Chinese cuisine has long been a favorite among food enthusiasts, and one dish that stands out for its unique texture and flavor is Chinese crispy beef. This dish, known for its crispy exterior and tender interior, is a staple in many Chinese restaurants. In Virginia Beach, several establishments offer their own take on this beloved dish. This article delves into the various places where you can enjoy Chinese crispy beef in Virginia Beach, the history and variations of the dish, and how you can even make it at home.
The History and Variations of Chinese Crispy Beef
Chinese crispy beef, also known as crispy chili beef in the UK, ginger beef in Canada, and sometimes referred to as Beijing beef in American-Chinese cuisine, has an interesting history. The dish is believed to have originated from a Sichuan dish known as Dry-Fried Shredded Beef (干煸牛肉丝, gan bian niu rou si), which itself was inspired by a fried rice-paddy eel dish. The traditional Sichuan version involves dry-frying beef strips until they are slightly crisp and chewy, then adding spices and flavorings to create a dry, spicy taste.
In the West, the dish has evolved into a sweet and sticky version, often deep-fried and coated in a tangy sauce. This adaptation likely emerged during the 1970s and 1980s in high-end British- and American-Chinese restaurants. The dish became popular in places like Mr. Chow, Shun Lee Palace, and Hwa Yuan in New York, and has since become a staple in Chinese takeout menus across the Western world.
Chinese Crispy Beef in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach boasts a variety of Chinese restaurants, each offering its own version of crispy beef. Here are some notable establishments where you can savor this dish:
1. Peter Chang
Located at 3364 Princess Anne Rd, Peter Chang is a popular spot in Virginia Beach known for its authentic Chinese cuisine. With a rating of 4.4 and 741 reviews, this restaurant offers a delightful dining experience. The crispy beef here is a must-try, featuring a perfect balance of crispiness and flavor.
2. P.F. Chang’s
P.F. Chang’s, situated at 4551 Virginia Beach Blvd, is a well-known chain that offers a variety of Asian-inspired dishes. With a rating of 4.4 and 2787 reviews, it is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Their version of crispy beef, often referred to as Mongolian beef, is a popular choice, known for its sweet and savory sauce.
3. Hong Kong Restaurant
For those seeking a more traditional Chinese dining experience, Hong Kong Restaurant at 277 N Lynnhaven Rd #104 is an excellent choice. With a rating of 4.6 and 312 reviews, this restaurant is praised for its authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients. Their crispy beef is a standout dish, offering a perfect blend of texture and taste.
4. Forbidden Palace Chinese Bar & Bistro
Forbidden Palace, located at 3333 Virginia Beach Blvd #34, is another top-rated restaurant with a rating of 4.5 and 490 reviews. This bistro offers a modern twist on traditional Chinese dishes, and their crispy beef is no exception. The dish is known for its crispy exterior and flavorful sauce, making it a favorite among patrons.
5. Jade Villa Chinese Restaurant
Jade Villa, situated at 353 Independence Blvd, is a well-loved Chinese restaurant with a rating of 4.3 and 899 reviews. Their crispy beef is a popular menu item, known for its tender beef strips and delicious sauce. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor makes it a go-to spot for Chinese cuisine in Virginia Beach.
6. The Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace, located at 4878 Princess Anne Rd, offers a refined dining experience with a rating of 4.5 and 601 reviews. Their crispy beef is a highlight of the menu, featuring perfectly fried beef strips coated in a sweet and tangy sauce. The restaurant’s elegant ambiance and excellent service add to the overall dining experience.
7. Number 1 Chinese Restaurant
For a more casual dining option, Number 1 Chinese Restaurant at 4316 Holland Rd is a great choice. With a rating of 4.4 and 323 reviews, this restaurant offers a variety of Chinese dishes at affordable prices. Their crispy beef is a customer favorite, known for its crispy texture and flavorful sauce.
Making Chinese Crispy Beef at Home
If you’re inspired to try making Chinese crispy beef at home, there are several recipes available that can guide you through the process. Here are a few notable recipes:
1. Beyond Kimchee’s 30-Minute Chinese Crispy Beef
This recipe from Beyond Kimchee offers a quick and easy way to make crispy beef at home. The beef is sliced into strips, marinated with soy sauce and cornstarch, and then double-fried for extra crispiness. The sauce, made with soy sauce, honey, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and cornstarch, adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.
2. The Curry Guy’s Chinese Crispy Beef
The Curry Guy’s recipe emphasizes the importance of slicing the beef against the grain to ensure tenderness. The beef is marinated with cornflour and then fried until crispy. The sauce, made with soy sauce, honey, and chili, is added to the beef for a deliciously sweet and spicy flavor.
3. Nicky’s Kitchen Sanctuary’s Crispy Chilli Beef
Nicky’s Kitchen Sanctuary offers a recipe that uses thin-cut sirloin steaks, coated in egg and cornflour, and then shallow-fried for a crispy texture. The sauce, made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, tomato puree, and sweet chili sauce, adds a tangy and spicy kick to the dish.
4. Table for Two’s Crispy Beef
This recipe from Table for Two features beef strips tossed in soy sauce and cornstarch, then frozen before frying to achieve a crispy texture. The sauce, made with orange juice, molasses, rice vinegar, sesame oil, jalapeño slices, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes, adds a citrusy and spicy flavor to the beef.
5. Khin’s Kitchen’s Crispy Shredded Beef
Khin’s Kitchen offers a versatile recipe that can be adapted to your taste preferences. The beef is marinated with soy sauce, ginger garlic paste, and sesame oil, then coated in cornflour and fried until crispy. The sauce, made with soy sauce, honey, and lemon juice, adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.
Conclusion
Chinese crispy beef is a beloved dish that has found its way into the hearts of many food enthusiasts. In Virginia Beach, several restaurants offer their own unique take on this dish, each providing a delightful dining experience. Whether you prefer the traditional flavors of Hong Kong Restaurant or the modern twist at Forbidden Palace, there is no shortage of options to satisfy your craving for crispy beef.
For those who enjoy cooking at home, there are numerous recipes available that can help you recreate this dish in your own kitchen. From Beyond Kimchee’s quick and easy recipe to Khin’s Kitchen’s versatile version, you can find a recipe that suits your taste and cooking style.
So, whether you’re dining out or cooking at home, Chinese crispy beef is a dish that promises to deliver a delicious and satisfying experience. Enjoy exploring the flavors and textures of this beloved dish in Virginia Beach and beyond.