Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe smell of sizzling beef fills the kitchen as I prep for a delightful dinner. If you’re craving the vibrant tastes of takeout but want a healthier homemade option, then look no further than my Crispy Chilli Beef recipe. This dish will not only satisfy your hunger but also offer a quick and easy way to spice up your weeknight meals without the guilt of deep frying. The combination of tender, crunchy beef and a sweet and spicy sauce is enough to make anyone forget about takeout. Plus, it’s a fantastic crowd-pleaser sure to impress family and friends alike. Ready to dive into this flavorful adventure and create a dazzling dinner on your own? Let’s get cooking! Why is Crispy Chilli Beef a must-try? Delightfully Flavorful: This recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, elevating your taste buds with every bite. Healthier Alternative: Enjoy the crispy goodness without the guilt, as it avoids deep frying while still being incredibly satisfying. Quick and Easy: With simple steps, you can whip up this delicious meal in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Crowd Favorite: Whether it’s a family dinner or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors. Endless Variations: Feel free to personalize your creation by trying different cuts of beef or adding colorful veggies for an extra crunch! Looking for more beef ideas? Check out my Beef Pasta Protein or Ground Beef Enchiladas for more delicious options! Crispy Chilli Beef Ingredients For the Beef • Thin-cut Sirloin Steak – This is your main protein; feel free to use ribeye, flank, or skirt steak for varied textures. • Egg – Helps bind the cornflour to the beef, ensuring a delightful crunch. • Cornflour (Cornstarch) – Crucial for a crunchy exterior; it provides the perfect texture without needing to deep fry. For Seasoning • Salt – Enhances overall flavor; adjust to your taste preference. • Black Pepper – Adds a mild heat to balance the dish. • White Pepper – Contributes subtle warmth; it’s a classic in Asian cuisine. For Cooking • Sunflower Oil – Ideal for frying; other neutral oils can be substituted. For the Sauce • Onion – Adds sweetness and texture; shallots can also work well. • Red Chili – Gives that necessary heat; discard seeds for a milder taste if desired. • Minced Ginger & Garlic – Essential for depth and aroma; fresh is always best! • Rice Vinegar – Adds a tangy kick; apple cider vinegar can substitute with a similar profile. • Dark Soy Sauce – Provides richness and color; regular soy sauce works but may change the dish’s hue. • Tomato Puree (or Paste) – Thickens and enriches the sauce, deepening the flavor. • Caster Sugar – Adds just the right sweetness; granulated sugar will work but may alter texture. • Tomato Ketchup & Sweet Chili Sauce – Layer complexity in flavors; adjust to your sweetness preference. Dive into the delightful adventure of making this Crispy Chilli Beef dish that beautifully balances health and flavor! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Chilli Beef Step 1: Prepare the Beef Begin by slicing the thin-cut sirloin steak into strips, then place them in a bowl. Add an egg, cornflour, salt, black pepper, and white pepper, mixing well until each piece is coated. Let the beef marinate for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the coating to adhere. Step 2: Cook the Beef Heat a generous amount of sunflower oil in a frying pan over high heat until shimmering, around 180°C (350°F). Carefully add the marinated beef strips in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 5–6 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy, then transfer them to a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain excess oil. Step 3: Sauté Aromatics In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining oil if necessary. Sauté the sliced onion for approximately 2 minutes until it starts to soften. Then, add the chopped red chili, minced ginger, and garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Step 4: Make the Sauce Pour in the rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, tomato puree, caster sugar, ketchup, and sweet chili sauce. Stir the mixture well to combine and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow the sauce to cook for 2–3 minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens, creating a rich and flavorful base for your Crispy Chilli Beef. Step 5: Combine and Serve Toss the previously fried beef strips into the sauce, making sure they are well coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the beef to heat through and absorb the sauce flavors. Serve your delectable Crispy Chilli Beef immediately over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or alongside stir-fried noodles for an ultra satisfying meal. Crispy Chilli Beef Variations Feel free to put your culinary twist on this recipe and personalize it to your taste! Different Cuts: Swap sirloin for ribeye for a richer flavor or flank steak for a leaner touch. Each cut brings its own delightful texture! Vegetable Medley: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or even zucchini for a colorful and nutrient-packed stir-fry. Not only do they enhance the dish visually, but they also provide a satisfying crunch! Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness by choosing milder red chilies or even bell peppers if you’re looking for a family-friendly version. Discarding the seeds is a great way to control the heat! Dairy-Free Delight: For a dairy-free meal, simply skip any dairy-based sauces or toppings. This dish naturally fits within a dairy-free lifestyle without sacrificing flavor! Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce to maintain the dish’s original taste while accommodating gluten sensitivities. It’s a simple swap that ensures everyone can enjoy! Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of caster sugar or sweet chili sauce to suit your palate. Your taste buds will thank you for the extra indulgence! Umami Burst: Experiment with adding a splash of oyster sauce or hoisin sauce to the mix for an even richer umami flavor. This will take your Crispy Chilli Beef to the next level of deliciousness! Rice Variety: Serve with jasmine rice for classic appeal, or try it with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Cauliflower rice gives a fresh twist while soaking up all that tasty sauce! With these variations, you can keep your dinners exciting while treating your family to the comforting flavors of homemade dishes. If you’re in the mood for different preparations, consider my delicious Thai Basil Beef or hearty Crispy Potato Wedges as delightful side choices! Make Ahead Options These Crispy Chilli Beef bites are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the thin-cut sirloin steak, coating it with egg, cornflour, and seasonings, up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate to let the flavors meld. In addition, you can prepare the sauce (without heating) and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To finish, simply fry the beef and sauté the aromatics. Then, mix in the pre-prepared sauce for a quick assembly. This way, you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal ready with minimal effort on busy weeknights! What to Serve with Crispy Chilli Beef Elevate your dinner experience by pairing this vibrant dish with sides that truly shine and complement the comforting flavors. Steamed Jasmine Rice: The light and fragrant rice perfectly balances the bold and spicy flavors of the beef, providing a soothing base. Serve this fluffy delight alongside to soak up every last bit of sauce. Stir-fried Noodles: A delightful option that adds a chewy texture and slightly sweet notes, stir-fried noodles can be tossed with vegetables for extra crunch. They bring a satisfying heartiness to your plate. Crispy Fried Rice: Give your rice a twist by adding peas, carrots, and eggs. The added texture and flavor make crispy fried rice a beloved side, complementing the beef’s sweetness and heat with every bite. Garlicky Bok Choy: The subtle bitterness of sautéed bok choy enhances the richness of the sauce, while garlic infuses a pleasant aroma, creating a harmonious blend. It’s a light and wonderful green that brightens the meal. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side with thinly sliced cucumbers, a splash of rice vinegar, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds contrasts the dish’s hearty texture while balancing the spice levels with its coolness. Chilled Asian Beer: For your beverage, a crisp lager or a light Asian beer acts as a terrific palate cleanser. It not only hydrates but complements the dish’s flavors beautifully, making every sip enjoyable. Storage Tips for Crispy Chilli Beef Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the flavor and texture of the Crispy Chilli Beef. Freezer: If you need to freeze, ensure the beef is cooled, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Reheating: Reheat your Crispy Chilli Beef in a pan over medium heat to keep it crispy. Adding a splash of water and covering with a lid can help steam any tough spots. Avoiding Sogginess: If storing for longer than a day, pack the beef separately from the sauce to prevent sogginess when reheating. Expert Tips for Crispy Chilli Beef Batch Frying: Fry the beef in small batches to prevent overcrowding, which ensures each piece becomes perfectly crispy without steaming. Temperature Check: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the beef. A good test is to drop in a small piece; it should sizzle right away for the best crispy results. Chili Control: Adjust the heat based on your preference by varying the type and amount of red chili you use; discard seeds for a milder flavor. Coating Consistency: Ensure the beef strips are evenly coated in the egg and cornflour mixture, which is crucial for achieving that delightful crunch. Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer and reduce until it thickens slightly; this enhances the flavor and creates a delicious glaze for your Crispy Chilli Beef. Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe FAQs What type of beef is best for Crispy Chilli Beef? Absolutely! Thin-cut sirloin steak is ideal for this dish due to its tenderness. You can also use ribeye for a richer flavor, flank for a leaner option, or skirt steak for a slightly different texture. Each cut will provide its own unique flavor profile that can elevate your Crispy Chilli Beef experience. How should I store leftover Crispy Chilli Beef? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps retain the flavor while keeping the beef tender. When reheating, I recommend using a pan over medium heat to preserve the crispiness, making your leftovers just as delightful as the first serving! Can I freeze Crispy Chilli Beef? Yes, you can! To freeze, allow the beef to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will maintain its quality for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a pan to regain that wonderful crisp texture. What if my beef isn’t crispy enough? No worries! If your beef turns out less crispy, there could be a few reasons. First, ensure you fry in small batches, as overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming. If you find it’s still not crispy, try raising the oil temperature slightly; it should be shimmering hot. Finally, ensure an even coating of the egg and cornflour mixture and fry until a deep golden-brown color – this helps create that crunchy exterior! Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe? Very! If you have gluten sensitivities, you can use gluten-free cornflour as a substitute. For those watching sugar intake, consider adjusting the amount of caster sugar and using natural sweeteners instead of ketchup or sweet chili sauce, which can add extra sweetness. This way, you can enjoy a tailored version of Crispy Chilli Beef that fits your dietary needs! How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish? The more the merrier! If you prefer a milder dish, simply discard the seeds from the red chili before adding it to the recipe. Alternatively, choose milder chili varieties or reduce the amount used. You can always taste as you go and find that perfect level of heat for your palate, ensuring your Crispy Chilli Beef is just right! Crispy Chilli Beef: Deliciously Healthy Chinese at Home This Crispy Chilli Beef recipe offers a healthier homemade option that satisfies cravings for takeout with vibrant flavors. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsMarination Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 55 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ChineseCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Beef500 grams Thin-cut Sirloin Steak or ribeye, flank, or skirt steak1 large Egg100 grams Cornflour (Cornstarch) for coatingFor Seasoning1 teaspoon Salt adjust to taste1 teaspoon Black Pepper1 teaspoon White PepperFor Cooking500 ml Sunflower Oil for fryingFor the Sauce1 medium Onion sliced1 medium Red Chili adjust for heat1 tablespoon Minced Ginger fresh1 tablespoon Minced Garlic fresh2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar or apple cider vinegar50 ml Dark Soy Sauce2 tablespoons Tomato Puree or paste1 teaspoon Caster Sugar2 tablespoons Tomato Ketchup2 tablespoons Sweet Chili Sauce Equipment Frying panMixing bowlKitchen paper Method Preparation and Cooking StepsSlice the thin-cut sirloin steak into strips, place them in a bowl. Add an egg, cornflour, salt, black pepper, and white pepper, mixing well until each piece is coated. Let the beef marinate for about 15 minutes.Heat sunflower oil in a frying pan over high heat until shimmering. Carefully add marinated beef strips in batches, frying for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Transfer them to a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain excess oil.In the same pan, reduce heat to medium, add more oil if necessary, then sauté the sliced onion for about 2 minutes until it starts to soften. Add chopped red chili, minced ginger, and garlic, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.Pour in rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, tomato puree, caster sugar, ketchup, and sweet chili sauce. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer, allowing sauce to cook for 2–3 minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens.Toss the fried beef strips into the sauce, making sure they are well coated. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the beef to heat through and absorb the sauce flavors. Serve immediately. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 3mg NotesFor best results, fry the beef in small batches and ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
