Name: Crispy Chilli Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: undefined
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 360 g (¾ lbs) thin-cut sirloin 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; 1 medium onion, peeled and sliced; 1 red chilli, finely sliced (remove seeds for less heat); 1 tsp minced ginger; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 3 tbsp dark soy sauce; 2 tbsp tomato puree (paste); 6 tbsp caster sugar (superfine sugar); 2 tbsp tomato ketchup; 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce (Thai-style preferred)

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Crispy Chilli Beef is a beloved Chinese takeaway favorite known for its ultra-crispy beef strips tossed in a sticky, tangy, and spicy sauce. This homemade version brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen, and it’s surprisingly easy to make in just 30 minutes.

Crispy Chilli Beef

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy texture: Lightly battered sirloin strips fried to perfection.
Bold flavors: A rich, sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce that coats every piece of beef.
Faster than takeout: Ready in just 30 minutes.
Versatile: Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Takeout favorite at home: No need to wait for delivery!

Ingredients

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

360 g thin-cut sirloin steaks (approx. ¾ lb), cut into thin strips
1 small egg
4 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
⅛ tsp white pepper
4½ tbsp sunflower oil, divided
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 red chilli, finely sliced (seeds removed if desired)
1 tsp minced ginger
3 garlic cloves, minced

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp rice vinegar
3 tbsp dark soy sauce
2 tbsp tomato puree (paste)
6 tbsp caster sugar (superfine sugar)
2 tbsp tomato ketchup
2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce (Thai-style)

Directions

Prepare the beef
Add beef strips to a bowl with the egg and mix to coat thoroughly. Add cornflour, salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Toss to coat—mixture will be sticky.
Fry the beef
Heat 3 tbsp of oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. Fry half of the beef strips, one at a time, until dark brown and crispy (about 5–6 minutes), stirring just a few times. Remove to a paper towel-lined bowl. Repeat with second batch.
Cook the vegetables
Lower heat to medium, add remaining ½ tbsp oil, and sauté onions for 2 minutes until softened. Stir in red chilli, garlic, and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds.
Make the sauce
Add rice vinegar, soy sauce, tomato puree, sugar, ketchup, and sweet chilli sauce. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Combine and serve
Return beef to the pan and stir to coat in the sauce. Heat through for 1–2 minutes. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian version: Use crispy tofu or seitan strips instead of beef.
Add veg: Stir in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for more color and crunch.
Extra spicy: Add more red chilli or a drizzle of sriracha.
Gluten-free: Use tamari in place of soy sauce and ensure your cornflour and sauces are gluten-free.
Sweet twist: Add a splash of orange juice for a citrusy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a hot skillet for best texture. The microwave works but may soften the crispiness.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the crispy texture will be lost when thawed and reheated.

FAQs

What cut of beef works best for crispy chilli beef?

Thin-cut sirloin or flank steak works best because it’s tender and cooks quickly.

Can I bake instead of fry the beef?

You can, but it won’t be as crispy. Bake at 425°F (220°C) until golden, turning halfway.

Is this dish very spicy?

It’s mildly spicy, but you can control the heat by adjusting the amount of red chilli or using a milder sweet chilli sauce.

How do I keep the beef crispy in the sauce?

Toss the beef in the sauce just before serving to help retain its crisp texture.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, you can prep the sauce and fry the beef ahead of time. Reheat and combine just before serving.

What’s a good side dish?

Serve with jasmine rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Thin strips of chicken breast or thigh can be used with the same coating and cooking method.

What oil should I use for frying?

Sunflower oil or any neutral oil with a high smoke point works best.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just be sure to fry the beef in batches to keep it crispy.

Is there a low-sugar version?

Reduce the sugar slightly, and add a splash of orange juice for natural sweetness.

Conclusion

Crispy Chilli Beef is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining texture, heat, and a tangy-sweet sauce in every bite. Whether you’re recreating your favorite takeaway or just craving something bold and flavorful, this quick and easy recipe delivers big results without the delivery wait. Serve it with your favorite sides for a complete restaurant-style experience at home.