Chef Mitchell preparing Spicy Crispy Chilli Beef Strips
👨‍🍳 Professional Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I first discovered Spicy Crispy Chilli Beef Strips during a trip to Asia, where street vendors served them hot and fresh. The combination of crispy texture and spicy sauce fascinated me, leading me to recreate this dish in my kitchen. After numerous attempts, I perfected the recipe, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. Now, I love sharing this delightful dish with my friends and family."

Chef Mitchell specializes in Asian cuisine, with a deep passion for creating authentic dishes that are both flavorful and approachable. With over a decade of culinary experience, he has mastered the art of balancing spices and textures. This recipe for Spicy Crispy Chilli Beef Strips is a testament to his expertise and love for bold flavors.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
A vibrant plate of Spicy Crispy Chilli Beef Strips garnished with green onions, served with a side of dipping sauce.

Why This Spicy Crispy Chilli Beef Strips Recipe Works

This recipe successfully combines the crunch of crispy beef strips with a spicy and savory chili sauce, making each bite an explosion of flavor. The marination process enhances the beef's tenderness while the cornstarch coating ensures a satisfying crunch. The balancing of spice and sweetness in the sauce further elevates the dish, making it irresistible.

The texture is a key highlight, with crispy outer layers giving way to tender beef inside. The frying method used enhances the flavor while keeping the meat juicy. Plus, this dish is quick to prepare, making it ideal for gatherings or a quick meal.

💡 Professional Tip

For the crispiest texture, ensure that your oil is hot enough before frying the beef strips. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can marinate the beef and coat it with cornstarch a few hours in advance. Store the coated beef in the refrigerator until you're ready to fry. However, it's best to fry them just before serving to retain their crispiness.

You can use sirloin or ribeye as alternatives to flank steak. Both cuts are tender, which makes them suitable for this recipe. Just ensure they are sliced thinly for optimal results.

Stir-frying is highly effective for this dish as it allows even cooking and crispiness. Alternatively, deep frying can be used for more uniform results, but ensure that the oil temperature is maintained.

To prevent sogginess, make sure the beef is coated in cornstarch and fried at the right temperature. Also, avoid leaving the cooked beef in the sauce for too long before serving.

The beef strips should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. Additionally, the internal temperature should reach at least 145°F for safe consumption.

These beef strips are delicious on their own but pair well with steamed rice or a fresh salad. You could also serve them with dipping sauces like sweet chili or soy sauce.

Yes, you can bake the beef strips instead of frying them for a healthier option. Simply coat the beef as usual and arrange them on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven until crispy.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a hot oven to regain their crispiness.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Beef Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the beef strips are not crispy, it may be due to insufficient frying time or temperature.

Solution: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the beef strips, and fry them in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature.

✅

Overly Spicy

Problem: If the dish turns out too spicy, it can be overwhelming.

Solution: You can balance the spiciness by adding a bit more sugar or serving with a cooling side like cucumber salad.

✅

Beef Tough or Chewy

Problem: Tough or chewy beef indicates that it was not sliced correctly or overcooked.

Prevention: Always slice against the grain for tenderness and monitor cooking times closely to prevent overcooking.

✅

Sauce Too Thick

Problem: If the sauce is too thick, it may not coat the beef properly.

Recovery: Thin the sauce with a little water or broth until it reaches the desired consistency, adjusting the flavors as necessary.

✅

Sauce Too Watery

Problem: A watery sauce will not adhere well to the beef.

Prevention: Cook the sauce longer to reduce it and concentrate the flavors, or add a thickening agent like cornstarch mixed with water.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or lime juice to cut the sweetness.

Too Salty: If the dish is too salty, increase the volume of the dish by adding more beef or vegetables to dilute the saltiness.

Bland: If the dish is bland, enhance the flavors with more chili paste or fresh herbs.

A vibrant display of all ingredients for Spicy Crispy Chilli Beef Strips arranged on a wooden table.

Choosing the Best Ingredients for Spicy Crispy Chilli Beef Strips

Selecting high-quality meat is essential for achieving tender and flavorful beef strips. Look for flank steak that has a good marbling of fat, ensuring moisture and flavor during cooking. Fresh ingredients like garlic and green onions will enhance the dish's overall taste.

Preparation is key when it comes to this recipe. Slice the beef thinly and against the grain for the best texture. Also, remember to season your cornstarch mix well, as this will contribute to the final flavor profile.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Flank Steak: Flank steak is ideal for this dish due to its tenderness when sliced correctly. Make sure to choose a cut that is bright red with minimal fat for the best results.
  • Cornstarch: Cornstarch creates a light and crispy coating on the beef. It's essential to coat the beef thoroughly to achieve that satisfying crunch.
  • Chili Paste: Chili paste adds heat and depth of flavor to the dish. Choose a quality brand for the best results or make your own for a fresher taste.
A busy kitchen scene with Chef Mitchell frying crispy beef strips in a wok, surrounded by fresh ingredients.

Mastering the Cooking Technique

The key to mastering Spicy Crispy Chilli Beef Strips lies in the frying technique. Ensure that the oil is at the right temperature before adding the beef, as this creates a crispy texture while sealing in juices. Stir-frying quickly allows for even cooking and enhances the flavor.

Timing is crucial; overcooking can lead to tough beef. Pay attention to the color and texture, looking for a golden brown finish. A quick toss with the sauce ensures the beef remains crispy and flavorful.

The Secret to Perfect Spicy Crispy Chilli Beef Strips

The most important technique for this recipe is maintaining the oil temperature during frying. Consistency is key, as it ensures that every strip is equally crispy and retains its flavor. Additionally, quick frying prevents the beef from becoming dry.

Spicy Crispy Chilli Beef Strips

Prep 20 min
Cook 15 min
Serves 4-6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    For marinating the beef
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
    Adds a tangy flavor
  • 1 tablespoon chili paste
    Provides heat and depth
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
    Balances the flavors
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    Enhances aroma and taste

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lbs flank steak
    Thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 cup cornstarch
    For coating the beef
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    For frying
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
    For frying
  • 1 teaspoon salt
    For seasoning the beef
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    For seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
    For added heat
  • 2 green onions
    Sliced for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef

    Slice the flank steak into thin strips against the grain for tenderness. Marinate the beef in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and minced garlic for at least 15 minutes.

  2. Coat the Beef

    In a large bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes. Dredge each marinated beef strip in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.

  3. Heat the Oil

    In a large skillet or wok, heat sesame oil and vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.

  4. Fry the Beef Strips

    Add the coated beef strips to the hot oil in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.

  5. Prepare the Sauce

    In a small bowl, whisk together chili paste, sugar, and a splash of water until combined. Adjust the consistency as needed.

  6. Combine Beef and Sauce

    In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Return the fried beef strips and pour the sauce over them, tossing to coat evenly.

  7. Garnish the Dish

    Remove from heat and sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for freshness and a pop of color.

  8. Serve Immediately

    Transfer the spicy crispy chili beef strips to a serving platter and enjoy while hot with rice or as a standalone snack.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can marinate the beef and coat it with cornstarch a few hours in advance. Store the coated beef in the refrigerator until you're ready to fry.

Serving Suggestions

These beef strips are delicious on their own but pair well with steamed rice or a fresh salad. You could also serve them with dipping sauces like sweet chili or soy sauce.

Recipe Variations

You can bake the beef strips instead of frying them for a healthier option. Additionally, feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili paste.