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.
