Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe

Introduction to Crispy Chilli Beef

Crispy chilli beef is a popular Chinese-inspired dish known for its irresistible combination of crispy fried beef strips coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. This dish has gained widespread popularity in Western countries for its bold flavors and satisfying texture.

Ingredients

To make crispy chilli beef, you will need:

• Thinly sliced beef (such as flank steak or sirloin)
• Cornstarch
• Soy sauce
• Egg
• Vegetable oil
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Red chillies
• Green onions
• Brown sugar
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil

Feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables or adjusting the level of spiciness according to your preference.

Preparation

1. Prepare the Beef: Start by slicing the beef thinly against the grain. Then, marinate the beef slices in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and beaten egg for about 30 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.
2. Make the Sauce: While the beef is marinating, prepare the sauce by combining minced garlic, ginger, sliced red chillies, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl. Adjust the amount of chillies and sugar to suit your taste.
3. Coat the Beef: After marinating, coat the beef slices in cornstarch to create a crispy exterior. Shake off any excess cornstarch before frying.

Making the Sauce

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat some vegetable oil in a pan and sauté minced garlic, ginger, and sliced red chillies until fragrant.
2. Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour in the prepared sauce mixture and cook until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Cooking Process

1. Fry the Beef: Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (180°C). Fry the coated beef slices in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
2. Incorporate the Sauce: Once all the beef slices are fried, toss them in the prepared sauce until evenly coated. Garnish with sliced green onions for added freshness and color.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy chilli beef is best served hot and fresh. You can enjoy it as a standalone dish with steamed rice or noodles, or as part of a larger Chinese feast alongside other favorites like spring rolls or dumplings.

Health Considerations

While crispy chilli beef is undeniably delicious, it’s also important to enjoy it in moderation due to its high fat and calorie content. To make the dish slightly healthier, you can opt for leaner cuts of beef and use less oil during frying.

Tips and Tricks

• For extra crispy beef, ensure that the oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the sauce mixture to thicken it further.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer chillies, or by removing the seeds for a milder flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
   • Yes, you can substitute thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh for the beef if you prefer.
2. How do I store leftovers?
   • Store any leftover crispy chilli beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   • Yes, you can use tamari sauce or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make this recipe gluten-free.
4. Is crispy chilli beef spicy?
   • The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to your taste preferences. You can control the heat by adding more or fewer chillies and removing the seeds for a milder flavor.
5. Can I freeze crispy chilli beef?
   • While you can freeze the cooked beef, the texture may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal taste and texture.

Source: kitchensanctuary.com

Yield: 4

Mediterranean Pizza Recipe

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What comes to mind when you think of Mediterranean cuisine? Probably a colorful palette of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tantalizing flavors, right? Now, imagine all of that goodness on a pizza. That’s what Mediterranean Pizza is—a delightful blend of traditional pizza elements infused with the vibrant and healthy ingredients typical of Mediterranean cuisine.

Prep Time 45 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Total Time 57 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 DeLallo Pizza Dough Kit
• Water
• 2 tablespoons DeLallo Private Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil , divided
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2-3 tablespoons DeLallo Simply Pesto
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¾ cup DeLallo Artichoke Quarters , drained and sliced
• ¾ cup DeLallo Roasted Red Peppers , drained and chopped
• ¾ cup DeLallo Pitted Castelvetrano Olives
• 1 clove garlic , minced
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• red chile flakes
• flaky salt
• dried oregano
• 1 cup arugula

Instructions

• Prepare the pizza dough according to the kit directions. Add a drizzle of olive oil and honey if desired. Knead the dough for 2-3 minutes then place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and place in a spot away from drafts to rise until at least doubled in size, about 30 minutes to 1 hour. The dough can be refrigerated for up to 3 days where it will slowly rise.

• Preheat the pizza stone (if using) in the oven at 450°F. Bring the dough to room temperature then shape on a pizza peel or baking sheet. Spread the pesto over the dough leaving a ½ inch border for the crust. Sprinkle with 1 ½ cups of the mozzarella then top with the artichoke hearts, roasted bell pepper, olives, and sliced onions. Finish with the rest of the mozzarella, the minced garlic, and 1-2 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese.

• Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbling. Remove the pizza and sprinkle with red chile flakes, flaky salt, and dried oregano. Toss the arugula with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper and Parmesan cheese then slice and serve.