This Ultimate Crispy Chilli Beef recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. With perfectly crispy beef strips coated in a glossy, sweet-and-spicy sauce, this dish combines the best of Chinese takeaway flavors with fresh ingredients and simple techniques you can master at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ultimate Crispy Chilli Beef strikes the perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. The beef becomes incredibly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside, thanks to the cornstarch coating and proper frying technique. Unlike heavy, greasy takeaway versions, this homemade recipe uses fresh vegetables and a lighter sauce that doesn’t overpower the dish. It’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re craving something special. The customizable heat level means everyone at your table can enjoy it, and the colorful presentation makes it as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef
- 200g rump/sirloin steak (thinly sliced)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup cornstarch or potato starch
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp white pepper
For the Stir-Fry
- ½ sweet onion (sliced)
- ½ bell pepper (sliced)
- 2–3 spring onions (cut into strips)
- 2–3 bird’s eye chillies (sliced, adjust to taste)
For the Sauce
- 3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp vinegar (white or rice)
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Beef (10 minutes) Start by slicing your beef against the grain into thin strips, about ¼ inch thick. This ensures tender bites in your Ultimate Crispy Chilli Beef. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced beef with egg, light soy sauce, ginger-garlic paste, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Mix thoroughly and let it marinate for 5 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Make the Sauce (3 minutes) Whisk together sweet chilli sauce, ketchup, light soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside – having your sauce ready is crucial for quick assembly once the beef is cooked.
Coat the Beef (5 minutes) Add cornstarch to the marinated beef and mix until every piece is well-coated. The cornstarch creates that signature crispy texture that makes this Ultimate Crispy Chilli Beef so irresistible. Let the coated beef rest for 2-3 minutes to help the coating adhere properly.
Fry the Beef (8 minutes) Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep pan or wok. Carefully add the beef pieces in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which would lower the oil temperature. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. The key to perfect Ultimate Crispy Chilli Beef is maintaining the oil temperature throughout frying.
Stir-Fry Assembly (4 minutes) In a clean wok or large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and bell peppers, stir-frying for 2 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Add the bird’s eye chillies and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Final Assembly (2 minutes) Return the crispy beef to the wok and toss gently with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir quickly to coat all ingredients evenly. The sauce should cling to the beef and vegetables without making them soggy. Add spring onions and give one final toss before serving immediately.
Helpful Tips
Choose the right cut of beef for your Ultimate Crispy Chilli Beef – rump or sirloin work best as they stay tender when sliced thin. Always slice against the grain to break down tough fibers. Keep your oil temperature consistent during frying; use a thermometer if you’re unsure. Don’t skip the marinating time, even though it’s brief, as it helps develop flavor and tenderness. Prepare all ingredients before you start cooking since the final assembly happens quickly. If you prefer less heat, remove the seeds from the bird’s eye chillies or substitute with milder red peppers.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2-3 people
Difficulty: Medium
Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
Notes
This Ultimate Crispy Chilli Beef is best served immediately while the coating is still crispy. If you’re preparing for a larger group, you can double the recipe but fry the beef in batches to maintain oil temperature. The sauce can be adjusted to taste – add more sweet chilli sauce for extra sweetness or more soy sauce for deeper umami flavor. For a healthier version, you can air-fry the coated beef at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, though the texture will be slightly different from deep-frying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef? While rump or sirloin are ideal for Ultimate Crispy Chilli Beef, you can use flank steak or even beef strips from the freezer section. Just ensure they’re sliced thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough? The oil should reach 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of coated beef into the oil – it should sizzle immediately and float to the surface.
Can I make this dish less spicy? Absolutely! Reduce the number of bird’s eye chillies or remove their seeds. You can also substitute them with milder peppers like jalapeños for a gentler heat level.
What if I don’t have cornstarch? Potato starch works equally well and actually creates an even crispier coating. Regular flour can be used in a pinch, but the texture won’t be quite as crispy.
Can I prepare any components ahead of time? You can slice the beef and vegetables up to 4 hours ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. The sauce can also be mixed a day in advance. However, the coating and frying should be done just before serving for optimal crispiness.
Storage Instructions
Ultimate Crispy Chilli Beef is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. The coating will lose its crispiness, but you can revive it somewhat by reheating in a hot pan with a little oil or in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this will make the coating soggy. The dish is not suitable for freezing as the texture of both the beef and vegetables will be compromised.
Related Recipes
For more delicious Asian-inspired dishes, try these recipes from our collection:
- Sweet and Sour Pork – Another crispy, saucy favorite
- General Tso’s Chicken – Perfect for spice lovers
- Mongolian Beef – Rich and savory stir-fry
- Orange Chicken – Crispy chicken with citrus glaze
- Kung Pao Chicken – Classic Sichuan flavors
Conclusion
This Ultimate Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce brings the excitement of your favorite Chinese restaurant straight to your home kitchen. The combination of perfectly crispy beef, fresh vegetables, and a glossy sweet-spicy sauce creates a dish that’s both satisfying and impressive. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results that will have everyone asking for seconds. The key to success lies in proper preparation, maintaining oil temperature, and moving quickly during the final assembly. Once you master this technique, you’ll find yourself making this Ultimate Crispy Chilli Beef again and again, perhaps experimenting with different vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your preferences.