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To make Better Than Takeout Crispy Sweet Chili Beef, you'll need these key ingredients: - 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain - 1/4 cup cornstarch - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying) - 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) These ingredients create a crispy, sweet, and savory dish that will wow your taste buds. You can customize your dish with these optional ingredients: - Garlic powder for added flavor - Ginger, fresh or ground, for a spicy kick - Broccoli or bell peppers for extra veggies - Chopped cilantro for a fresh touch Feel free to mix and match based on what you like or have at home. If you run out of an ingredient, here are some easy swaps: - Use sirloin steak instead of flank steak for a different texture. - Instead of cornstarch, try potato starch for a gluten-free option. - Use low-sodium soy sauce if you're watching your salt intake. - Honey can be swapped with maple syrup for a vegan version. These substitutions keep your dish tasty while catering to your needs. Start by gathering your ingredients. You need cornstarch, flour, baking soda, salt, and pepper. In a mixing bowl, combine: - 1/4 cup cornstarch - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Mix these well until they blend. This mixture gives the beef its crispy outer layer. Next, slice 1 pound of flank steak thinly against the grain. This helps keep the meat tender. Dredge each slice in the coating mixture. Shake off any extra flour. In a large skillet, heat 1/2 cup of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the beef in batches. Avoid crowding the pan. Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beef and let it drain on paper towels. After frying the beef, lower the skillet heat. Add: - 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon honey Stir these together and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Once bubbling, add the crispy beef back to the skillet. Toss it well so every piece is coated in sauce. Cook for 1-2 more minutes until the beef caramelizes slightly. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Now, enjoy your homemade crispy sweet chili beef! To get that crispy crunch, start with dry meat. Pat the flank steak with paper towels. This step helps the coating stick better. Use a mix of cornstarch and flour. The cornstarch makes it crispier. Make sure to coat each slice well. Shake off any extra flour before frying. Fry the beef in hot oil. This helps it cook fast and stay crispy. Fry in small batches. Overcrowding the pan makes the beef steam instead of fry. For extra flavor, add garlic and ginger to the sauce. Sauté them briefly before adding the sweet chili sauce. You can also mix in a splash of lime juice. This adds a fresh taste. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha. Adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or brown sugar. Taste the sauce as you go. This way, you can make it just right for your palate. Timing is key for perfect beef. Cook each batch for about 3-4 minutes. Check for that golden brown color. When you add beef to the sauce, let it simmer for 1-2 minutes. This helps the flavors blend well. Keep an eye on it. You don’t want the beef to get soggy. Lastly, serve the dish right away. The beef stays crispy this way, making it taste better. {{image_2}} You can swap the flank steak for chicken or tofu. Chicken thighs work well, too. Just cut the chicken into thin strips. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then slice it. Follow the same coating and frying steps. You will get a crispy texture that everyone loves. To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, use plant-based proteins. Try tempeh or seitan as a beef alternative. Use the same coating and frying method. Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep it vegan. This way, you stay true to the flavors while keeping it meat-free. You can change the sauce to give new flavors. Try adding garlic or ginger for a zesty kick. For a spicy note, mix in some chili flakes or sriracha. You might also enjoy a teriyaki sauce or hoisin sauce for a sweeter taste. Experiment with these options to find your favorite mix. Each choice brings a new twist to the dish! You can store your crispy sweet chili beef in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It keeps well for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps keep the beef crispy longer. If you want to save some sauce, do it separately. This way, your beef stays crunchy when you reheat it. If you want to keep your dish longer, freezing is a good option. First, let the beef cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Try to remove as much air as possible. It can last for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. Avoid freezing with the sauce, as it can make the beef soggy. When ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use an oven or a skillet. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the beef on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. If you use a skillet, heat it on low. Add a splash of water or sauce to keep it moist. Stir often until it warms up. This helps keep that nice crispy texture! Yes, you can use other cuts of beef. Cuts like sirloin or ribeye work well. They also offer great flavor and tenderness. Just make sure to slice them thinly. This helps them cook evenly and stay tender. To add heat, try these tips: - Add red pepper flakes to the sauce. - Mix in some sriracha or chili paste. - Use a hot sweet chili sauce instead of regular. Start with a small amount and taste. You can always add more spice! This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed rice or fried rice. - A fresh vegetable stir-fry. - Crispy spring rolls or egg rolls. These sides balance the sweet and spicy flavors. They make your meal even more satisfying! This blog post covered all you need for tasty sweet chili beef. We talked about key ingredients, how to fry beef just right, and tips for perfect sauce. Plus, you learned about variations to fit your taste. Remember to store leftovers well and reheat them properly. In closing, don’t be afraid to try different flavors and ingredients. Cooking should be fun and creative. Enjoy your meals and make them your own.

Better Than Takeout Crispy Sweet Chili Beef

Craving takeout? Try this Better Than Takeout Crispy Sweet Chili Beef that's packed with flavor and easy to make! With tender flank steak coated in a crispy batter and tossed in a delicious sweet chili sauce, it's a dish your family will love. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for any night. Click to explore the step-by-step guide and bring this mouthwatering dish to your table today!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain

1/4 cup cornstarch

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

1/2 cup sweet chili sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a dry coating mixture.

    Dredge the thinly sliced flank steak in the coating mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.

      Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated beef slices in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.

        In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Stir to combine, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer.

          Once simmering, add the crispy beef back to the skillet, tossing to coat the beef evenly in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the beef is slightly caramelized with the sauce.

            Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4