If you’re craving a dish with bursts of flavor and that perfect crunch, then let me introduce you to the Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe. This mouthwatering creation combines tender strips of sirloin steak coated in a crispy, golden crust, all tossed in a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce that dazzles your taste buds. It’s a quick, approachable recipe that brings vibrant colors and flavors to your plate, making it a beloved favorite for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet vital ingredients is key to making this Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe truly sing. Each adds its own layer of taste, texture, or color, transforming humble components into a dazzling dish.
- 360 g thin-cut sirloin steaks: Choose fresh, thin steaks for the perfect tender yet crispy bite.
- 1 small egg: Acts as the binding agent to help the coating stick to the beef perfectly.
- 4 tbsp cornflour: Creates that gorgeous, crispy coating around the beef strips.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances and balances the flavors throughout.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and depth to the seasoning.
- 1/8 tsp white pepper: Provides a subtle heat that’s slightly different from black pepper.
- 4 ½ tbsp sunflower oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for crisp frying.
- 1 medium onion: Sliced thinly to soften and bring natural sweetness.
- 1 red chilli: Finely sliced, it injects lively heat—discard seeds if you prefer mild.
- 1 tsp minced ginger: Adds fresh, zesty warmth to the sauce.
- 3 garlic cloves: Minced for aromatic punch.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar: Brings bright acidity to balance the sweetness.
- 3 tbsp dark soy sauce: Provides deep umami richness.
- 2 tbsp tomato puree: Offers a subtle tang and depth to the sauce.
- 6 tbsp caster sugar: Sweetens and balances the heat elegantly.
- 2 tbsp tomato ketchup: Adds sweetness and a little extra tomato flavor.
- 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce: Injects that unmistakable Thai-style sweet heat.
How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Beef
Start by tossing the thin sirloin steak strips with the small egg. This coats the beef, helping the cornflour mixture stick better. Next, sprinkle in the cornflour, salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Toss everything until the beef strips are sticky and fully covered. This step is essential because the coating is what gives you that incredible crispiness later on.
Step 2: Fry the Beef Until Crispy
Heat 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a frying pan or wok over high heat until it’s almost smoking. To avoid overcrowding, fry the beef in two batches. Add half the beef strips into the hot oil, spreading them out for maximum contact with the pan. Fry for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring only a few times to let the beef develop that delicious golden crust. Remove the cooked beef with a slotted spoon and drain on kitchen paper. Repeat with the remaining beef using another tablespoon of oil.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining half tablespoon of oil to the pan. Toss in the sliced onions and cook for 2 minutes until they soften slightly. Next, add the finely sliced chilli (seeds removed if you prefer less heat), minced ginger, and garlic. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds to release their fragrant aromas and flavors.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in the rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, tomato puree, caster sugar, tomato ketchup, and sweet chilli sauce. Turn the heat back up, letting the sauce bubble gently for a couple of minutes as it thickens and intensifies. This sauce is the flavorful heart of the Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe, delivering a beautiful balance of sweet, sour, and spicy notes.
Step 5: Combine and Heat Through
Return all the crispy beef strips to the pan, tossing them in the glossy sauce to coat evenly. Heat through for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is hot and perfectly melded together. Now your Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe is ready to be served!
How to Serve Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe
Garnishes
To complete your dish, garnish with freshly chopped spring onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a little extra crunch and color. A few extra fresh chilli slices can add a vibrant pop of red if you want to amp up the heat and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully versatile but shines best when paired with simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy egg noodles. The rice or noodles soak up that luscious chilli sauce perfectly, making every bite satisfying and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe over a bed of stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas. Alternatively, wrap the beef in lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld delight that’s light but full of flavor—great for sharing at casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store the sauce and beef together to keep the flavor intact, but be aware the beef may soften a little over time.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, place the beef and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. For best texture, avoid freezing the beef separately as that crispy texture softens when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to help the beef regain some crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve texture, but it works if you’re short on time—just be ready for a softer bite.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Yes, but thin-cut sirloin is best for tenderness and quick cooking. Other cuts like flank or skirt steak can work if sliced very thinly, but they might be a bit chewier.
How spicy is this Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe?
The spice level can be tailored by adjusting the amount of fresh chilli and the sweet chilli sauce. Removing the seeds from the fresh chilli reduces heat significantly, making it suitable for milder tastes.
What can I substitute for cornflour?
If you don’t have cornflour, you can use all-purpose flour or rice flour, but cornflour gives the crispiest result. Avoid regular wheat flour if you want that delicate crunch.
Can this be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute, and ensure your vinegar and other condiments don’t contain gluten. Cornflour is naturally gluten-free, so no worries there.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers, but the beef will lose some crispiness. It’s best reheated in a pan to bring back as much texture as possible.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe enough if you want a quick, flavorful, and utterly addictive meal that feels special but is completely doable at home. Once you try it, I’m sure it will become one of your go-to dishes to impress both family and friends. So why not give it a whirl tonight and enjoy that perfect balance of crispy texture and bold, saucy heat?
Print
Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
Crispy Chilli Beef is a flavorful and satisfying stir-fry dish featuring thinly sliced sirloin coated in a crispy cornflour batter, then tossed in a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce made with soy, tomato puree, and chili. Perfectly balanced with crispy beef and a rich sauce, it’s a delicious and quick meal served best with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Beef 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
- 4 ½ tbsp sunflower oil (divided)
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced into thin strips
- 1 red chilli, finely sliced (seeds discarded if less heat preferred)
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
Sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato puree (tomato paste in the US)
- 6 tbsp caster sugar (or superfine sugar)
- 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce (Thai-style recommended)
Instructions
- Coat the Beef: Place the thinly sliced sirloin strips in a bowl and add the small egg. Mix thoroughly to coat each strip with egg.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle in the cornflour, salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Toss everything together until the beef strips are evenly coated with a sticky mixture.
- Heat Oil: In a large frying pan or wok, heat 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil over high heat until very hot.
- Fry Beef in Batches: To retain crispiness, cook the beef in two batches. Add half the beef strips, spreading them out in the pan without overcrowding.
- Crisp the Beef: Fry the strips for about 5-6 minutes, stirring 3 or 4 times, until they turn dark brown and crispy. Avoid frequent stirring which can reduce crispiness.
- Drain the Beef: Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the cooked beef and place on kitchen paper-lined bowl to absorb excess oil.
- Repeat Frying: Add 1 tablespoon more oil to the pan and fry the second batch of beef strips, then transfer them to the same bowl.
- Sauté Onions: Add the remaining ½ tablespoon oil, reduce heat to medium, and stir-fry the sliced onion for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the sliced red chilli, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Cook and stir for about 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour in the rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, tomato puree, caster sugar, tomato ketchup, and sweet chilli sauce. Increase heat and let the sauce bubble for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the crispy beef to the pan with the sauce. Stir well and heat through for 1-2 minutes until the beef is hot and well coated.
- Serve: Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For more heat, keep the chilli seeds or add extra fresh chilli slices.
- Sirloin steak is best for tender, flavorful strips but you can substitute with flank or rump steak thinly sliced.
- Use sunflower oil or other neutral high smoke point oil to achieve crispiness.
- Prepare all ingredients before frying as the cooking process is quick.
- Working in batches ensures beef crisps properly instead of steaming.
- Adjust sugar and chilli sauce quantities to suit your preferred sweetness and spice levels.
