Chinese Shredded Crispy Chilli Beef Fakeaway

by

Introduction

Craving the crispy, sweet, and spicy flavors of Chinese takeaway? Look no further than Chinese Shredded Crispy Chilli Beef Fakeaway. This popular dish is known for its crispy beef, tangy sauce, and delightful combination of flavors that make it one of the top choices in Chinese restaurants worldwide. However, with a homemade version, you can enjoy the same great taste, minus the added preservatives, and tailored to your exact preferences. This recipe is designed to be a Halal option, with no pork, bacon, or wine, ensuring that anyone can enjoy this delightful dish.

In this article, we’ll delve into why Chinese Shredded Crispy Chilli Beef Fakeaway is a must-try recipe, share step-by-step instructions on how to make it, and provide variations to customize it according to your taste. Whether you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine or looking for a new dinner idea, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy and Crunchy: The beef is coated in a light, crispy batter that holds up beautifully against the rich and flavorful sauce.
  • Sweet and Spicy: The dish features a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy elements that make it incredibly addictive.
  • Homemade Goodness: By making it yourself, you control the ingredients and avoid any artificial additives.
  • Halal-Friendly: This recipe is free from pork, bacon, and wine, making it suitable for a variety of dietary restrictions.
  • Customizable: You can easily adjust the level of spice, sweetness, and other flavors to suit your personal taste.
  • Healthy Option: Making the dish at home allows you to control the ingredients, making it a healthier choice than a takeaway meal loaded with oil and sodium.

Preparation Time and Servings

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (25 minutes for prep, 20 minutes for cooking)
  • Servings: This recipe makes about 4 servings, depending on portion size.
  • Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 400, Protein: 25g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 20g.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

  • 500g (1 lb) beef strips: Choose a tender cut of beef, such as sirloin or flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain.
  • 1 egg: For binding the batter.
  • 2 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch): For the crispy coating.
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps to create the batter.
  • Salt and pepper: For seasoning.
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds flavor to the beef before cooking.
  • Vegetable oil: For frying.

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce: The base for the savory part of the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy depth to the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: For balance and a touch of acidity.
  • 1 tablespoon sugar: Sweetens the sauce just enough to complement the chili heat.
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup: Adds a slight tang and thickness to the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon chili paste (or chili garlic sauce): For the desired heat level.
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Enhances the flavor with a rich, nutty aroma.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds depth and fragrance.
  • 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced: For a zesty kick.
  • 1-2 fresh red chilies, sliced (optional): For extra heat.
  • 1 tablespoon water: To adjust the consistency of the sauce.

For Garnish:

  • Fresh cilantro or parsley: For a burst of color and freshness.
  • Sliced spring onions (green onions): Adds crunch and color.
  • Sesame seeds: For a finishing touch and additional crunch.

Step-by-Step Preparation

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE BEEF

  1. Slice the Beef: Begin by slicing the beef thinly against the grain. This ensures that the beef will cook quickly and remain tender. Aim for slices about ¼-inch thick for the best texture.
  2. Marinate the Beef: Place the sliced beef in a bowl and add the soy sauce, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and set aside for 10-15 minutes to marinate. The soy sauce will add a bit of flavor and help tenderize the meat.
  3. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix the cornflour, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This combination will give the beef its crispy outer layer when fried.
  4. Coat the Beef: Crack the egg into a separate bowl and whisk it. Dip each strip of beef into the egg, then coat it generously with the flour mixture. Ensure that each piece is evenly coated for that perfect crispy texture.

SECOND STEP: MAKE THE SAUCE

  1. Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, ketchup, chili paste, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine and create a smooth, balanced sauce.
  2. Prepare the Aromatics: Mince the garlic and ginger finely. If you like extra spice, slice the fresh red chilies as well.
  3. Cook the Sauce: In a medium-sized saucepan, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger, and chilies (if using) to the pan and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and slightly softened.
  4. Simmer the Sauce: Add the sauce mixture to the pan and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 4-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a tablespoon of water to achieve your desired consistency. Once the sauce is ready, remove from heat and set aside.

THIRD STEP: FRY THE BEEF

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough oil to shallow fry the beef strips, so make sure the oil is hot but not smoking.
  2. Fry the Beef: Once the oil is hot, carefully add the beef strips in batches, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry the beef for 3-4 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beef from the pan and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
  3. Repeat: Continue frying the remaining beef until all pieces are crispy and golden.

FOURTH STEP: COMBINE THE BEEF AND SAUCE

  1. Toss the Beef in the Sauce: Once all the beef is fried, return it to the pan over medium heat. Pour the prepared sauce over the crispy beef strips and toss to coat evenly. Make sure the beef is fully covered in the sauce, allowing the crispy coating to absorb some of the sauce while still retaining its crunch.
  2. Cook for a Minute: Let the beef cook in the sauce for about 1-2 minutes, just long enough to heat through and allow the sauce to cling to the crispy bits.

FINAL STEP: GARNISH AND SERVE

  1. Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the beef and top with fresh cilantro or parsley and sliced spring onions for color and crunch.
  2. Serve: Serve the Chinese Shredded Crispy Chilli Beef Fakeaway immediately while it’s still crispy and hot. Pair it with steamed rice, fried rice, or even noodles for a complete meal.

How to Serve Chinese Shredded Crispy Chilli Beef Fakeaway

1. With Rice or Noodles

One of the best ways to serve this dish is with a side of steamed white rice or fried rice. The fluffy rice complements the crispy beef and helps balance the spiciness of the sauce. Alternatively, serve the beef over a bed of noodles for a more hearty meal.

2. As Part of a Chinese Banquet

This dish makes a fantastic addition to a Chinese-themed dinner. Serve it alongside other classic Chinese dishes like sweet and sour chicken, kung pao chicken, or spring rolls for a complete meal.

3. For Meal Prep

If you’re planning for the week ahead, this dish is a great option for meal prep. The crispy beef can be stored separately from the sauce in an airtight container and reheated when needed. Just be sure to keep the sauce on the side to maintain the crispiness of the beef.

4. As a Party Snack

For a fun and delicious party snack, serve the crispy chilli beef on a platter with small bowls of dipping sauce on the side. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Additional Tips

  1. Adjusting the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili paste or fresh chilies in the sauce. Conversely, if you like your food spicy, add more chili paste and fresh chilies for an extra kick.
  2. Make it Gluten-Free: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, substitute the all-purpose flour with rice flour or gluten-free flour for the crispy coating.
  3. Use Chicken Instead of Beef: If you prefer chicken, you can easily swap the beef for chicken breast or thigh strips. Just adjust the cooking time as chicken tends to cook faster than beef.

Recipe Variations

1. Add Vegetables

For a more balanced dish, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and broccoli to the sauce. Simply stir-fry them before adding the beef to the pan.

2. Sweet and Sour Version

If you enjoy the sweet and sour flavor profile, add a bit more vinegar and sugar to the sauce. You can also add pineapple chunks for an extra burst of sweetness.

3. Make it Spicy and Tangy

Increase the tanginess by adding extra rice vinegar and a squeeze of lime juice. Pairing it with a bit more chili paste will give it the perfect balance of heat and tang.

Freezing and Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The beef may lose some of its crispiness, but it will still be delicious when reheated. For best results, reheat the beef in a hot pan for a few minutes to revive some of the crunch.

Special Equipment

While this recipe doesn’t require any special equipment, having a wok or large frying pan will help with frying the beef in batches. Additionally, a sharp knife will make slicing the beef easier and more consistent.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use beef with fat?
    Yes, you can use beef with a bit of fat, but for a leaner dish, opt for cuts like sirloin or flank steak.
  2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
    Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat it before adding it to the beef.
  3. Can I freeze the beef?
    Yes, you can freeze the cooked beef after frying. Just ensure it is properly sealed and reheat it before serving.
  4. How do I make the beef extra crispy?
    For extra crispiness, make sure the beef is well-coated in the flour mixture and fry it in hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan during frying to ensure the beef stays crispy.

Conclusion

Chinese Shredded Crispy Chilli Beef Fakeaway is the perfect dish for anyone who loves crispy, spicy, and flavorful Chinese food but wants to skip the takeaway. With its crispy beef, sweet and spicy sauce, and customizable flavors, it’s a dish that will surely become a staple in your home cooking repertoire. Plus, it’s Halal-friendly, ensuring everyone can enjoy it without compromise. So, gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and enjoy this delicious homemade fakeaway tonight!

Leave a Comment