If you’ve been dreaming of a sizzling, flavorful beef dish packed with that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crunchy, your search ends here. This Crispy Shredded Chilli Beef: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love Recipe delivers exactly that—tender strips of beef fried to golden crispiness, then coated in a luscious, sticky chilli sauce that bursts with garlicky warmth and a touch of fiery kick. It’s the kind of dish that gets everyone asking for seconds and makes your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, straightforward ingredients will set the stage for an explosion of flavor and delightful textures. Each element plays a starring role, from the crispy coating on the beef to the vibrant red bell pepper adding juiciness and color.
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin: Thinly sliced thin strips are key for quick cooking and maximum crispiness.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: This ensures that irresistible crispy crust on every beef strip.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle warmth and depth to the seasoning.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Use enough to get a good deep-fry crisp on the beef.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses the stir fry with a rich, nutty aroma.
- 3 cloves garlic minced: Garlic gives that fragrant punch that makes this recipe addictive.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced: Adds a zesty bite that balances the sweet and spicy flavors.
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce: The heart of the sauce, marrying sweetness with heat perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Contributes umami and savory depth.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Offers a bright acidity to cut through the richness.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Just enough sweetness to keep things balanced.
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste): For that extra spark of heat tailored to your spice preference.
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced: Adds crunch and a pop of cheerful color.
- 2 green onions sliced for garnish: Provides a fresh, oniony finish.
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional): A pretty and crunchy final touch that seals the deal.
How to Make Crispy Shredded Chilli Beef: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Coat the Beef
Start by seasoning your thinly sliced beef with salt and black pepper—this simple step brings out its natural flavors. Next, toss the beef strips in cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This coating is what makes your beef irresistibly crispy once fried, so make sure each piece is nicely dusted.
Step 2: Fry the Beef to Golden Perfection
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the beef strips in batches to avoid overcrowding, which ensures every piece fries evenly. Cook each batch for 3 to 4 minutes until they reach a glorious golden crisp. Once fried, remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to keep them crunchy.
Step 3: Build the Sauce’s Flavor Base
Carefully pour out most of the frying oil, leaving just about 1 tablespoon in the pan to capture those lovely beefy bits. Add sesame oil for a toasty aroma, then sauté minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this is where the magic aroma begins to build.
Step 4: Simmer the Chilli Sauce
Pour in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, getting ready to coat the beef with layers of rich, sweet, and spicy flavor.
Step 5: Add the Bell Pepper and Toss in Crispy Beef
Introduce the thin slices of red bell pepper to the sauce and cook them for just 1 minute so they stay tender yet crisp. Now, quickly add the crispy beef back into the pan and toss everything together. The goal is to coat each piece of beef evenly without losing its crispiness.
Step 6: Garnish and Finish
Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the shredded chilli beef with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This fresh, nutty garnish adds a cheerful pop of color and flavor, making your plate look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Crispy Shredded Chilli Beef: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions and sesame seeds are not only classic garnishes but also bring contrasts in texture and burst of fresh, subtle onion flavor that brighten the dish impressively. A handful of fresh coriander or chopped peanuts can also add an extra punch if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This crispy shredded chilli beef pairs brilliantly with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which absorbs the sauce beautifully. For a lighter option, serve it alongside stir-fried greens or noodles tossed in a touch of sesame oil and soy sauce to keep that Asian-inspired theme flowing.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to take this recipe to the next level? Serve it in lettuce cups for a fresh crunch or over a bed of crispy fried rice for a delightful textural combination. It’s also fabulous as a filling for bao buns or stuffed into warm tortillas for an unexpected fusion twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this crispy shredded chilli beef are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 2 to 3 days for optimal flavor and texture. Keep in mind that the beef might lose some crispiness when refrigerated, but the flavors will remain delicious.
Freezing
If you want to freezer-friendly portions, cool the beef completely before freezing in a sealed container. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve the texture as much as possible.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the beef in a skillet over medium heat to help it regain some crispiness, stirring occasionally. Avoid microwaving as it can soften the crispy coating and make the dish a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Flank steak and sirloin are preferred for their tenderness and quick cooking, but you can also experiment with skirt steak or even ribeye, thinly sliced. Just be sure to cut thinly to maintain that crispy texture.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I adjust the heat?
This recipe has a nice kick from the chili flakes, but it’s easily adjustable. For milder heat, reduce or omit the chili flakes. If you love it fiery, feel free to add more or include fresh sliced chilies.
Is cornstarch necessary? Can I substitute it?
Cornstarch is key for achieving that irresistible crispy coating. Potato starch or tapioca starch are suitable substitutes that also crisp up well when fried.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best way to serve this to keep it crispy?
Serve immediately after tossing the beef in the sauce. Pair with plain steamed rice or noodles to soak up any extra sauce without making the beef soggy. Avoid letting it sit too long before eating.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that balances crispiness with a rich, spicy-sweet sauce, and this Crispy Shredded Chilli Beef: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love Recipe hits that mark beautifully. It’s a wonderful recipe to impress family or friends and a comforting treat for yourself on any night. Don’t hesitate to whip it up soon—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
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Crispy Shredded Chilli Beef: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You’ll Love Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Crispy Shredded Chilli Beef recipe offers an incredible, flavorful dish featuring tender strips of beef fried to a crispy golden perfection and tossed in a spicy, tangy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or to impress guests with an Asian-inspired main course that’s bursting with savory, sweet, and spicy notes, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a delicious finish.
Ingredients
Beef and Coating
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced into strips
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Sauce and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare and Coat Beef: Place the thinly sliced beef strips in a bowl, then season with salt and black pepper. Toss the beef with cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated to ensure crispiness when fried.
- Fry Beef: Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the beef in batches, cooking each batch for 3 to 4 minutes until the strips turn crispy and golden brown. Remove the cooked beef using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Prepare Sauce Base: Carefully discard excess oil from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the sesame oil to the pan. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant, forming the aromatic base of the sauce.
- Make Sauce: Stir in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and chili flakes. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and flavors meld together.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the thinly sliced red bell pepper to the pan and cook for 1 minute until just tender but still crisp, adding sweetness and crunch to the dish.
- Toss Beef with Sauce: Return the crispy beef strips to the pan, quickly tossing them to coat evenly with the thickened chili sauce and vegetables.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds before serving. Best enjoyed immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Ensure the oil is hot before frying to achieve maximum crispness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to keep the beef crispy rather than steamed.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.
