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Crispy Chilli Beef Cooked in a Skillet
Craving a takeout-inspired dish that you can whip up at home with ease? This crispy chilli beef cooked in a skillet brings all the bold flavors and crispy textures of your favorite restaurant meal right into your kitchen. Perfectly crispy beef coated in a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser and pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. What’s even better? You only need a skillet and a few simple ingredients, making it an easy weeknight dinner option that doesn’t require a deep fryer or fancy tools!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: Ready in just about 30 minutes from start to finish!
- Full of Flavor: The combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors makes this dish truly addictive.
- Skillet Friendly: No need for a deep fryer; a well-heated skillet gives you all the crispiness you need.
Tips for the Best Crispy Chilli Beef
- Choose the Right Cut: Flank steak or sirloin works best, as they are lean cuts that cook quickly and develop a tender yet crispy texture.
- Slice Thinly: The thinner you slice the beef, the quicker it will crisp up in the skillet. Aim for about 1/4-inch slices.
- Coat the Beef Well: A light dusting of cornstarch gives the beef that perfect crispy coating. You can also add a dash of salt and pepper to the cornstarch for extra flavor.
- High Heat is Key: Use medium-high to high heat to ensure a quick sear on the beef, giving it that signature crunch without overcooking.
- Prep Your Sauce in Advance: The sauce comes together quickly, so it’s helpful to have it mixed and ready to go when the beef is done.
Recipe for Crispy Chilli Beef in a Skillet
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, sliced thinly against the grain
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1–2 tsp chilli flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
To Garnish:
- Green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh chilli, sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef:
- In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until each piece is evenly coated.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan.
- Working in batches if necessary, add the beef in a single layer. Let it cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side until crispy and browned. Remove the cooked beef and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, chilli flakes, garlic, and ginger.
- In the same skillet (with remaining oil and bits), pour in the sauce mixture. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the crispy beef back to the skillet, tossing to coat it thoroughly in the sauce.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh chilli slices if desired. Serve hot over rice or noodles, and enjoy!
Recipe Card
Crispy Chilli Beef
Discover how to make Crispy Chilli Beef cooked in a skillet with this easy recipe. Enjoy tender beef coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious homemade takeout option. Ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 lb 450 g flank steak or sirloin, sliced thinly against the grain
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 –2 tsp chilli flakes adjust to taste
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp ginger minced
To Garnish:
- Green onions sliced
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh chilli sliced (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Beef:
- In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until each piece is evenly coated.
Cook the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan.
- Working in batches if necessary, add the beef in a single layer. Let it cook for about 2–3 minutes on each side until crispy and browned. Remove the cooked beef and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, chilli flakes, garlic, and ginger.
- In the same skillet (with remaining oil and bits), pour in the sauce mixture. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine and Serve:
- Add the crispy beef back to the skillet, tossing to coat it thoroughly in the sauce.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh chilli slices if desired. Serve hot over rice or noodles, and enjoy!
Common Questions and Answers
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes! Substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check your hoisin sauce too, as some varieties contain gluten.
2. How do I store leftovers?
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat to restore some of the beef’s crispiness.
3. Can I make this recipe with other proteins?
- Absolutely! Chicken, pork, or even tofu can be used instead of beef. Follow the same steps for slicing, coating, and frying.
4. Why is my beef not crispy?
- Make sure your beef slices are thin and that you’re cooking them in small batches without overcrowding the skillet. High heat is also key to achieving the perfect crisp.
5. What can I pair with this crispy chilli beef?
- Jasmine or basmati rice works wonderfully as a side. For a lighter option, serve with a side of stir-fried veggies or a cucumber salad.
Final Thoughts
This crispy chilli beef is a fantastic choice when you want a restaurant-style meal at home. The skillet method keeps it simple, and the sweet-spicy sauce makes it irresistibly flavorful. With a few easy techniques, you’ll have an impressive dish that’s perfect for sharing—or savoring all on your own. Enjoy!
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