If you’re craving a vibrant, bold dish that combines crunch with a perfect fiery kick, this Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe is exactly what you need. The tender strips of sirloin steak, coated in a light, crackling batter and tossed in a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce, create a delicious harmony of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe brings a restaurant-quality meal right to your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with thin slices of raw red meat piled in the center. To the right of the bowl, there are three small round containers in a vertical line: the top one holds bright red sauce, the middle one has a light yellow liquid, and the bottom one contains black and white pepper mix. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these straightforward ingredients is the first step to unlocking the magic of the Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role, from achieving the perfect crispy texture to balancing the sweet and spicy sauce that makes this dish unforgettable.

360 g thin-cut sirloin steak: Thin strips ensure quick cooking and maximum crispiness.
1 small egg: Binds the coating to the beef for that satisfying crunch.
4 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch): Creates the signature crispy coating on the beef.
¼ tsp salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef and sauce.
¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle heat contrast to the sweet sauce.
1/8 tsp white pepper: Gives a delicate peppery note without overpowering color.
4 ½ tbsp sunflower oil (divided): Perfect for frying to golden crispiness without smoking.
1 medium onion (thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and texture when sautéed.
1 red chilli (finely sliced): Brings a fresh, lively heat—adjust seeds to control spice level.
1 tsp minced ginger: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and zest.
3 garlic cloves (minced): A powerful flavor base that complements the beef perfectly.
2 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds a light acidity to balance the sweetness.
3 tbsp dark soy sauce: Provides depth, saltiness, and a beautiful dark color.
2 tbsp tomato puree (tomato paste): Gives richness and subtle umami to the sauce.
6 tbsp caster sugar (or superfine sugar): Sweetens and helps achieve that sticky sauce consistency.
2 tbsp tomato ketchup: Adds tang and a familiar tomato flavor boost.
2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce (Thai-style recommended): Elevates the dish with a perfect balance of sweet heat.

How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Beef

Start by placing those thin sirloin strips into a bowl and mixing in the egg. This step is essential because the egg ensures the cornflour sticks firmly to the beef, which is the secret to that irresistible crispiness. Next, sprinkle in cornflour with salt, black pepper, and white pepper and toss everything until every strip is coated in a sticky, shimmering layer. This might look messy, but trust me, it’s going to be amazing.

Step 2: Fry the Beef in Batches

Heat 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil over high heat in your wok or large frying pan until it’s really hot. Working in two batches prevents overcrowding, which can cause sogginess. Add the beef strips one by one, spreading them out so they have room to crisp up. Resist the temptation to stir too often; letting the strips sit a bit helps form that golden crust. Each batch takes about 5 to 6 minutes with gentle stirring a few times for even cooking.

Step 3: Remove and Drain the Beef

When the beef has that perfect dark brown crunch, remove it with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a bowl lined with kitchen paper. This step absorbs excess oil and keeps your Crispy Chilli Beef recipe delightfully light. Add another tablespoon of oil for the second batch, and repeat the frying and draining process.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

After frying all the beef, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining half tablespoon of oil to the pan. Toss in the sliced onion and cook until it softens slightly, about 2 minutes. Then add the finely sliced red chilli, minced ginger, and garlic and stir constantly for around 30 seconds until fragrant. These aromatics form the flavor backbone of the sauce.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Pour in the rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, tomato puree, sugar, tomato ketchup, and sweet chilli sauce. Crank the heat back up and let this bubbling mixture reduce and thicken for a couple of minutes. This sauce brings a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy, coating each crispy beef strip in glorious flavor.

Step 6: Combine and Heat Through

Add the crispy beef strips back into the pan, toss everything together gently to coat, and heat for another 1 to 2 minutes. This final step warms the beef without sacrificing any crispiness, ready to be served hot and delicious.

How to Serve Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe

A white bowl holds two main layers: on one side, there is light brown fried rice with visible small bits of scrambled egg mixed throughout, creating a soft texture; on the other side, thick strips of dark brown meat glazed in a shiny, rich sauce mixed with translucent, cooked onion slices and thin, curved red chili slices layered on top, adding a pop of color and texture contrast. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshness and color can elevate this dish beautifully. Scatter chopped spring onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds over the top for extra crunch and a fresh aroma. A handful of chopped coriander or a wedge of lime on the side can brighten up every mouthful.

Side Dishes

The Crispy Chilli Beef recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up all those punchy sauce flavors. Alternatively, serve it atop a bed of hot noodles or alongside stir-fried greens like bok choy or snap peas for a vibrant, balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress guests, try serving this beef in lettuce cups for a fun finger-food twist or pile it high on a platter with fresh herbs and slices of red chilli. Not only does this look stunning, but it also adds exciting textures and heat levels—lettuce wraps add a crisp, cooling contrast to the spicy beef.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Crispy Chilli Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the crispiness will diminish over time, but the flavors remain robust and just as enjoyable!

Freezing

This recipe freezes well. Spread cooled beef out on a tray in a single layer to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen beef can be kept for up to 1 month for best quality. Some texture softness after defrosting is normal but the rich sauce helps maintain deliciousness.

Reheating

To bring the Crispy Chilli Beef back to life, reheat gently in a frying pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method helps maintain as much crispiness as possible. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture, but it will still taste great if you’re in a hurry.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes! While sirloin strips are perfect for their tenderness and quick cooking, flank or skirt steak sliced thinly can also work well. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.

How can I reduce the spice if I’m sensitive to heat?

Simply discard the red chilli seeds, or reduce the amount of fresh chilli used. You can also choose a milder sweet chilli sauce or omit it entirely. The dish will still be full of flavor without too much heat.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is almost gluten-free if you use tamari in place of dark soy sauce and check that your tomato ketchup and sweet chilli sauce are gluten-free. Always double-check labels to be safe.

Can I make this Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe vegetarian?

While this particular recipe is designed with beef, you could try substituting with firm tofu or seitan. Adjust frying times as tofu crisps more quickly, and be sure to marinate it well to soak up the delicious sauce flavors.

What is the best oil to use for frying the beef?

Sunflower oil is recommended because it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, allowing the beef and sauce flavors to shine. Other neutral, high-heat oils like canola or peanut oil can also be great alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe truly brings out the best of bold flavors and delicious textures with each bite. It’s a fantastic way to impress yourself and others, combining tender, crispy beef with a beautifully balanced sauce. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and share this energetic, satisfying dish with your loved ones. Go on, make some magic in your kitchen tonight!