Best Recipes
If you’re craving something spicy, sweet, and irresistibly crunchy, Crispy Chilli Beef is the perfect dish for you. This popular Chinese-inspired recipe delivers the ideal balance of heat, tang, and texture thin strips of beef coated in a crisp batter and tossed in a sticky, flavorful chilli sauce.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy texture: Each bite has a perfect crunch.
- Bold flavors: A sweet and spicy glaze that wakes up your taste buds.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients, quick prep, and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for dinner: Serve with rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Beef:
- 400g (14 oz) sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 4 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- ½ tsp salt
- Oil for deep frying
For the Chilli Sauce:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red chilli, finely sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
For Garnish:
- Spring onions (green onions), chopped
- Sesame seeds
How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- In a bowl, mix the beef slices with soy sauce, vinegar, and salt.
- Toss in cornflour to evenly coat each piece. Set aside for 10 minutes.
Step 2: Fry the Beef
- Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Fry the beef in batches until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a clean wok or large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil.
- Add garlic, chilli, and onion; stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Add the crispy beef to the sauce and toss quickly to coat.
- Garnish with spring onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Chilli Beef
- Thin slices: Slice the beef as thin as possible for maximum crispiness.
- Double-fry method: For extra crunch, fry the beef twice — first to cook, second to crisp.
- Serve fresh: The beef is best enjoyed right after tossing in the sauce.
What to Serve With Crispy Chilli Beef
- Steamed jasmine rice or egg fried rice
- Stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or bok choy
- Noodles for a full Asian-style meal
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Sugars | 14 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness (avoid microwaving).
Final Thoughts
Crispy Chilli Beef is a restaurant-quality dish that you can easily make at home. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or when you want to impress your guests with bold, irresistible flavors. Try it once, and it might just become your favorite go-to Asian-inspired meal!