If you love bold flavors and crave a dish that offers both irresistible crispness and savory depth, this Crispy Fried Garlic Beef Recipe will quickly become your new go-to. Tender slices of beef get coated in a perfectly seasoned cornstarch crust and fried to a glorious golden crunch, then tossed in a luscious sauce infused with fragrant garlic, soy, and a hint of sweetness. Every bite bursts with a delightful contrast of textures and rich umami taste, making it a beloved Asian-inspired dish that’s simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough to serve to guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this recipe shows that simple essentials can pack a powerful punch of flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role, from the crispy beef to the aromatic garlic and the tangy, slightly sweet sauce.
- Flank steak or sirloin (1 pound): Thinly sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness and easy crisping.
- Cornstarch (¼ cup): Creates that perfect crispy coating that seals in juiciness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Basic but essential seasonings to enhance the beef’s natural flavor.
- Vegetable oil (½ cup): For frying the beef to a crispy finish without overpowering the flavor.
- Garlic cloves (6, thinly sliced): The star aromatic that fries up crisp and golden, adding irresistible aroma and texture.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds savory umami depth and a touch of saltiness.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a rich, slightly sweet marine flavor that elevates the dish.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds bright acidity to balance the rich and salty notes.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Offers gentle sweetness that rounds out the sauce perfectly.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Imparts a fragrant nuttiness that makes every bite sing.
- Chili flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): For those who like a little heat to cut through the richness.
- Green onions (2, sliced): Add fresh crunch and a mild onion flavor for contrast.
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional): Provide an extra nutty crunch and beautiful garnish.
How to Make Crispy Fried Garlic Beef Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by slicing your flank steak or sirloin thinly against the grain; this step is crucial for tenderness. Toss the beef slices in cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until every piece is lightly coated. Letting it sit for 10 to 15 minutes helps the coating adhere better, setting you up for that perfect crispy texture later.
Step 2: Fry the Beef to Crispy Perfection
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Working in manageable batches, fry the beef slices for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and develop that signature crunch. As each batch finishes, transfer the beef to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil—this keeps the crispiness intact.
Step 3: Crisp the Garlic
Carefully pour out most of the oil from the pan, leaving about a tablespoon behind. Add your thinly sliced garlic and sauté it for about 1 to 2 minutes until it’s beautifully golden and crisp but not burnt. Use a slotted spoon to remove the garlic and set it aside—these crunchy pieces are going to add an amazing texture boost at the end.
Step 4: Make the Flavorful Sauce and Combine
In the same pan, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and chili flakes if you’re going for a little kick. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then toss the crispy beef back into the pan to coat it thoroughly in the sauce. Let it cook for just a minute more so the sauce slightly thickens and clings lovingly to each piece of beef.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the crispy fried garlic, sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds over the top. These final touches add layers of crunch, freshness, and nutty aroma that elevate the dish to irresistible levels. Serve it piping hot over fluffy rice or comforting noodles for a complete meal.
How to Serve Crispy Fried Garlic Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Because presentation and texture matter, topping the dish with fresh green onions and crunchy toasted sesame seeds adds a pop of color and subtle flavor contrast. The crispy fried garlic slices sprinkled on top provide bursts of crunch and aromatic intensity with every bite, making the dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Fried Garlic Beef Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or even a bed of fragrant fried rice for a satisfying meal. Lightly stir-fried vegetables such as bok choy, snap peas, or baby corn make refreshing, healthy sides that complement the richness of the beef perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the beef in lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld bite that balances crispy meat with crisp greens. Alternatively, pile it on warm noodles tossed with sesame oil and scallions for a noodle bowl that’s hearty and flavorful. This versatility ensures you can switch things up without losing that sensational savory crunch you came for.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. The Crispy Fried Garlic Beef Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, though the crispiness will soften over time. To maintain the best texture, store the beef separately from any fresh garnishes or sauces.
Freezing
Want to save this deliciousness for later? Freeze cooked beef in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool the dish completely before freezing to prevent condensation and sogginess when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to revive some of the crisp texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that tends to make the beef soggy. Toss on fresh green onions or sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds just before serving to brighten the flavors again.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin work best due to their tenderness and ideal texture when thinly sliced, you can use skirt steak or even ribeye if you prefer more marbling. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari sauce and double-check your oyster sauce or replace it with a gluten-free alternative. The recipe remains just as delicious with these easy adjustments.
Can I bake or air-fry the beef instead of frying?
Definitely. For a lighter version, air-fry the beef slices at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking halfway through. Baking at a high temperature on a wire rack also works but may require longer cooking times to get crisp.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute with hoisin sauce for a slightly sweeter flavor or a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of mushroom sauce. These swaps still provide that rich umami background the recipe calls for.
How spicy is this dish, and can I adjust the heat?
The recipe includes optional chili flakes allowing you to control the spiciness. Feel free to omit them entirely for a mild flavor or increase the amount if you love heat. Adding fresh sliced chili or a dash of chili oil also works great for customizing spice levels.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Crispy Fried Garlic Beef Recipe will bring something truly special to your dining table. It’s a beautiful balance of crispy textures, bold garlicky aroma, and rich, savory sauce that hits all the right notes. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress friends, this recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite in your cooking repertoire. Happy frying and even happier eating!
Print
Crispy Fried Garlic Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
Crispy Fried Garlic Beef is a flavorful Asian-inspired stir-fry dish featuring thinly sliced beef coated in cornstarch and pan-fried to a crispy perfection, then tossed in a savory sauce made from soy, oyster sauce, and aromatic garlic. This dish delivers a delightful crunch of golden garlic paired with tender, saucy beef, perfect served over rice or noodles for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Beef and Coating
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Frying and Sauce
- ½ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Coat the Beef: In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until all pieces are evenly coated. Let the beef rest for 10 to 15 minutes to help the coating adhere properly.
- Fry the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the beef slices in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked beef to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Cook the Garlic: Carefully discard most of the oil from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the thinly sliced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until golden and crisp. Remove the garlic with a slotted spoon and set aside to prevent burning.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and chili flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Combine and Coat: Return the crispy beef to the pan and toss quickly to coat it thoroughly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1 minute allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the beef.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Top the beef with the crispy garlic slices, sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Slice the beef very thinly and fry in small batches to ensure each piece becomes crispy.
- To make this dish lighter, you can air-fry the beef at 400°F for 10–12 minutes instead of pan-frying.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the chili flakes from the sauce.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or your favorite noodles.
- Using vegetable oil with a high smoke point is recommended for frying to avoid burning.
