Crispy Chilli Beef

Crispy Chilli Beef is a beloved Chinese takeaway classic, and this homemade version does not disappoint! Tender strips of beef are coated in a light, crispy batter and tossed in a tangy, spicy sauce that perfectly balances heat, sweetness, and savory flavors. It’s a satisfying and indulgent dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Quick to make in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special treat when you crave that crispy, saucy goodness from your favorite takeout spot!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Beef:

• 360 g (¾ lbs) thin-cut sirloin steaks (approximately 3 thin steaks), cut into thin strips

• 1 small egg

• 4 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ⅛ tsp white pepper

• 4 ½ tbsp sunflower oil (divided)

For the Sauce:

• 1 medium onion (peeled and sliced into thin strips)

• 1 red chili (finely sliced, discard seeds if you don’t want it too hot)

• 1 tsp minced ginger

• 3 garlic cloves (peeled and minced)

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 3 tbsp dark soy sauce

• 2 tbsp tomato puree (paste for US)

• 6 tbsp caster sugar (superfine sugar)

• 2 tbsp tomato ketchup

• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce (preferably Thai-style)

Directions

1. Prepare the Beef:

• Place the steak strips in a bowl and add the egg. Mix together to thoroughly coat the steak in the egg.

• Add the cornflour, salt, black pepper, and white pepper to the bowl. Toss together to coat the steak. It will create a sticky mixture.

2. Fry the Beef:

• Heat 3 tbsp of the sunflower oil in a large frying pan (skillet) or wok over high heat until very hot.

• You will likely need to work in two batches. Once the oil is hot, add half the beef to the pan, a strip at a time, and spread it out evenly.

• Fry the beef until dark brown and crispy, stirring 3-4 times during the cooking process. This should take about 5-6 minutes.

• Using a slotted spoon or tongs, remove the beef from the pan and place it in a bowl lined with kitchen paper to soak up excess fat.

• Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan and repeat with the second batch of beef, placing it in the bowl with the first batch once cooked.

3. Make the Sauce:

• Once all the beef is cooked, add the remaining ½ tbsp of oil to the pan and turn the heat down to medium.

• Add the sliced onion to the pan and cook for 2 minutes until slightly softened.

• Add the finely chopped chili, minced ginger, and minced garlic, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add the Sauce Ingredients:

• Pour in the rice vinegar, soy sauce, tomato puree, sugar, tomato ketchup, and sweet chili sauce into the pan.

• Turn up the heat and let the sauce bubble for a couple of minutes until it starts to reduce and thicken slightly.

5. Combine the Beef with the Sauce:

• Add the crispy beef back into the pan, stirring to coat the beef with the sauce. Heat through for 1-2 minutes, until the beef is hot.

6. Serve:

• Serve the crispy chili beef with rice or noodles, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Make it Spicier: If you like more heat, add extra chili flakes or use a spicier chili sauce in the sauce mix.

• Add Vegetables: Add bell peppers, baby corn, or broccoli to the sauce for added texture and nutrition.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free soy sauce and make sure to use cornstarch in place of flour for the crispy coating.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the beef in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use other cuts of beef?

Yes, you can use flank steak, rib-eye, or any tender cut of beef for this recipe. Just make sure to slice it thinly.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

For the best results, it’s best to enjoy this dish fresh as the crispiness of the beef may soften over time. However, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and cook the beef just before serving.

3. Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying if you prefer. The key is to use an oil with a high smoke point.

4. Can I make the sauce less sweet?

Feel free to reduce the amount of sugar to your taste if you prefer a less sweet sauce. You can also add a splash of rice vinegar for a more tangy flavor.

5. How can I make this dish less oily?

For a lighter version, you can bake the beef strips at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until crispy. Alternatively, you can air fry the beef.

6. Can I use pre-cut beef strips?

Yes, pre-cut beef strips or stir-fry beef can be used to save time. Just make sure they are tender cuts for the best texture.

7. How can I make this dish spicier?

You can increase the amount of chili flakes or add fresh chopped chilies to the sauce for extra heat. You could also add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

8. Can I use fresh ginger instead of minced ginger?

Yes, fresh ginger is preferred, but you can use ginger paste or ground ginger in a pinch.

9. Can I use a different type of vinegar?

Yes, you can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, though it will alter the flavor slightly.

10. Can I freeze the crispy beef?

It’s not recommended to freeze the crispy beef as the texture may change when reheated. However, you can freeze the sauce and reheat it separately.

Conclusion

Crispy Chilli Beef is a flavorful, quick, and easy dish that brings together crispy beef and a savory-sweet sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete meal that everyone will love!

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