If you are craving a vibrant dish full of bold flavors and that perfect crunch, this Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe is exactly what you need. It delivers tender sirloin strips coated in a wonderfully crispy crust, sizzling in a deliciously sticky, sweet, and spicy sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it a go-to favorite that’s just as fun to cook as it is to devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let a short ingredient list fool you, each component in this Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe plays a crucial role in layering flavors, adding texture, and bursting with color. From the tender sirloin to the zingy rice vinegar, every ingredient works in harmony to create a dish that’s both satisfying and exciting.
- 360 g thin-cut sirloin steaks: Thin strips ensure quick cooking and maximum crispiness.
- 1 small egg: Helps the cornflour stick perfectly to the beef for that irresistible crust.
- 4 tbsp cornflour: Creates the signature crispy coating without being greasy.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the meat and sauce.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and depth.
- 1/8 tsp white pepper: Delivers a subtle heat that complements the black pepper.
- 4 ½ tbsp sunflower oil (divided): Ideal for high-heat frying and achieving that perfect golden crust.
- 1 medium onion: Thinly sliced to soften and add sweetness to the sauce.
- 1 red chilli: Finely sliced for a fiery punch; seeds optional to adjust heat.
- 1 tsp minced ginger: Brings a fresh, zesty aroma that lifts the dish.
- 3 garlic cloves: Mincing releases pungent, savory notes essential for balance.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar: Provides acidity to cut through the richness.
- 3 tbsp dark soy sauce: Adds deep umami and a hint of saltiness.
- 2 tbsp tomato puree: Introduces a subtle tang and richness to the sauce.
- 6 tbsp caster sugar: Sweetens the sauce, mellowing the heat beautifully.
- 2 tbsp tomato ketchup: Adds body and a familiar comfort flavor.
- 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce (Thai-style): Gives the dish its signature sweet heat kick.
How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Coating
Start by placing those thin sirloin strips in a bowl and adding the egg. Mix it really well until every steak strip is fully coated, as this will make the cornflour stick perfectly later on. This gives your beef the best chance to become delectably crispy on the outside yet tender on the inside.
Step 2: Coat with Cornflour and Seasonings
Next, sprinkle in the cornflour, salt, and both kinds of pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly. Expect a sticky, slightly thick texture as the coating adheres to the beef. This is exactly what you want to ensure that satisfying crunch after frying.
Step 3: Fry in Hot Oil for Crispiness
Heat 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a large frying pan or wok on high until it’s almost smoking. You’ll likely need to fry the beef in two batches. Add half the beef strips one at a time, spreading them out so they fry evenly. Fry for about 5-6 minutes without stirring too much—just 3 or 4 gentle stirs will do. This careful cooking helps build that golden-brown crust we all love.
Step 4: Drain and Repeat for Second Batch
Once crispy, scoop the beef out using a slotted spoon or tongs and place it on kitchen paper-lined bowls to soak up any excess oil. Add a tablespoon more oil to the pan and repeat the frying process with the remaining beef, then set all your crispy beef aside.
Step 5: Sauté Aromatics
Turn the heat down to medium and add the final ½ tablespoon of oil to the pan. Toss in the sliced onion first, letting it soften for about 2 minutes. Then add your sliced red chilli, minced ginger, and garlic, stirring for just 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds a fragrant flavor foundation for your sauce.
Step 6: Create the Sauce
Pour in the rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, tomato puree, sugar, ketchup, and sweet chilli sauce all at once. Turn the heat back up and let the sauce bubble and thicken slightly for a couple of minutes. This sweet-spicy glaze will coat the beef beautifully.
Step 7: Combine Beef and Sauce
Finally, add your crispy beef back into the pan. Give everything a good stir to mix the beef evenly with the rich sauce. Heat through for another 1 to 2 minutes until every piece is tantalizingly hot and glossy with the sauce.
How to Serve Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this dish to the next level. Consider sprinkling with chopped spring onions or even some fresh coriander for a burst of freshness. A few extra red chilli slices on top can add a lovely visual pop and amplify the spice if you want more kick.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed rice or simple egg noodles, which help soak up all the luscious sauce. For a crunch contrast, add a side of stir-fried vegetables or a bright cucumber salad to lighten things up.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress at dinner? Serve the crispy beef stacked atop a bed of fragrant jasmine rice in individual bowls. Or get creative by wrapping the beef in lettuce leaves for a fun, hand-held option. You can also drizzle a little extra sweet chilli sauce on top to finish it off in style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crispy Chilli Beef keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be aware the beef will soften as it soaks in the sauce, but it still tastes delicious with warmed flavors intensified.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, place the beef and sauce in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 1 month. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the beef and sauce in a pan over medium heat rather than microwaving. This method helps retain the flavors without overdrying. Adding a splash of water or broth can loosen the sauce if needed.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
While this recipe calls for thin-cut sirloin, you can substitute with other tender cuts like rump or ribeye, as long as you slice them thinly. The key is to ensure they cook quickly and develop that crispy exterior.
What if I want less heat in the Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe?
Simply remove the chilli seeds or reduce the amount of fresh chilli used. You can also adjust the sweet chilli sauce quantity to balance the heat with sweetness perfectly for your taste.
Is cornflour necessary for crispiness?
Yes, cornflour is crucial because it creates a light, crunchy coating that fries up beautifully. You could try potato starch as an alternative, but regular flour won’t give quite the same result.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, swap the beef for firm tofu or seitan strips and follow the same process. The sauce is packed with flavor and works well even without meat, giving you a tasty plant-based alternative.
How do I prevent the beef from becoming soggy?
Frying the beef in small batches lets it crisp up properly without steaming. Don’t crowd your pan, and avoid stirring too frequently. Drain the cooked beef on paper towels to remove excess oil before adding it back to the sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly irresistible about this Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe — the way crispy, juicy meat meets fiery, sweet sauce makes it unforgettable. I hope you have as much fun making it as you will eating it. Give it a try soon, and watch it become a beloved addition to your recipe collection.
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Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Crispy Chilli Beef is a flavorful and spicy stir-fried dish featuring thin strips of sirloin steak coated in a crispy cornflour batter, tossed with a tangy, sweet, and spicy homemade chilli sauce. Perfect for serving with rice or noodles, this recipe combines tender, crispy beef with vibrant aromatics such as ginger, garlic, and fresh chilli for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Coating
- 360 g (¾ lbs) thin-cut sirloin steaks (approx 3 thin steaks) cut into thin strips
- 1 small egg
- 4 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp white pepper
Sauce and Vegetables
- 4 ½ tbsp sunflower oil (divided)
- 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced into thin strips
- 1 red chilli, finely sliced (discard seeds for less heat)
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato puree (tomato paste in US)
- 6 tbsp caster sugar (or superfine sugar)
- 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce (Thai-style preferred)
Instructions
- Coat the Beef: Place the steak strips in a bowl and add the egg. Mix thoroughly to coat all the steak pieces in the egg.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add cornflour, salt, black pepper, and white pepper to the bowl. Toss to coat the steak evenly, creating a sticky batter-like coating.
- Heat Oil: Heat 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a large frying pan or wok over high heat until very hot and shimmering.
- Fry First Batch of Beef: Add half the beef strips carefully into the hot oil individually, spreading them out to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 5–6 minutes, stirring gently 3–4 times to develop a dark brown, crispy exterior.
- Drain Crispy Beef: Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the cooked beef and transfer to a bowl lined with kitchen paper to absorb excess oil.
- Fry Second Batch of Beef: Add 1 tablespoon more oil to the pan and repeat the frying process with the remaining beef strips. Remove and drain as before.
- Sauté Aromatics: Use the remaining ½ tablespoon of oil in the pan and reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onions and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add Spices: Add the sliced red chilli, minced ginger, and garlic to the pan. Stir and cook for 30 seconds to release their aromas.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, tomato puree, caster sugar, tomato ketchup, and sweet chilli sauce. Increase heat and let the mixture bubble for a couple of minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the crispy beef to the pan and stir everything together. Heat through for 1–2 minutes until the beef is hot and well coated with sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For less heat, remove the seeds from the red chilli before slicing.
- Work in batches when frying the beef to ensure it crisps properly without steaming.
- This dish is best served fresh to maintain the crispiness of the beef.
- Adjust sugar and chilli sauce quantities for sweeter or spicier taste preferences.
- Using sunflower oil provides a neutral flavor and a high smoke point for frying.
