Alright, gather ’round, friends! Let’s talk about one of my all-time favorite dishes: Crispy Chilli Beef. I’ve been making this dish for years, and let me tell you, it’s become a real family staple. It’s the kind of meal that just makes everyone happy, you know?
I remember the first time I tried to make Crispy Chilli Beef. I found a recipe online that looked amazing, but it didn’t quite work out. The beef wasn’t crispy enough, and the sauce was too watery. We’ve all been there, right? It was one of those days when I was so tempted to just order takeout! But I’m stubborn, and I refused to give up. I tweaked the recipe, experimented with different techniques, and finally, after a few tries, I nailed it. Now, my Crispy Chilli Beef is something special.
What I love about this Crispy Chilli Beef recipe is that it’s both comforting and exciting. The crispy beef strips, the sweet and spicy sauce, it’s just a flavor explosion! Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, even on a busy weeknight. And believe me, with two kids and a blog to run, my weeknights are always busy!
I think the turning point was realizing the importance of really drying the beef before frying. That’s the key to getting it perfectly crispy. I also learned that using a good quality sweet chilli sauce makes a huge difference. Now, when the aroma of that Crispy Chilli Beef fills my kitchen, I know I’m in for a good night.
I’m excited to share my recipe with you all. It’s a dish that’s brought so much joy to my family, and I hope it does the same for yours. Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need for This Crispy Chilli Beef
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Crispy Chilli Beef. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples!

- 1.5 lbs Beef Sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 Egg, beaten
- Vegetable Oil, for frying
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 inch Ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 1/4 cup Rice Vinegar
- 1/4 cup Sweet Chilli Sauce
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Red Chilli, finely chopped (optional, for extra heat!)
- Sesame Seeds, for garnish
- Spring Onions, sliced, for garnish
Now, a few notes on the ingredients. I always use beef sirloin for my Crispy Chilli Beef because it’s tender and cooks quickly. You can find it at most grocery stores, usually near the other steaks. If you can’t find sirloin, flank steak works well too. Also, for the sweet chilli sauce, I highly recommend using a good quality brand. It makes a world of difference in the flavor of the dish. I’ve found that the brand I get from my local Asian grocery store has the perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
Here’s a Crispy Chilli Beef trick I learned from my mom: marinate the beef in a little bit of soy sauce and ginger for about 30 minutes before coating it in the cornstarch mixture. It adds an extra layer of flavor and helps to tenderize the beef.
For busy families, you can prep the beef ahead of time by slicing it and storing it in the fridge. You can also make the sauce ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This can save you a lot of time on a weeknight.
Cost-saving tip: Buy your beef in bulk when it’s on sale and freeze it in smaller portions. This way, you’ll always have some on hand for making Crispy Chilli Beef.
Leftover storage tip: If you have any leftover Crispy Chilli Beef, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat to help the beef stay crispy.
Let’s get ready to start the cooking process, before we do I highly suggest checking out this recipe similar to mine Crispy Chilli Beef (with Sweet Chilli) – Chinese Shredded Beef
Let’s Make This Crispy Chilli Beef Together
Alright, let’s get cooking! Here are the step-by-step instructions for making this amazing Crispy Chilli Beef. Don’t worry, I’ll be right here with you every step of the way.
- Prepare the Beef: In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with salt and pepper. Then, in a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, and egg. Add the beef to the cornstarch mixture and toss until evenly coated. Make sure each strip of beef is covered nicely!
- Fry the Beef: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F). Carefully add the beef to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil. I learned the hard way with Crispy Chilli Beef that overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy beef, so don’t rush this step!
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sweet chilli sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Combine Everything: Pour the sauce into the wok with the garlic and ginger. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Add the fried beef to the wok and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Crispy Chilli Beef to a serving plate. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced spring onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!
In my kitchen, Crispy Chilli Beef usually takes about 30-40 minutes from start to finish, depending on how quickly I can slice the beef. While the Crispy Chilli Beef is cooking, I usually like to steam some rice or chop some vegetables for a side dish. Makes the dinner complete.
Don’t worry if your Crispy Chilli Beef isn’t perfectly crispy the first time you make it. It takes a little practice to get the hang of it! Just keep trying, and you’ll get there. Your Crispy Chilli Beef should smell like a combination of sweet chilli, garlic, and ginger. It’s an irresistible aroma!
Here’s another tip I learned from a friend, this recipe here Crispy Chilli Beef – Nicky’s Kitchen Sanctuary is a great option to try.
A family-tested shortcut is to buy pre-cut beef strips from the grocery store. This can save you a lot of time and effort, especially on a busy weeknight. Just make sure to pat the beef dry before coating it in the cornstarch mixture.
And remember, the most important ingredient in any recipe is love! So, put your heart into it, and I know your Crispy Chilli Beef will be amazing. Before moving on, for an easier option you can try a beef stir fry.
How I Love to Serve This Crispy Chilli Beef
My family loves this Crispy Chilli Beef when I serve it with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables. The rice soaks up all that delicious sauce, and the vegetables add a nice crunch and some extra nutrients. It’s a complete and satisfying meal!
My go-to side dishes are broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, all stir-fried with a little bit of soy sauce and ginger. They complement the flavors of the Crispy Chilli Beef perfectly. We all need to add some veggies into our diets.
This Crispy Chilli Beef is perfect for a weeknight dinner, but it’s also great for special occasions. I often make it when we have friends over for dinner, and it’s always a hit. Everyone raves about how crispy and flavorful the beef is!
Presentation tip: Serve the Crispy Chilli Beef on a beautiful platter and garnish it with plenty of sesame seeds and sliced spring onions. This will make it look even more appetizing!
If you have extra Crispy Chilli Beef, you can use it to make lettuce wraps. Just spoon the beef into lettuce leaves and top with some fresh herbs and a drizzle of sweet chilli sauce. It’s a delicious and healthy snack!
Seasonal variation: In the fall, I like to add some roasted butternut squash to the stir-fry. The sweetness of the squash pairs beautifully with the spicy beef strips. I have to say, I think this has got to be my favorite way of making the meal!
Friends always ask for this Crispy Chilli Beef recipe whenever I make it for them. They love how easy it is to make and how delicious it tastes. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure! I have even been asked to put it on my blog, so people can get the recipe.
If you are really craving Asian style food then I really suggest my recipe for Vegetable Beef Soup or maybe Ground Beef Pasta
Your Crispy Chilli Beef Questions Answered
I get asked a lot of questions about my Crispy Chilli Beef recipe, so I thought I’d answer some of the most common ones here.
Q: My beef isn’t getting crispy enough. What am I doing wrong?
A: You know what I do when my Crispy Chilli Beef isn’t getting crispy enough? First, make sure you’re using a high enough heat. The oil should be around 350°F. Second, don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry the beef in batches to ensure that it cooks evenly. Third, make sure the beef is completely dry before coating it in the cornstarch mixture. You can pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes, you can! Flank steak, skirt steak, or even ground beef will work in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. I have even done this with chicken before, just to change things up!
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh. Just make sure to press the tofu to remove any excess water before coating it in the cornstarch mixture. If you would like to try another crispy recipe, then maybe you would like my Crispy Feta Chicken with Hot Honey Drizzle
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the beef and the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and combine them when you’re ready to cook.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover Crispy Chilli Beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat to help the beef stay crispy.
Q: My sauce is too thick/thin. How can I fix it?
A: If your sauce is too thick, add a little bit of water or chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce and thicken.
Q: Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
A: Of course! Feel free to add any vegetables you like. Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas all work well.
I hope these answers have been helpful! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask in the comments below.
My Final Thoughts on This Crispy Chilli Beef
This Crispy Chilli Beef recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish that my family and I have enjoyed together for many years. It’s a meal that always brings a smile to everyone’s faces, and it’s one that I know I can always count on to be a hit.
Here are my Crispy Chilli Beef Pro Tips:
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sauces. Try adding a little bit of hoisin sauce or sriracha for a unique flavor.
- Use a wok for the best results. A wok distributes heat evenly and allows the beef to cook quickly and evenly.
- Garnish generously. Sesame seeds and spring onions add a beautiful finishing touch to the dish.
Here is another recipe you can try out for some inspiration Easy Crispy Chilli Beef – Britney Breaks Bread
Here are a few Crispy Chilli Beef variations I’ve tried with my family:
- Honey Garlic Crispy Chilli Beef: Add a tablespoon of honey and a clove of minced garlic to the sauce for a sweeter and more aromatic flavor.
- Orange Crispy Chilli Beef: Add a tablespoon of orange zest and a quarter cup of orange juice to the sauce for a citrusy twist.
- Sesame Ginger Crispy Chilli Beef: Add a tablespoon of sesame seeds and a teaspoon of grated ginger to the sauce for a nutty and flavorful dish.
My son loves the Honey Garlic version, while my daughter prefers the Orange version. I personally enjoy the classic Crispy Chilli Beef, but I’m always up for trying new things!
I encourage you to make this Crispy Chilli Beef your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors until you find a combination that you love. Cooking is all about having fun and creating something delicious, so go for it!
I hope that your Crispy Chilli Beef cooking experience is a joyful and rewarding one. I know that you’ll be able to create a delicious and memorable meal for your family and friends. Let me know what you think!
So, go ahead and give this Crispy Chilli Beef recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Happy cooking!

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Crispy Chilli Beef
This Crispy Chilli Beef is a takeout favourite made at home! Thin strips of beef are coated in a flavorful batter, fried until crispy, and then tossed in a sweet and spicy chilli sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
- 1 lb Flank Steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/2 cup Cornstarch
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 cup Water
- Vegetable Oil, for frying
For the Chilli Sauce:
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 1/4 cup Rice Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Chilli Garlic Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 inch Ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup Water
- 1 Red Chilli, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and water to form a batter.
- Add the sliced beef to the batter and ensure it’s fully coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the beef to the hot oil in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the beef for 2-3 minutes per batch, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- In a separate saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, chilli garlic sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and water.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
- Add the fried beef to the sauce and toss to coat.
- Garnish with chopped red chilli (optional) and serve immediately.
Notes
Serve immediately over steamed rice with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor.

