Crispy Chilli Beef
Strips of beef, light battered and fried then coated in a sweet chilli sauce.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Two Dishes Cookshop
Crispy Chilli Beef is believed to be an adaptation of traditional Chinese cooking techniques to suit Western palates. It likely emerged in Chinese restaurants in the West, drawing inspiration from Sichuan cuisine's use of chillies and the Cantonese preference for sweet and sour flavors.
Crispy Chilli Beef is a popular dish in Western Chinese takeaway restaurants, representing a fusion of Eastern and Western culinary preferences. It's often enjoyed as a main course with rice or noodles, and is a common choice for family meals and casual dining.
Takeaway Staple
Crispy Chilli Beef is a frequently ordered dish from Chinese takeaways in countries like the UK, US, and Australia.
Adaptation and Fusion
The dish exemplifies the adaptation of Chinese cuisine to suit Western tastes, often prioritizing sweetness and bolder flavors.
Crispy Chilli Beef presents a delightful combination of textures and tastes. It's crispy, sweet, spicy, and savory all at once.
The dish features deep-fried, thinly sliced beef that's coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. The beef is often marinated in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, which imparts a savory base. The sweet chilli sauce typically includes sugar, vinegar, chilli flakes or paste, and sometimes soy sauce or ketchup. The crispy texture comes from the batter and the deep-frying process. Some variations include sesame seeds, green onions, or shredded carrots for added flavor and visual appeal.
Achieving Crispiness
Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the beef. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain crispiness. Double-frying the beef can enhance the crispy texture.
Balancing Flavors
Adjust the amount of chilli flakes or paste in the sauce to control the spice level. Taste and adjust the sauce's sweetness and acidity to suit your preference.
Preventing Soggy Beef
Toss the fried beef in the sauce just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy. Serve immediately for optimal crispiness.
Beef Cut
Use a cut of beef that is suitable for quick cooking, such as flank steak or sirloin. Cut the beef against the grain into thin strips to ensure tenderness.
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