Chinese cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, harmonious balance of spices, and unique cooking techniques. One dish that embodies these qualities perfectly is Chinese Grilled Beef with Chili Sauce. It’s a flavorful and aromatic dish that pairs juicy, charred beef with a spicy, savory chili sauce, making it a favorite among spice lovers. In this blog, we'll delve into the ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking tips to help you recreate this classic dish at home.
Why Chinese Grilled Beef with Chili Sauce is So Special
This dish showcases the essence of Chinese barbecue, known for its bold marinades and perfectly grilled meat. The highlight is its fiery chili sauce, which complements the smoky flavors of the beef. The interplay of heat, umami, and tenderness makes this dish a standout at gatherings, barbecues, or even as a weeknight treat. It's also incredibly versatile and can be served with rice, noodles, or fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
To make Chinese Grilled Beef with Chili Sauce, you will need two components: the beef and the chili sauce. Here’s a list of the necessary ingredients:
For the Beef:
Beef cuts: 500g flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): 1 tablespoon
Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Ginger: 1 tablespoon, finely grated
Brown sugar: 1 tablespoon
Ground white pepper: ½ teaspoon
Chili flakes: 1 teaspoon (optional, for spice lovers)
For the Chili Sauce:
Dried red chilies: 6–8, soaked and finely chopped
Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
Ginger: 1 teaspoon, minced
Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons
Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon
Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
Hoisin sauce: 1 tablespoon
Sugar: 1 teaspoon
Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
Spring onions: 2, finely chopped (for garnish)
Cilantro: A handful, roughly chopped (for garnish)
Preparation Steps
Cooking Chinese Grilled Beef with Chili Sauce involves three main steps: marinating the beef, preparing the chili sauce, and grilling the beef.
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, white pepper, and chili flakes (if using). Whisk until well combined.
Marinate the beef: Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade. Ensure each piece is well-coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, 2–4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor absorption.
Step 2: Make the Chili Sauce
Heat the oil: In a small pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
Cook the aromatics: Add minced garlic, ginger, and chopped dried red chilies. Stir-fry for about 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
Combine the sauces: Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Stir well and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Adjust the taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or spiciness as desired. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Grill the Beef
Preheat the grill: Heat a charcoal grill, gas grill, or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the beef: Place the marinated beef slices on the grill in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side or until the beef develops a nice char. Avoid overcooking to retain the juiciness.
Rest the beef: Remove the beef from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Assembling and Serving
Arrange the grilled beef slices on a platter.
Generously drizzle the chili sauce over the beef or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
Garnish with finely chopped spring onions and cilantro for a fresh and vibrant touch.
Pair the dish with steamed rice, fried noodles, or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the spiciness.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results
Choose the right cut of beef: Flank steak or sirloin works best due to their tenderness and ability to absorb marinades.
Slice thinly: Cutting the beef into thin slices ensures even cooking and better absorption of flavors.
Don’t skip the marinade: The marinade is crucial for tenderizing the beef and infusing it with rich flavors.
Use high heat: A hot grill creates a beautiful char and enhances the smoky flavor.
Control the spice level: Adjust the number of dried chilies in the sauce to suit your heat tolerance.
Why This Dish is a Must-Try
Chinese Grilled Beef with Chili Sauce isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience. The aroma of the grilled beef, the bold flavors of the chili sauce, and the satisfying combination of textures make it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or simply want to try something new for dinner, this recipe will elevate your culinary repertoire.
Variations to Explore
Vegetarian version: Replace beef with tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian alternative.
Different proteins: Try chicken, pork, or shrimp with the same marinade and sauce for variety.
Milder sauce: Use fewer chilies or replace them with bell peppers for a milder version of the chili sauce.
Conclusion
Chinese Grilled Beef with Chili Sauce is a dish that brings together bold flavors, aromatic spices, and the smoky goodness of grilled meat. With its easy-to-follow recipe and versatile ingredients, you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or looking to explore Chinese barbecue, this recipe is sure to impress.
So, fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds. Bon appétit!
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