Crispy Chilli Beef brings together crunchy bites of beef with a sweet and spicy kick! It’s perfect for those who love a little heat but also enjoy a touch of sweetness.
This dish is a family favorite at our house—everyone fights for the last piece! I love serving it with some steaming rice to soak up that tasty sauce. It’s a weeknight winner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using beef sirloin or flank steak for tenderness and flavor. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, chuck steak can work too. Just slice it thin for the best results.
Cornflour (Cornstarch): This is key for that crispy coating. If you don’t have cornflour, plain flour can be a substitute, but the texture won’t be as light. I prefer cornflour for frying—it gives a great crunch!
Baking Soda: Using this optional ingredient helps make the beef more tender. If you’re wary of using it, you can skip it without too much impact on the overall dish.
Fresh Red Chilies: For heat, fresh red chilies are perfect. If you want a milder sauce, use bell peppers instead. You can also try dried chili flakes for a different flavor profile.
Coriander (Cilantro): This brings a fresh punch to the dish. If you’re not a fan, fresh parsley can substitute but the taste will change. I always enjoy the bright taste of coriander!
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Crispy Beef?
To get that crispy texture, the preparation is key. Start by slicing the beef against the grain—this helps it stay tender. Marinating it with cornflour and seasoning is crucial as it creates an amazing crust when fried. Here’s how to fry it just right:
- Heat the oil to medium-high; it should shimmer but not smoke.
- Fry the beef in small batches to keep the temperature steady. Overcrowding the pan can make the beef steam instead of fry.
- Allow each batch to fry for about 2-3 minutes, letting it crisp up before flipping.
- Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, maintaining that crispy texture.
How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef (with Sweet Chilli)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef:
- 500g beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 1 tsp baking soda (optional, for extra tenderness)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2-3 fresh red chilies, sliced
- A handful of fresh coriander (cilantro), roughly chopped
For the Sweet Chilli Sauce:
- 4 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp cornflour mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-30 minutes for preparation and about 15 minutes for cooking. In total, you can have this delicious Crispy Chilli Beef ready in around 45 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Beef:
Start by thinly slicing the beef against the grain into strips about 1/4 inch thick. This helps the meat stay tender. In a bowl, combine the beef with salt, pepper, baking soda (if you’re using it), and cornflour. Mix everything well until the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 15-30 minutes to soak up the flavors.
2. Frying the Beef:
Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the beef strips in batches (this is important to avoid overcrowding the pan). Fry the beef for about 2-3 minutes until they’re crispy and golden brown on all sides. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and place it onto paper towels to drain any excess oil.
3. Preparing the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and water. This will form a delicious sauce that will coat your beef.
4. Cooking the Aromatics:
After frying the beef, remove any excess oil from the pan, retaining about 1 tablespoon. Add the chopped garlic, sliced onion, and red chilies to the pan. Stir-fry these for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the onion starts to soften.
5. Combining Beef and Sauce:
Now, stir the prepared sauce mixture into the pan and bring it to a simmer. Then, add the cornflour slurry (the mix of cornflour and water), stirring continuously until the sauce thickens nicely.
6. Finishing the Dish:
Finally, return the crispy beef to the pan, tossing everything together until the beef is well coated with the savory sauce. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander for some fresh flavor.
7. Serving:
Serve your delicious Crispy Chilli Beef hot, paired with steamed rice or as part of a larger meal. Enjoy the delightful mix of sweet, spicy, and crispy flavors!
Enjoy your crispy, sweet, and spicy Chilli Beef!
Can I Use Another Cut of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef sirloin or flank steak is recommended for tenderness, you can also use skirt steak or even chicken if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as chicken will take a few minutes longer to cook through.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make this dish gluten-free, swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Ensure that your sweet chili sauce and oyster sauce are also gluten-free options. The rest of the ingredients can typically remain the same.
How Long Does Leftover Crispy Chilli Beef Last?
Leftover crispy chilli beef can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat it on the stove over low heat to maintain its texture, stirring occasionally.
What Can I Serve With Crispy Chilli Beef?
This dish goes great with steamed rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with other Asian-inspired sides like steamed vegetables or spring rolls to create a delicious meal!