Crispy chili beef
Forget takeout and whip up this Chinese short steak with a sweet ginger sauce and red pepper. This Crispy Chili Beef recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for a delicious and flavorful meal. The tender steak strips are quickly cooked to perfection, resulting in a delicious texture and flavor. The combination of the sweet and spicy sauce and the bright red peppers gives every bite a delicious explosion of flavor. Treat yourself to this homemade dish and enjoy the satisfaction of preparing a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 350g thinly sliced minute steak, cut very thinly into strips
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp Chinese five spice powder
- 100 ml vegetable oil
- 1 red pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red chili pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 spring onions, sliced, green and white parts separated
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- thumb-sized piece of ginger, cut into matchsticks
- 4 tablespoons rice wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
- cooked pasta for serving (optional)
- Shrimp crackers for serving (optional)
Preparation steps
- Place the beef in a bowl and toss with cornmeal and five spices.
- Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan until hot, then add the beef and fry until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the beef and drain on paper towels.
- Pour away all but 1 tablespoon oil.
- Add the peppers, half the chilies, the white ends of the spring onions, the garlic and the ginger to the pan.
- Stir-fry for 3 minutes to soften, but do not let the garlic and ginger burn.
- Mix vinegar, soy, chili sauce and ketchup in a jug with 2 tablespoons of water and pour over the vegetables.
- Allow to bubble for 2 minutes, then return the beef to the pan and stir well until coated.
- Serve the beef on noodles with prawn crackers, sprinkled with the remaining chilies and the green parts of the scallions, if desired.
Nutritional Information
kcal | fat | saturates | carbohydrates | Sugar | fiber | protein | Salt |
454 | 23g | 5g | 32g | 15g | 2g | 26g | 2.2g |
Equipment and tools
To make crispy chili beef, you will need the following equipment and tools:
- Knife – for cutting steak, peppers, chili, spring onions, garlic and ginger
- Bowl – for brushing the steak with cornstarch and five-spice powder
- Frying pan or wok – for frying the beef
- Spatula or tongs – for turning and stirring beef and vegetables
- Cutting board – for preparing the ingredients
- Grater – for grating the ginger
- Measuring spoon – for measuring ingredients
- Bottle opener – for opening the rice wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
Allergen information
Please note that crispy chili beef contains the following allergens:
- Gluten – when served with pasta or shrimp crackers
- Wheat – when served with pasta or shrimp crackers
- Soy – found in soy sauce
Storage and leftovers
If you have any leftover crispy chili beef, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, keep in mind that the beef may lose some of its crispiness when reheated. To reheat, simply warm the beef in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Serve with freshly cooked pasta or shrimp crackers, if desired.
Health Benefits of Crispy Chili Beef
When it comes to Chinese cuisine, there is no shortage of delicious and tasty dishes. A popular dish that combines the perfect balance of crispy texture and spicy flavor is Crispy Chilli Beef. Not only is it a treat for your taste buds, but it also offers several health benefits due to its nutrient-rich ingredients.
1. Lean protein source
The main ingredient of Crispy Chilli Beef is thinly sliced minute steak. This type of beef is lean and contains high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissue in our bodies. Protein also keeps us feeling full and satisfied for longer periods of time, which can be helpful in weight management.
2. Vitamin-rich vegetables
This dish also includes various vegetables, which not only add bright colors but also provide important vitamins and minerals. Red peppers, red chilies and scallions are all excellent sources of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system, promotes healthy skin and aids in the absorption of iron from beef.
3. Antioxidant powerhouse
Garlic and ginger in Crispy Chilli Beef not only add flavor but also provide numerous health benefits. Garlic is known for its antioxidant properties, which help protect against oxidative damage in the body. Ginger, on the other hand, contains gingerol, a powerful compound known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects.
4. Digestive support
The combination of rice wine vinegar and soy sauce in this dish aids digestion. Rice wine vinegar is believed to improve digestion and relieve symptoms such as bloating and indigestion. Soy sauce contains beneficial enzymes and probiotics that can support gut health.
5. Controlled sugar intake
The sweet chili sauce and tomato ketchup add a touch of sweetness to Crispy Chilli Beef, but can be enjoyed in moderation. By using these sauces in controlled amounts, you can still satisfy your taste buds without consuming excessive amounts of added sugar that can lead to various health problems.
Overall, Crispy Chilli Beef is a delicious dish that not only satisfies your craving for a spicy and crunchy meal but also offers several health benefits. Its combination of lean protein, vitamin-rich vegetables and digestive-supporting ingredients makes it a well-rounded choice when it comes to enjoying Chinese cuisine.