Description

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.

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.