Shredded crispy beef with chili is a favorite Chinese take-out dish. TNS

Chinese takeout can be a lifesaver on busy weeknights. But if you’ve got a few minutes to spare, you can make many of those favourites at home.

This crispy beef stir-fry comes together in minutes. It only requires shallow frying and you can easily find the ingredients in a grocery store. Substitute tamari for the soy sauce and it’s also gluten-free. Add a cup of steamed broccoli florets for texture and colour.

I used sirloin steak, but you could easily substitute flank or skirt steak. Whatever you choose, be sure to slice it very thinly against the grain in bite-sized pieces, so it cooks quickly and remains tender.

SHREDDED CRISPY BEEF WITH CHILI

1 cup cornstarch

2 eggs

1 pound sirloin steak, sliced into strips

Peanut oil, for frying

Thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped

4 garlic cloves, crushed

1 carrot, cut into matchsticks

1/2 onion, cut into strips

3 tablespoons soy sauce

4 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon granulated sugar

2 tablespoons honey

2 spring onions, finely sliced

1 tablespoon red chili flakes

Hot sauce like Tabasco or Sriracha, to taste

1/2 tablespoon sesame oil

1 jalapeno, sliced very thin, to serve

2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Tip cornstarch into large bowl and beat eggs in another. Add beef strips to eggs and mix thoroughly, then transfer to cornstarch, coating each piece and shaking off excess.

Heat enough oil to deep-fry beef in wok to 350 degrees. Carefully drop beef slices into oil in batches and fry for 2-3 minutes, until crispy. Remove and drain on wire rack or plate lined with paper towels.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a nonstick wok, add ginger and garlic and fry for 20 seconds. Add carrot and onion and continue frying for 1 more minute.

Add soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, honey, spring onions and chili flakes. Add a dash or two of hot sauce, if using. Bring to a boil. Add crispy beef and stir to coat evenly.

Take off heat and stir in sesame oil. Serve alongside or on top of jasmine rice, with jalapeno and sesame seeds scattered on top.

Tribune News Service