Quick Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe: Spicy, Sweet & Irresistible

Spice up your dinner routine with this tantalizing crispy chilli beef that delivers a perfect balance of crunch and heat.

The secret lies in the delicate coating and quick stir-frying technique that ensures maximum flavor.

Tender strips of beef are transformed into a mouthwatering dish that packs a punch of authentic Asian-inspired goodness.

Each bite promises a delightful contrast of textures with crispy edges and succulent meat.

The combination of bold chilli and savory seasonings creates an irresistible meal that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

You’ll love how easily this restaurant-quality dish comes together in your own kitchen.

This recipe is your ticket to a quick, delicious dinner that will become a new family favorite.

How to Plate and Serve Crispy Chilli Beef

• Flavor Explosion Plating: Arrange crispy beef over steamed jasmine rice, drizzling extra sauce on top for a vibrant presentation that makes every bite burst with tangy chilli goodness.
• Restaurant-Style Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and thin red chilli slices over the dish to add color, crunch, and an extra layer of zesty flavor.
• Balanced Meal Companion: Serve alongside quick pickled cucumber salad or stir-fried vegetables like bok choy to create a balanced meal with contrasting textures and refreshing side notes.
• Spice Level Customization: Offer sriracha or extra sweet chilli sauce on the side, allowing diners to adjust heat intensity according to their personal spice tolerance and preference.

How to Store Crispy Chilli Beef for Best Texture

• Store leftover crispy chilli beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover completely to prevent drying out and maintain flavor.
• Pack cooled beef in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing sauce-coated beef to prevent texture changes.
• Warm beef in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of oil to restore crispiness. Stir gently for 3-4 minutes until heated thoroughly, preventing meat from becoming tough.
• Place beef on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• Why do I need to coat the beef in egg before adding cornflour?

The egg helps the cornflour stick better to the meat, creating a more even and crispy coating that seals in the moisture and creates a delicious crunchy texture.

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

Sirloin or rump steak works best because they are tender and lean. Avoid tough cuts that might become chewy when fried. Always slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.

• How do I prevent the beef from becoming soggy?

The key is to not overcrowd the pan and cook the beef in batches. High heat and minimal stirring help create a crispy exterior by allowing the meat to develop a golden-brown crust without steaming.

What Makes Crispy Chilli Beef So Addictive

• Achieve restaurant-quality crispy beef with a simple egg and cornflour coating that transforms ordinary steak into an extraordinary dish.
• Prepare this flavor-packed meal in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving delicious Asian-inspired cuisine without complicated techniques.
• Adjust the chilli levels to suit your spice tolerance, turning this recipe into a versatile crowd-pleaser that works for mild and heat-loving taste buds alike.
• Requires basic pantry staples and easily accessible ingredients, ensuring you can whip up this exciting meal without a special grocery run.

Ingredients That Build Bold Crispy Chilli Beef Flavor

• Beef: Thinly sliced steak strips that create a delicious crispy texture when fried.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the sauce.
• Dark Soy Sauce: Provides depth and rich umami flavor to the dish.

• Egg: Helps create a sticky coating that allows cornflour to adhere to the beef.
• Cornflour, Salt, Black Pepper, White Pepper: Seasoning mix that creates a crispy exterior for the beef.

• Onion, Chilli, Ginger, Garlic: Flavor-building ingredients that add warmth and depth to the dish.
• Tomato Puree, Tomato Ketchup, Sweet Chilli Sauce, Sugar: Combines to create a sweet and slightly spicy sauce that coats the crispy beef.

• Oil: Used for frying the beef and cooking the aromatics to develop rich flavors.

Essential Tools for Crispy Chilli Beef at Home

• Wok or Large Frying Pan: Essential for achieving that perfect crispy beef with high-heat cooking.
• Slotted Spoon or Tongs: Helps remove beef from oil efficiently and drain excess oil.
• Kitchen Paper or Paper Towels: Used to absorb extra oil from fried beef.
• Mixing Bowl: Needed for coating beef with egg and cornflour.
• Sharp Knife: Required for slicing beef, onions, chilli, ginger, and garlic.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate sauce ingredient proportions.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir and mix ingredients during cooking.

Instructions for Making Crispy Chilli Beef with Ease

Step 1: Prepare Beef Coating

Grab your beef strips and crack an egg into the bowl.

Mix everything together, ensuring each piece of beef gets a complete egg bath.

The egg will help create a delicious, clingy coating for the upcoming crispy goodness.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Layer

Sprinkle cornflour, salt, black pepper, and white pepper over the egg-coated beef.

Toss and tumble the meat until every single strip is covered in a powdery, sticky layer that’ll transform into a crispy exterior.

Step 3: First Frying Round

Fire up a large pan or wok with oil over blazing high heat.

Carefully drop beef strips into the sizzling oil, spreading them out without crowding.

Let them dance in the oil, turning occasionally to achieve a deep golden-brown crunch.

This should take about 5-6 minutes.

Step 4: Oil Drainage

Rescue the crispy beef using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drip away.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined bowl to absorb any remaining oil.

Add a splash more oil to the pan for the next batch.

Step 5: Aromatic Flavor Builders

Lower the heat and toss in onions, letting them soften slightly.

Quick-fire the chilli, ginger, and garlic, creating an aromatic base that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 6: Sauce Magic

• Rice vinegar
• Dark soy sauce
• Tomato puree
• Sugar
• Tomato ketchup
• Sweet chilli sauce

Let everything bubble and reduce, creating a glossy, thick sauce that’ll coat the beef perfectly.

Step 7: Final Fusion

Return the crispy beef to the pan, gently stirring to ensure each piece gets drenched in the tantalizing sauce.

Heat through for a minute or two.

Serve piping hot alongside fluffy rice or slurpable noodles.

Expert Tips for Crunchy, Flavorful Chilli Beef

• Pat beef strips dry with paper towels before coating with egg to remove excess moisture, ensuring maximum crispiness.
• Keep oil consistently hot around 350-375°F to achieve golden, crispy exterior without burning the meat.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying beef strips, which prevents steaming and helps develop perfect crisp texture.
• Let beef rest in sauce for 1-2 minutes to help it soak up delicious chili sauce while maintaining its crunchiness.
• Taste sauce before adding beef and adjust sweetness or heat by adding more sweet chili sauce or chili flakes for personalized flavor profile.

Tasty Variations for Crispy Chilli Beef Fans

• Vegetarian Chilli Tofu: Replace beef with firm tofu, pressing out excess moisture before coating in cornflour and frying for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Option: Swap traditional rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the dish's delicious flavors.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure cornflour is certified gluten-free to make the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Korean-Style Variation: Add gochujang paste and sesame oil to the sauce for a Korean-inspired flavor profile with extra heat and depth.

Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory crispy chilli beef delights palates with its perfect balance of textures and bold flavors. Chinese-inspired ingredients create a simple yet memorable meal you will crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients (Beef):

• 360 grams (12.7 ounces) thin-cut sirloin steaks, cut into thin strips
• 4 tablespoons cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1 small egg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon white pepper

Cooking Oil:

• 4.5 tablespoons sunflower oil

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced into thin strips
• 1 red chilli, finely sliced
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• 3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato puree (tomato paste)
• 6 tablespoons caster sugar (superfine sugar)
• 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup
• 2 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce (Thai-style recommended)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef by coating thinly sliced steak strips with beaten egg, ensuring complete coverage for optimal adherence of subsequent coating.
2. Combine cornflour, salt, black pepper, and white pepper with the egg-coated beef. Thoroughly mix until meat develops a sticky, uniform texture that will create a crispy exterior.
3. Heat oil in a large frying pan or wok until extremely hot (around 375°F). Carefully distribute first batch of beef strips, allowing each piece space to crisp. Fry for 5-6 minutes, minimally stirring to achieve maximum crunchiness.
4. Remove first batch using a slotted spoon, placing on paper towels to drain excess oil. Add additional oil and repeat frying process for remaining beef strips with same technique.
5. Reduce pan heat to medium and sauté sliced onions for 2 minutes until slightly translucent. Quickly introduce finely chopped chilli, ginger, and garlic, stirring constantly for 30 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
6. Pour rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, tomato puree, sugar, tomato ketchup, and sweet chilli sauce into pan. Increase heat, allowing mixture to simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and develops intense flavor.
7. Reintroduce crispy beef to sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coating. Heat through for 1-2 minutes, guaranteeing even temperature distribution. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

• Tenderize beef by using egg wash, which helps cornflour adhere and creates a protective crispy coating that seals in moisture.
• Ensure oil is extremely hot before adding beef to achieve maximum crispiness, preventing meat from becoming soggy or greasy.
• Pat beef strips dry before coating with cornflour to remove excess moisture, guaranteeing a crisper exterior and better browning.
• For gluten-free version, replace dark soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free cornflour to maintain recipe’s authentic flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 70mg