If you love a dish that delivers a perfect balance of fiery spice, crispy texture, and savory-sweet flavor, you have to try this Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels like a treat every time you make it but is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. With tender sirloin strips enveloped in a light, crunchy coating and tossed in a tangy, spicy sauce, this recipe quickly becomes a go-to for family dinners or impressing friends without stress.

Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe calls for simple, accessible ingredients that work harmoniously to build layers of flavor and texture. Each item plays an essential role, from the tender steak strips to the sharp kick of fresh chilli and the perfect sweetness from the sauces and sugar.

360 g thin-cut sirloin steaks: Opt for fresh, lean cuts sliced thinly to maximize tenderness and crispiness.
1 small egg: Acts as a binding agent to help the cornflour cling tightly to the beef strips.
4 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch): Creates that signature crispy coating with an irresistible crunch.
¼ tsp salt: Enhances and balances the overall seasoning.
¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.
1/8 tsp white pepper: Offers a subtle peppery warmth that complements the black pepper.
4 ½ tbsp sunflower oil (divided): Essential for frying, it has a neutral flavor and high smoke point.
1 medium onion: Sliced thinly for sweetness and texture contrast.
1 red chilli: Finely sliced, with seeds removed if you prefer less heat, for that vibrant, spicy kick.
1 tsp minced ginger: Adds warmth and a refreshing zing.
3 garlic cloves: Minced to provide a savory punch.
2 tbsp rice vinegar: Brings a sharp acidity that brightens the sauce.
3 tbsp dark soy sauce: Deepens umami richness and color.
2 tbsp tomato puree (paste in the US): Introduces a subtle tang and thickens the sauce.
6 tbsp caster sugar: Balances heat and vinegar with a gentle sweetness.
2 tbsp tomato ketchup: Adds familiar sweetness and depth.
2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce: Brings a luscious, sticky sweetness with a hint of spice, preferably Thai-style.

How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Coating

Start by placing your thin sirloin strips into a bowl and adding the egg, mixing thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. This step ensures the cornflour will stick beautifully, giving your beef that irresistible crispy exterior.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sprinkle in the cornflour, salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Toss everything together well until the beef strips are fully covered in a sticky, powdery layer that feels just right for frying.

Step 3: Heat the Oil and Fry the Beef

Heat 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a large frying pan or wok over high heat. When sizzling hot, cook the beef strips in two batches to avoid overcrowding. Lay the strips flat and resist stirring too frequently to allow them to develop a deep, crunchy crust. Each batch should take about 5 to 6 minutes with occasional gentle stirs.

Step 4: Drain the Beef

Once golden and crispy, transfer the beef to a bowl lined with kitchen paper to absorb any leftover oil. Repeat frying the remaining beef, then set all crispy pieces aside.

Step 5: 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 about 2 minutes until they soften and start to sweeten. Then add the sliced chilli, ginger, and garlic, stirring quickly for 30 seconds to release their fragrant oils.

Step 6: Make the Chilli Sauce

Add the rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, tomato puree, caster sugar, tomato ketchup, and sweet chilli sauce to the pan. Turn the heat back up and let the sauce bubble and reduce slightly for two minutes, thickening just enough to cling to the beef.

Step 7: Combine and Heat Through

Return the crispy beef to the pan and toss well to coat every piece in the rich, glossy sauce. Heat for another 1 to 2 minutes until everything is piping hot and perfectly melded together.

How to Serve Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle some finely chopped spring onions or fresh coriander over your Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe to brighten the dish visually and enhance its fresh taste. A few toasted sesame seeds can also add a subtle nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish shines when served alongside fluffy steamed jasmine rice or soft egg noodles, which soak up that irresistible sauce perfectly. For a lighter touch, crunchy steamed or stir-fried greens like bok choy or broccolini make excellent partners.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try piling the crispy beef high on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and chilli slices, serving it family-style to share. Alternatively, scoop it into lettuce leaves for a refreshing, hand-held version that’s both tasty and visually appealing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The crispy texture may soften slightly overnight, but the flavors will deepen beautifully, making it just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked beef without sauce in a sealed bag or container. For the best texture, freeze separately from the sauce and combine after thawing. This keeps your Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe tasting freshly made when reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the beef gently in a pan over medium heat with the sauce until hot throughout. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy. A quick sauté helps restore some crispness to the beef while keeping it moist and flavorful.

FAQs

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

Yes, while sirloin is ideal for tenderness and flavor, other lean cuts like flank or skirt steak sliced thinly will also work well for this Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe. Just ensure the strips are thin for quick cooking.

How spicy is this Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe?

The heat level depends on the amount of chilli and whether you keep the seeds. You can adjust the spice by removing seeds, using milder chillies, or adding less sweet chilli sauce if you prefer a gentler kick.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and double-check all other sauces for gluten-free labels. Cornflour is naturally gluten-free, so the crispy coating remains perfect.

Is it possible to bake instead of fry the beef?

While frying gives the crispiest result, you could try baking the coated beef on a wire rack to keep it elevated, using high heat to mimic frying. It may not be as crunchy but still tasty.

What’s the best way to slice the beef for this recipe?

Slice the sirloin steaks very thinly, ideally across the grain, to result in tender strips that cook quickly and stay juicy. If your beef is a little firm, a quick flash freeze before slicing can make this easier.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe is one of those dishes that makes you want to cook it again and again. It’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough for guests, offering a perfect harmony of crispy, spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. Dive in and give it a go—you’ll be so glad you did!