removed from the pan, add the remaining 1/2 tbsp of oil to the pan and reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onion and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
Step 7: Add the finely chopped chili, minced ginger, and minced garlic to the pan, cooking while stirring for 30 seconds.
Step 8: Pour in the rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, tomato puree, sugar, tomato ketchup, and sweet chili sauce. Turn up the heat and let the sauce bubble for a couple of minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.

Step 9: Return the crispy beef to the pan, stirring it into the sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes until the beef is hot and well coated in the sauce.
Step 10: Serve the crispy chili beef with rice or noodles. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Perfect Crispy Chili Beef

Use thin-cut sirloin for the best texture. The thinner the cut, the quicker it cooks and the crispier it becomes.

Letting the beef marinate in the egg and seasonings will help enhance the flavor.
Maintain high heat while frying to achieve maximum crispiness.
Do not overcrowd the pan when frying the beef; this ensures even cooking and crispiness.

Feel free to adjust the amount of chili according to your heat preference!

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of beef?
Yes, flank steak or ribeye are great alternatives if you can’t find sirloin.

2. How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan to retain crispiness.

3. Is there a vegetarian alternative?
Yes, you can substitute beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While you can prepare the components in advance, it’s best to fry just before serving to keep the beef crispy.

5. What sides pair well with Crispy Chili Beef?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or Asian-style noodles like chow mein or udon.

Conclusion

Crispy Chili Beef is a delightful dish that perfectly marries flavors and textures. With a simple combination of fresh ingredients and straightforward techniques, it’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something special. Celebrate with this crispy, savory beef that will surely impress family and friends alike!

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