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Crispy Beef with Sweet and Sticky Sauce

crispy beef with sweet and sticky sauce - featured image

A quick and easy recipe featuring perfectly fried beef coated in a glossy, sweet, and sticky sauce. The beef stays tender inside with a crispy exterior, making it perfect for busy weeknights or dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch (for coating)
  • 1 large egg (for dredging)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying (about 2-3 cups)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (to thicken)
  • Chopped green onions or sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Slice the beef thinly against the grain, about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Beat the egg in a bowl. Place cornstarch in another bowl. Dip each beef slice into the egg, then coat thoroughly with cornstarch.
  3. Heat 2-3 cups (480-720 ml) of oil in a large frying pan or wok to 350°F (175°C).
  4. Fry the beef in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels or a wire rack. Keep warm if needed.
  5. In a separate pan, combine soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, ketchup, and chili flakes if using. Bring to a low simmer over medium heat.
  6. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency.
  7. Add the crispy beef to the sauce and toss gently to coat evenly.
  8. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Notes

Keep the oil hot enough to get a crisp crust but not so hot that the beef burns. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature and crispiness. Simmer the sauce gently to prevent burning the sugar. Toss beef in sauce just before serving to keep it crispy. Leftovers can be re-crisped under a broiler or in a hot pan.

Nutrition

Keywords: crispy beef, sweet and sticky sauce, quick dinner, fried beef, easy recipe, Asian beef recipe