If you’re craving something with a perfect crunch and a punch of spicy-sweet flavor, you’re in the right place! This Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser, combining tender strips of sirloin coated in a crisp, golden batter, then tossed in a tangy, sticky sauce that’s bursting with garlic, ginger, and chilli goodness. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a restaurant favorite but is actually so simple and satisfying to make at home. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your go-to for dinner parties or a comforting midweek treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a six-step cooking process. In the first step, raw red meat strips sit in a clear glass bowl on a wooden surface, surrounded by small bowls with salt, black pepper, sauce, and an onion and chili pepper. The second step zooms in on the meat covered with white flour and black pepper sprinkled on top. The third step shows the meat mixed with the flour and seasonings in the glass bowl, appearing sticky and blended. The fourth step captures the meat strips cooking in a dark pan, slightly browned in places. The fifth step shows the cooked meat placed on white paper in a white bowl, with a crispy, dark brown texture. The sixth step moves to a pan with sliced white onions, red chili slices, and clumps of minced garlic cooking together. The surface under everything is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering straightforward, easily accessible ingredients is the first step to making a fantastic Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe. Each one plays an important role, from the tender sirloin that’s the star of the dish, to the vibrant sauces and spices that bring the flavors alive. These ingredients strike a perfect balance between crunch, spice, and sweetness while keeping things incredibly simple.

360 g thin-cut sirloin steaks: Choose thin, tender cuts for quick cooking and maximum crispiness.
1 small egg: Acts as a binding agent to help the coating stick perfectly.
4 tbsp cornflour: Essential for that irresistible crispy coating on the beef.
¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
¼ tsp black pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth.
⅛ tsp white pepper: Offers a subtle peppery nuance that complements the black pepper.
4 ½ tbsp sunflower oil: For frying, use a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
1 medium onion: Sliced thinly to provide sweetness and texture contrast.
1 red chilli: Finely sliced—remove seeds if you prefer less heat.
1 tsp minced ginger: Adds warmth and aromatic spice.
3 garlic cloves: Minced for that unmistakable savory punch.
2 tbsp rice vinegar: Brings acidity and brightness to balance the sauce.
3 tbsp dark soy sauce: Deep, savory umami flavor and a lovely rich color.
2 tbsp tomato puree paste: Gives the sauce a mild tang and body.
6 tbsp caster sugar: Sweetens and balances the chili’s heat.
2 tbsp tomato ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and familiar tang.
2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce: The key ingredient for that vibrant sweet and spicy finish.

How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Coating

Start by tossing those lovely thin strips of sirloin in a small bowl with the egg until they’re fully coated. This sticky layer will help the cornflour and spices adhere perfectly, creating that signature crispy crust. Next, sprinkle in the cornflour along with salt, black pepper, and white pepper, then toss everything together until each strip is covered with a thin, even seasoning mix. This slightly sticky coating is what gives the beef that irresistible crunch.

Step 2: Fry the Beef to Crispy Perfection

Heat 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a large frying pan or wok over high heat until it’s almost smoking. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, add half of the beef strips in a single layer, spreading them out to ensure they crisp evenly. Resist the urge to stir too much—let the beef brown and crisp up beautifully, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes with occasional gentle stirring. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the crispy beef onto paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat this frying process with the remaining beef, adding a little more oil as needed.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics and Build the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining ½ tablespoon of oil to the pan. Toss in the thinly sliced onion and cook gently for about 2 minutes until softened but still slightly crisp. Then stir in the red chilli, minced ginger, and garlic, cooking for just 30 seconds to release their fragrance without burning. This flavor base is crucial for that warm, spicy backdrop in the dish.

Step 4: Combine Sauces and Create the Chilli Glaze

Pour in the rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, tomato puree, caster sugar, tomato ketchup, and sweet chilli sauce all at once. Turn the heat back up and let the mixture bubble away for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly into a glossy, sticky sauce. This is where all those contrasting flavors—the tang, the sweetness, and the heat—harmoniously merge into one vibrant glaze.

Step 5: Toss Beef Back in and Finish Cooking

Return the crispy beef to the pan and toss it gently in the sauce. Heat through for one to two minutes so every strip is coated in that luscious chilli glaze and warmed evenly. Be careful not to overcook—the beef should stay crispy on the outside and tender inside. Once everything is glossy and well combined, you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe

A round white plate filled with two main layers: on the left side, a layer of light tan fried rice with small bits of scrambled egg that are yellow and slightly fluffy; on the right side, a thick layer of dark brown stir-fried beef mixed with translucent caramelized onion slices and thin red chili pieces, all covered in a shiny sauce. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh garnishes brings brightness and texture to the plate. Try scattering chopped spring onions or fresh coriander leaves on top. A sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds also adds a nutty crunch that complements the crispy beef beautifully. For an extra pop, some thinly sliced fresh red chilli provides a gentle kick.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice to soak up every drop of that sticky sauce. Alternatively, try it with stir-fried noodles or even crunchy vegetable slaw for a lighter contrast. Quick wok-tossed greens like bok choy or snap peas also add fresh, crisp flavors against the rich, caramelized beef.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the crispy beef wrapped in lettuce leaves for a hand-held dish that’s both fresh and indulgent. Or pile it over a bowl of steamed rice noodles with a handful of fresh herbs for a more casual, noodle bowl vibe. If you’re entertaining, consider offering the sauce on the side for guests to customize their spice and sauciness levels.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover crispy chilli beef keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain its texture, it’s best to store the beef and sauce separately if possible, then reassemble before reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked beef and sauce together in a well-sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Keep in mind the crispy texture will soften after freezing, but the flavors remain delicious.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the beef gently in a non-stick pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally so the sauce warms through without burning. If the beef has lost some crispness, a quick blast under a hot grill or in a very hot oven can help revive some crunch. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Yes, but thin, tender cuts such as sirloin or flank steak work best because they cook quickly and stay tender. Thicker or tougher cuts may require longer cooking and won’t get as crispy.

What can I substitute for cornflour?

If you don’t have cornflour, potato starch or arrowroot powder are good alternatives that will still give you a crispy coating on the beef.

How spicy is this Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe?

The heat level can be adjusted easily by removing the seeds from the red chilli or using fewer chillies. The sweet chilli sauce adds mild spice with sweetness, so the dish usually has a balanced medium heat.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Absolutely! The sauce can be made a few hours ahead or even the day before. Just reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked crispy beef for the best texture.

What’s a good vegetarian alternative?

To make a veggie-friendly version, try using crispy fried tofu or cauliflower florets coated and cooked similarly. The sauce works beautifully with these swaps.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe is a true winner for anyone who loves bold flavors and satisfying textures. It’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again whether for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests. So grab your wok, gather those simple ingredients, and get ready to create something absolutely delicious that will have everyone asking for seconds.