Ingredients
Beef and Batter
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Sauce and Stir-fry
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1-2 red chilies, sliced (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain into strips to ensure tenderness and quick cooking.
- Make the batter: In a bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Add the egg and water and whisk until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Fry the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Dip each beef strip fully into the batter, then fry them in batches for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the sauce base: In a wok or large pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic, ginger, sliced onion, and bell pepper, and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
- Add sauces and simmer: Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili sauce, and sugar. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Toss beef in sauce: Add the crispy fried beef to the sauce in the wok. Toss thoroughly to coat the beef evenly, and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes to marry the flavors and warm through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced red chilies and chopped green onions. Serve immediately, ideally with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Slice the beef thinly and against the grain to keep it tender and easy to chew.
- You can adjust the amount of chili sauce and sliced chilies to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Use high heat for frying to keep the batter crispy and prevent sogginess.
- Drain the fried beef on paper towels to remove excess oil before adding to the sauce.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the contrast of crispy beef and saucy vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
