This Crispy Chili Beef Rice Bowl is a delightful mix of tender beef coated in a crispy layer, topped with a tasty chili sauce. Served over fluffy rice, it’s a real treat!
I love how this dish combines crunch and spice in every bite. Plus, it’s easy to whip up when I’m craving something quick and delicious. Who doesn’t love a good rice bowl? 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using sirloin or flank steak for the best texture. You can also try chicken, tofu, or tempeh if you prefer a lighter option or have dietary restrictions.
Cornstarch: This is key for that crispy coating! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use rice flour or potato starch as substitutes.
Chili Sauce: I like using Sriracha for a nice balance of spice and flavor. You can adjust the heat by using less or choosing a milder brand of chili garlic sauce if you’re sensitive to spiciness.
Vegetable Oil: Canola oil or peanut oil works well for frying. If you want a healthier option, try using an air fryer for the beef instead of deep frying.
How Do You Achieve Crispy Beef Every Time?
To get that perfect crispy texture, start with dry beef. Pat it down with paper towels before coating. Dipping in egg followed by cornstarch creates a nice barrier that crisps up beautifully when fried!
- Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the beef; test with a small piece to see if it bubbles immediately.
- Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than frying.
- Let the beef rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil; this keeps it crunchy!
Crispy Chili Beef Rice Bowl
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Rice Bowl:
- 3 cups cooked jasmine or white rice
- 1 cup broccoli florets (optional, for serving)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the Chili Sauce:
- 3 tbsp chili garlic sauce (such as Sriracha or Sambal Oelek)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and cook, with a little extra time for the rice if not already cooked. It’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
Start by patting the sliced beef dry with paper towels—this helps it get crispy! Dip each piece into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off. Then, coat the beef in cornstarch, making sure to shake off any extra. This keeps our crispy coating just right!
2. Fry the Beef:
Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a small piece of beef in; it should sizzle!), fry the beef slices in batches. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden and crispy. After frying, remove the beef and let it drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
3. Make the Chili Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the chili garlic sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water. Stir this mixture well! In a separate small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in a little water. Now, heat the sauce mixture in a small saucepan over medium heat until it’s simmering. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, which will take about 1-2 minutes. Then, remove it from the heat.
4. Prepare Optional Broccoli:
If you’re using broccoli, steam or blanch it until it’s tender-crisp. This adds a nice color and crunch to your dish!
5. Assemble the Bowl:
Place a serving of cooked rice in each bowl. Top it with the bright green broccoli (if you’re using it) and pile on the crispy chili beef.
6. Drizzle Sauce:
Generously spoon that delicious chili sauce all over the beef for a big flavor boost!
7. Garnish:
Finally, sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the top for a fresh finish. These really add nice flavor and a little crunch.
8. Serve Immediately:
Enjoy your warm and sizzling Crispy Chili Beef Rice Bowl right away! It’s sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Crispy Chili Beef Rice Bowl
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While beef sirloin or flank steak are ideal, you can use chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose!
How Can I Make this Recipe Spicier?
If you’re a spice lover, consider adding some red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chilies to the chili sauce. You can also increase the amount of chili garlic sauce to really amp up the heat!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm everything together in a skillet over medium heat. You may want to add a splash of water to the skillet to loosen the sauce.
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
You can prep the beef and the chili sauce a day ahead! Just make sure to keep them stored separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply fry the beef and reheat the sauce before serving over fresh rice.