Crispy chili beef is a beloved dish in many Asian cuisines, particularly known for its balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors combined with a satisfying crunch. It’s a restaurant favorite that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen. This dish involves marinating beef strips, coating them in a flavorful batter, deep-frying to perfection, and tossing in a rich, tangy sauce. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, crispy chili beef is sure to impress. Let’s dive into this recipe that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home cooking.
Description
Crispy chili beef features tender strips of beef that are marinated, coated, and deep-fried to a perfect crisp. The beef is then tossed in a flavorful sauce made with ginger, garlic, oyster sauce, and a hint of sweetness from brown sugar. The addition of julienned red peppers and optional sugar snaps provides a delightful crunch and freshness. This dish is versatile, allowing you to adjust the heat and sweetness according to your preference. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy bold, vibrant flavors.
Outline
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Introduction to Crispy Chilli Beef |
| Description | Description of Crispy Chilli Beef |
| Ingredients | List of Ingredients for Marinade, Coating, and Sauce |
| Step-by-Step Guide | Detailed Instructions for Preparing and Cooking Crispy Chilli Beef |
| Pro Tips | Expert Tips for Perfect Crispy Chilli Beef |
| Preparation Time | Estimated Preparation Time |
| Cooking Time | Estimated Cooking Time |
| Servings | Number of Servings |
| Nutrition | Nutritional Information in an HTML Table |
| Calories | Caloric Content of Crispy Chilli Beef |
| Fats | Fat Content of Crispy Chilli Beef |
| Health Concerns | Potential Health Concerns Related to Crispy Chilli Beef |
| Pros | Advantages of Making and Eating Crispy Chilli Beef |
| Cons | Disadvantages of Crispy Chilli Beef |
| FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Chilli Beef |
| Conclusion | Summary and Final Thoughts on Crispy Chilli Beef |
Ingredients
Marinade: Step 1
- Beef, sliced in strips
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Kashmiri chilli powder
- Dark soy sauce
Coating: Step 2
- Plain flour
- 1 tbsp corn flour
- 2 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
Oil for Frying: Step 4
Sauce: Step 5
- Ginger and garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup oyster sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Chilli sauce (such as @chachus_chilli) or any chili sauce
- 1/2 red pepper, cut into julienne slices
- Sugar snaps (optional)
Recipe By @reznacooks
Step-by-Step Making Instructions
Step 1: Marinating the Beef
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef into thin strips.
- Create Marinade: In a large bowl, combine salt, black pepper, Kashmiri chili powder, and dark soy sauce.
- Marinate Beef: Add the beef strips to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Preparing the Coating
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix plain flour, corn flour, Kashmiri chili powder, and black pepper.
- Coat the Beef: Dredge the marinated beef strips in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
Step 3: Frying the Beef
- Heat Oil: In a deep fryer or a large pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Beef: Carefully add the coated beef strips to the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Making the Sauce
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pan or wok, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add minced ginger and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add Vegetables: Add the julienned red pepper and optional sugar snaps, cooking until slightly softened.
- Create Sauce: Stir in oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, and chili sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Combining and Serving
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Add the crispy beef strips to the pan with the sauce, tossing to ensure the beef is well coated.
- Serve: Transfer the crispy chili beef to a serving dish. Garnish with spring onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately with rice or noodles.
Pro Tips
- Marination: Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes, but overnight marination will yield even better results.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature while frying to ensure the beef is crispy without being greasy.
- Sauce Balance: Adjust the balance of sweet, salty, and spicy in the sauce according to your taste preferences.
Preparation Time
- 30 minutes for marination
Cooking Time
- 20-25 minutes for frying and making the sauce
Servings
- Serves 4
Nutrition (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 800mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 25g |
Calories
Each serving of crispy chili beef contains approximately 400 calories, making it a hearty dish that is both flavorful and filling.
Fats
With around 20 grams of fat per serving, this dish includes a significant amount of fat primarily due to the frying process. Saturated fats account for 5 grams.
Health Concerns
- High Sodium: The use of soy sauce and oyster sauce contributes to the high sodium content, which can be a concern for those on a low-sodium diet.
- Fried Foods: Regular consumption of fried foods can contribute to health issues such as heart disease and obesity. Moderation is key.
Pros
- Flavorful: The combination of spices and sauces creates a rich, robust flavor profile.
- Texture: The crispy coating provides a delightful contrast to the tender beef.
- Versatility: Easy to adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit different tastes.
Cons
- Caloric Content: High in calories, which might not fit into all dietary plans.
- Preparation Time: Requires multiple steps, including marination and frying, making it more time-consuming.
- Frying: Involves deep-frying, which can be messy and requires careful attention.
FAQs
What is crispy chili beef? Crispy chili beef is a dish made from marinated beef strips that are coated in a spiced flour mixture, deep-fried until crispy, and then tossed in a flavorful sauce.
Can I make crispy chili beef ahead of time? You can prepare the beef and sauce components ahead of time, but it’s best to combine and serve them fresh to maintain the crispy texture.
How can I make crispy chili beef healthier? To make it healthier, you can oven-bake the coated beef strips instead of deep-frying them. Use less oil and reduce the amount of sugar and soy sauce in the sauce.
What sides go well with crispy chili beef? Crispy chili beef pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. A side of stir-fried vegetables also complements the dish nicely.
Is crispy chili beef gluten-free? To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce. Substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour for the coating.
Can I use other types of meat? Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Conclusion
Crispy chili beef is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together a variety of flavors and textures. With its crispy coating and spicy, tangy sauce, it’s a meal that will impress family and friends alike. By following the detailed steps and tips in this guide, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right at home. Enjoy the process and the delightful outcome of this flavorful recipe.