Crispy Shredded Beef

Crispy shredded beef is a popular Chinese dish known for its tender strips of beef coated in a crispy batter and tossed in a flavorful sauce. This recipe combines the richness of deep-fried beef with the freshness of vegetables and a tangy sauce, resulting in a delicious and satisfying dish.

The beef is thinly sliced and coated in a simple batter made from eggs, salt, and flour. It is then deep-fried until golden and crispy, creating a delightful texture contrast. The carrots are also briefly fried to add a hint of sweetness and crunch to the dish.

The sauce, made from a combination of spring onions, garlic, red chillies, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and beef stock, brings a balance of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. A touch of cornflour is added to thicken the sauce and coat the beef, ensuring that every bite is coated in a delicious glaze.

Crispy shredded beef is typically served immediately after tossing the beef in the sauce, allowing it to maintain its crispiness. It pairs well with steamed rice or noodles and can be garnished with additional spring onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons plain flour
• 350g/12oz beef rump steak, cut into thin strips
• Vegetable oil for deep-frying
• 2 carrots, finely shredded
• 2 spring onions, thinly shredded
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 3 small fresh red chillies, seeded and thinly sliced
• 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons beef stock
• 1 teaspoon cornflour

PREPARATIONS:

1. In a bowl, beat the eggs with salt and flour until well combined. Add a little water if necessary to create a batter consistency.
2. Add the beef strips to the batter and mix until the beef is evenly coated.
3. Heat a wok over high heat and add vegetable oil for deep-frying. Once the oil is hot and smoking, add the beef and deep-fry for about 5 minutes, stirring to separate the strips. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper to remove excess oil.
4. In the same wok, deep-fry the shredded carrots for about 1-1 1/2 minutes, then remove and drain on kitchen paper.
5. Pour off the excess oil, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the wok. Add the spring onions, garlic, chillies, and deep-fried carrots to the wok and stir-fry for 1 minute.
6. Add the granulated sugar, rice vinegar, light soy sauce, and beef stock to the wok. Bring the mixture to a boil.
7. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornflour in a little water to create a slurry. Stir the cornflour slurry into the sauce in the wok and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
8. Return the deep-fried beef to the wok and stir until the beef is well coated with the sauce.
9. Serve the crispy shredded beef immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

YIELD: Serves 4

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• Be cautious when deep-frying to avoid oil splatters. Use a deep-fry thermometer or test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil – it should sizzle and float to the surface.
• Ensure the beef is thinly sliced for quick and even frying.
• Use caution when handling red chillies, as they can cause skin irritation. Consider wearing gloves or washing hands thoroughly after handling.

TIPS:

• For added flavor, marinate the beef strips in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before coating with the batter.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer red chillies, or even omitting them if desired.
• Customize the dish by adding additional vegetables such as bell peppers or sliced onions during the stir-frying step.
• Garnish the dish with sesame seeds or chopped spring onions for added flavor and presentation.

Crispy shredded beef is a delicious and satisfying Chinese dish that combines the textures of crispy deep-fried beef and crunchy vegetables with a tangy and flavorful sauce. The thinly sliced beef is coated in a simple batter, deep-fried until golden and crispy, and then tossed in a sauce made from spring onions, garlic, red chillies, sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and beef stock.

The result is a dish that is both visually appealing and bursting with flavors. The crispy texture of the beef, the sweetness of the carrots, and the tanginess of the sauce create a perfect balance of taste and texture. It is a dish that can be enjoyed as a main course served with steamed rice or noodles.

By following the recipe and using fresh ingredients, you can recreate this restaurant-style dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply satisfy your cravings, crispy shredded beef is sure to be a hit.