Ever had one of those days where you’re craving something crispy, spicy, and utterly satisfying? Well, dive into my latest kitchen obsession: Crispy Salt Pepper Beef! Trust me, this dish is a game-changer, with tender pieces of beef coated in a golden crust, tossed with vibrant veggies, and a hint of chili heat that just hits the right spot. Let’s get sizzling!
I love creating dishes that are both flavorful and textured. This Crispy Salt Pepper Beef is one of my favorites, featuring thinly sliced beef sirloin marinated with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and a hint of sugar.
Coated in cornstarch and fried to perfection, this dish delivers a satisfying crunch balanced by the sweetness of bell peppers and the heat of fresh chilies. Garnishing with spring onions adds a fresh note, making it a delightful and balanced meal.
Crispy Salt Pepper Beef Recipe Ingredients
- Beef Sirloin or Flank Steak: Rich in protein, provides essential amino acids, adds savory flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness, enhances flavor depth.
- Shaoxing Wine: Brings subtle sweetness and complexity, tenderizes meat.
- Cornstarch: Creates a crispy coating, gluten-free thickening agent.
- Bell Peppers: High in vitamin C, adds color and sweetness.
- Fresh Chilies: Adds heat and spice, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Garlic: Boosts flavor with pungency, has potential health benefits.
Crispy Salt Pepper Beef Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 500g beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional for tenderizing)
- 1 cup cornstarch, for coating the beef
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 fresh red or green chilies, thinly sliced (adjust for desired heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Spring onions, sliced, for garnish
How to Make this Crispy Salt Pepper Beef Recipe
1. In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and baking soda (if using). Mix well and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure there is enough oil to cover the beef pieces for frying.
3. While the oil is heating, coat the marinated beef slices with 1 cup of cornstarch thoroughly. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
4. Fry the beef slices in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
5. In a separate large pan or wok, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced chilies, and sauté until fragrant.
6. Add the sliced onions, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
7. Add the crispy fried beef back into the pan with the vegetables. Toss everything together over medium heat.
8. Season the mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, making sure the flavors are well distributed.
9. Continue to stir-fry for another minute to ensure everything is heated through and well combined.
10. Garnish with sliced spring onions and serve immediately as a delicious main dish. Enjoy your Crispy Salt Pepper Beef!
Crispy Salt Pepper Beef Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Mixing bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Large pan or wok
4. Tongs or a slotted spoon
5. Paper towels
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Stirring spoon or spatula
9. Plate or serving dish
FAQ
- What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe works well with beef sirloin or flank steak due to their tenderness and flavor. - Can I skip the baking soda?
Yes, the baking soda is optional and is used for tenderizing. If you prefer a natural texture, you can omit it. - How can I control the spiciness of this dish?
Adjust the number of fresh chilies used, or remove the seeds to reduce heat if desired. - Is there a substitute for Shaoxing wine?
Dry sherry is a good substitute if Shaoxing wine is not available. - Can I use a different oil for frying?
Yes, any neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or peanut oil, can be used instead of vegetable oil. - How do I ensure the beef stays crispy?
Coat the beef in cornstarch just before frying and fry in small batches to maintain crispiness. - Can I prepare any components in advance?
You can slice the beef and vegetables ahead of time, but coat the beef in cornstarch just before cooking for best results.
Crispy Salt Pepper Beef Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Shaoxing wine or dry sherry: Substitute with rice vinegar or mirin.
- Baking soda: Substitute with an equal amount of meat tenderizer or omit if tenderization isn’t needed.
- Cornstarch (for coating): Substitute with potato starch or all-purpose flour for a different texture.
- Vegetable oil: Substitute with canola oil or peanut oil for frying.
Pro Tips
1. Marinate for Longer: While 15 minutes is the minimum, marinating the beef for at least 30 minutes or even overnight in the refrigerator will enhance the flavor and tenderness.
2. Maintain Oil Temperature: To achieve crispy beef, keep the oil temperature consistent and hot (around 350°F or 175°C) when frying. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.
3. Batch Frying: Avoid overcrowding the pan during frying. Fry the beef in small batches to maintain the oil temperature, ensuring each piece becomes crispy.
4. Variations in Heat: Adjust the number of fresh chilies according to your heat preference. Removing the seeds will reduce the spiciness, whereas adding more chilies will increase it.
5. Enhanced Aroma: For an additional layer of flavor, you can add a touch of sesame oil to the pan right before finishing the stir-fry for a nutty aroma.
Crispy Salt Pepper Beef Recipe
My favorite Crispy Salt Pepper Beef Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Mixing bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Large pan or wok
4. Tongs or a slotted spoon
5. Paper towels
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Stirring spoon or spatula
9. Plate or serving dish
Ingredients:
- 500g beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional for tenderizing)
- 1 cup cornstarch, for coating the beef
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 fresh red or green chilies, thinly sliced (adjust for desired heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Spring onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and baking soda (if using). Mix well and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure there is enough oil to cover the beef pieces for frying.
3. While the oil is heating, coat the marinated beef slices with 1 cup of cornstarch thoroughly. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
4. Fry the beef slices in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
5. In a separate large pan or wok, heat a small amount of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced chilies, and sauté until fragrant.
6. Add the sliced onions, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
7. Add the crispy fried beef back into the pan with the vegetables. Toss everything together over medium heat.
8. Season the mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, making sure the flavors are well distributed.
9. Continue to stir-fry for another minute to ensure everything is heated through and well combined.
10. Garnish with sliced spring onions and serve immediately as a delicious main dish. Enjoy your Crispy Salt Pepper Beef!
