There’s something incredibly satisfying about the crunch of crispy beef coated in a sticky, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. If you’ve ever ordered crispy chilli beef at your favorite Chinese restaurant, you know just how addictive this dish can be. Now, imagine making it right in your own kitchen—fresh, flavorful, and just the way you like it.

This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in, a fun family dinner, or even to impress guests with your homemade takeout-style cooking. It’s got all the classic flavors—savory, spicy, sweet, and tangy—wrapped around tender strips of beef that are fried to crispy perfection. Plus, making it at home means you control the ingredients, ensuring a fresh and delicious dish every time.

Let’s dive into this irresistible crispy chilli beef recipe that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Restaurant-quality at home – No need for takeout when you can make this crispy, flavorful dish yourself.
• Perfectly crispy texture – The beef stays crunchy even after being coated in the sticky sauce.
• Customizable spice level – Adjust the heat to your preference with more or less chilli.
• Quick and easy – This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight option.
• Great for meal prep – Make extra and reheat it for a delicious meal the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crispy Beef

• 500g beef steak (sirloin or flank), cut into thin strips
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 egg white
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• Oil for frying

For the Sauce

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)

For the Stir-Fry

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced thinly
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced thinly
• 1 small carrot, julienned
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 1 red chilli, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 2 spring onions, sliced
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by slicing the beef into thin strips. The key here is to cut against the grain to ensure the meat stays tender even after frying. Place the strips in a bowl and add cornstarch, egg white, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and soy sauce. Mix well to coat each piece evenly. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the sauce and vegetables.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sweet chilli sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and ketchup. Set it aside. The combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors creates the perfect balance for the crispy beef.

Step 3: Fry the Beef

Heat a generous amount of oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the beef in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Each strip should be golden brown and crispy within 3-4 minutes. Remove the beef and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In a separate pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the garlic, ginger, and chopped red chilli, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the bell peppers and carrots, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Give the sauce a quick stir and pour it over the stir-fried vegetables. Add the cornstarch slurry to help thicken the sauce. Stir well until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the vegetables evenly.

Now, add the crispy beef to the pan, tossing everything together to coat each strip in the delicious sauce. Let it cook for another minute, ensuring the beef stays crispy while absorbing the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the crispy chilli beef to a serving dish, sprinkle with sliced spring onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Helpful Tips

• Slice the beef thinly – Thinner slices cook faster and crisp up better. Use a sharp knife for precision.
• Use cornstarch for extra crispiness – It helps create that signature crunch when fried.
• Fry in batches – Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature and make the beef soggy.
• Serve immediately – Crispy beef is best enjoyed fresh, as it may lose its crunch over time.
• Adjust the spice level – If you love heat, add more fresh chillies or a dash of chilli flakes.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-fry, Deep Fry
• Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Notes

• If you prefer a healthier version, you can air-fry or bake the beef instead of deep-frying.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot pan to restore some crispiness.
• Serve with jasmine rice, egg-fried rice, or even in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Sugar: 12g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While you can prep the beef and sauce ahead of time, it’s best to fry the beef fresh to keep it crispy. You can, however, store the sauce and veggies separately and combine everything when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of beef?

If you prefer, you can substitute the beef with chicken, tofu, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, if you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can work as substitutes.

How do I keep the beef crispy?

Make sure the beef is coated well in cornstarch, fried at the right temperature, and not overcrowded in the pan. Serving immediately also helps maintain the crunch.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Heat in a pan over medium heat with a little oil to revive some crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the beef soft.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the crispy texture will be lost.

Related Recipes

If you loved this crispy chilli beef, here are some other delicious dishes to try:

• Crispy Chinese Honey Garlic Chicken
• Spicy Garlic Chili Noodles – A Quick & Flavorful Stir-Fry
• Crispy Chilli Beef: A Flavorful Takeaway Classic at Home
• Beijing Beef– Crispy, Sweet, and Spicy Perfection

Conclusion

Crispy chilli beef is one of those dishes that never fails to impress. With its perfect combination of crunch, heat, and sweetness, it’s a meal that will have your family and friends coming back for more. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. So, the next time you’re craving Chinese takeout, skip the delivery and whip up this homemade version instead—you won’t regret it!

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