Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute chicken for beef if preferred. Adjust cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

To reduce spiciness, use fewer dried chilies or remove their seeds before cooking. You can also add more sugar to balance the heat.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Replace beef with firm tofu or tempeh, and follow the same steps for marinating and frying.

Crispy Chili Beef Recipe — Bold Flavor & Perfect Crunch

Description

Crispy chili beef is a spicy and crunchy stir-fry dish that combines tender marinated beef with a bold chili sauce. It’s easy to make and packs a punch of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
1 cup (120g) cornstarch
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
2–3 dried red chilies
2 tablespoons sugar
1/4 cup (60ml) water
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Optional: 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
Optional: 1 green onion, chopped, for garnish
Optional: Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
Place cornstarch in a separate bowl and season with salt and pepper. Coat beef slices evenly.
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the coated beef in batches until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Remove excess oil from skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Sauté garlic and dried red chilies for 30 seconds.
Add bell pepper and optional ginger. Cook for 1–2 minutes until slightly softened.
Return crispy beef to the skillet. Add sugar and water. Stir until sauce thickens and coats the beef.
If using, add hoisin sauce and combine well. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.

Notes

For best results, slice beef thinly and coat well. Fry in small batches to keep oil temperature consistent. Adjust chilies and sugar to taste for perfect heat-sweet balance.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 400
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: crispy chili beef, stir fry, spicy beef, Chinese takeout, beef recipe