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Craving Chinese takeout but want to skip the delivery fee (and the guilt)? Try making this Honey Chilli Beef Fakeaway at home! This delicious dish is packed with crispy, tender strips of beef coated in a sweet, sticky honey sauce with a touch of heat. It’s the perfect balance of flavors—sweet, savory, and spicy—and can easily rival your favorite takeout!
Not only is this homemade version healthier and fresher, but it also allows you to control the level of spice, sweetness, and how crispy you want the beef to be. Let’s dive into how to make this mouthwatering dish in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 500g (1 lb) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips (against the grain)
- 1/4 cup cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough to coat the pan)
For the Honey Chilli Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or chili paste for a spicier kick)
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (for thickening)
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1-2 spring onions (scallions), chopped
- Red chili slices (optional for extra heat)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef:
- Slice the beef into thin strips, cutting against the grain. This ensures the beef remains tender after cooking.
- Pat the beef strips dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps to get the crispy coating.
- In a bowl, combine the cornflour (cornstarch), all-purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Toss the beef strips in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Shake off any excess flour.
2. Fry the Beef:
- Heat about 2-3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
- Working in batches, add the beef strips to the pan, frying them until golden and crispy—about 2-3 minutes per batch. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the beef to steam rather than crisp up.
- Once crispy, remove the beef from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
3. Make the Honey Chilli Sauce:
- In a separate pan, add a little vegetable oil and sauté the garlic and ginger for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha (or chili paste), water, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Mix the cornstarch with the cold water to make a slurry, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Taste the sauce and adjust for sweetness or spiciness, adding more honey or sriracha as needed.
4. Toss the Beef in the Sauce:
- Once the sauce has thickened, add the crispy beef strips to the pan with the sauce. Toss the beef in the sauce until it’s evenly coated, ensuring each piece is nicely glazed with that sticky, honey-chilli goodness.
- If you like it extra saucy, feel free to add a splash more water or soy sauce to the pan and toss again.
5. Serve:
- Transfer the honey chilli beef to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds, chopped spring onions, and sliced red chili for an extra punch of flavor and color.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or vegetables for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Chilli Beef Fakeaway:
1. Sweet, Savory, and Spicy:
The sauce perfectly balances sweet honey, spicy sriracha, and a touch of ginger and garlic—creating a flavor profile that’s irresistible and addictively delicious.
2. Crispy Beef:
The coating on the beef is light yet crispy, giving it that perfect texture. The key to success is the combination of cornflour and baking powder, which makes the beef extra crispy without being heavy.
3. Customizable Spice Level:
You can adjust the heat in the sauce by adding more or less sriracha (or chili paste). If you prefer a milder dish, use less chili or skip it altogether.
4. Homemade and Healthier:
Making this dish at home means you can control the ingredients. You can reduce the amount of sugar or opt for a healthier sweetener if desired. Plus, you get to avoid the excess oil or MSG that might come with takeout.
5. Quick and Easy:
This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes—making it an ideal weeknight dinner or even a fun homemade fakeaway for a weekend treat.
Tips for the Perfect Honey Chilli Beef Fakeaway:
1. Use Thinly Sliced Beef:
For the best texture, use thinly sliced beef (such as flank steak or sirloin). This allows the beef to cook quickly and stay tender while maintaining a crispy exterior.
2. Double Coat the Beef for Extra Crunch:
For an extra crispy texture, you can dip the beef in the flour mixture twice—first, coat the beef, then dip it back in the flour and fry. This creates a thicker, crunchier coating.
3. Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste:
Don’t be afraid to tweak the sauce. If you prefer it sweeter, add more honey; if you like it spicier, increase the sriracha or add some fresh chopped chilies.
4. Add Vegetables for Extra Color and Texture:
You can add some stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas to the dish for added color and nutrition. Toss them in with the beef after coating it in the sauce for a complete meal.
5. Serve Immediately:
This dish is best served fresh, as the crispy beef can lose its crunch if left sitting too long. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, you can store the beef and sauce separately and reheat them just before serving.
Conclusion:
Honey Chilli Beef Fakeaway is a fantastic way to enjoy the bold, addictive flavors of Chinese takeout right in your own kitchen. The crispy beef, the sweet-spicy sauce, and the quick prep time make this a winner for any weeknight meal or weekend feast. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious, restaurant-worthy dish that will impress your family and friends.
Whether you’re serving it over rice, noodles, or veggies, this honey chilli beef is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for a flavorful, crispy, and comforting dish.
Enjoy your homemade Honey Chilli Beef Fakeaway! 🍯🌶️🐄
