Elevate your dinner game with this Spicy Crispy Beef Stir-Fry, a tantalizing dish that brings together tender strips of beef with a spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce. Perfect for those who love a bit of heat and a lot of flavor, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving more. Quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors, it’s a delightful option for any weeknight meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
- 360 g (¾ lbs) thin-cut sirloin steaks (about 3 thin steaks), sliced into thin strips
- 1 small egg
- 4 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ⅛ tsp white pepper
- 4 ½ tbsp sunflower oil (divided)
- 1 medium onion, peeled and finely sliced into delicate rings
- 1 red chili, finely sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (tomato puree for US)
- 6 tbsp caster sugar (superfine sugar)
- 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce (preferably Thai-style)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef: In a large bowl, whisk the egg until well-beaten. Add the thin strips of sirloin steak and toss to coat the beef evenly. Sprinkle the cornflour over the beef, then add the salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Mix until the beef strips are thoroughly coated with the seasoning and cornflour.
- Fry the Beef: Heat 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef strips in batches, ensuring they are spread out and not overlapping. Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes until the beef is crispy and golden brown. Remove the beef from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Stir-Fry the Aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 ½ tablespoons of sunflower oil. Incorporate the onion slices into the pan and sauté for about 2 minutes, until they begin to become tender and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic, ginger, and sliced chili. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes, or until the aroma becomes pleasantly intense.
- Create the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, tomato paste, caster sugar, tomato ketchup, and sweet chili sauce. Pour the sauce into the pan with the aromatics and bring to a simmer.
- Combine and Serve: Add the crispy beef back into the pan, tossing it in the sauce to ensure all the strips are well coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the beef to soak up the flavors. Once heated through, remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra sliced chili or spring onions if desired.
Conclusion:
Spicy Crispy Beef Stir-Fry is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, from the crispy beef to the rich and tangy sauce. This dish is perfect for spice lovers and makes a fantastic centerpiece for any meal. Serve it with steamed rice or your favorite stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner experience. Enjoy the bold, savory, and slightly sweet notes that make this dish a standout!