This Crispy Chilli Beef is packed with flavor! The beef is fried until golden and crispy, then tossed in a sweet and spicy chili sauce that makes your taste buds dance.
It’s a favorite at my house because it’s so easy to whip up, and the mix of crunchy beef and sweet heat is simply delightful. Perfect for a quick dinner or to impress friends! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Sirloin or flank steak works best for this dish. They’re tender and cook quickly. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use chicken or tofu instead—just slice them thinly and follow the same marinating and cooking process.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce gives the dish its signature flavor. If you don’t have it, a mix of honey and sriracha can mimic the sweetness and heat. Adjust the ratio to your taste—more honey for sweetness, more sriracha for heat!
Chili Peppers: I love using fresh red chili peppers to add that extra kick. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can skip them or use a milder pepper like a bell pepper. Dried chili flakes can work too, just sprinkle them in as you cook.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Beef?
The key to crispy beef lies in the frying method and preparation. Marinating the beef with cornstarch and flour helps create a crunchy coating when fried. Make sure to fry in batches to avoid steaming the beef and losing that crispiness. Here are simple steps to follow:
- Heat your oil until shimmering; you can check by dropping a small piece of beef in. If it sizzles right away, it’s ready!
- Fry the beef strips in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. This helps them cook evenly and get that golden crisp.
- Drain excess oil and let them rest briefly on paper towels after frying to keep them crispy.
These tips should help you nail that delightful crunch in every bite! Enjoy your cooking!
Crispy Chilli Beef (with Sweet Chilli)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Beef: 500g beef (such as sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced into strips
- Marinade:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (cornflour)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- For Frying:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1-2 red chili peppers, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
- For Saucing:
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves, for garnish
- To Serve:
- Cooked jasmine or long-grain rice
Time Needed:
This tasty dish will take about 30 minutes: 15 minutes for preparation, including marinating the beef, and about 15 minutes of cooking. It’s quick and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and all-purpose flour. Mix everything well until the beef strips are nicely coated. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This helps make the beef tender and gives it a great crispy texture when fried.
2. Fry the Beef:
Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the marinated beef in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until the beef strips are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. When they’re done, remove them from the pan and let them drain on paper towels to soak up excess oil.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same pan, leave about 1 tablespoon of oil. Discard any excess oil if necessary. Add the sliced onion, chopped garlic, and sliced red chili peppers. Stir-fry quickly for about 2 minutes until fragrant and the onions start to soften.
4. Combine and Sauce:
Return the crispy beef to the pan. Pour in the sweet chili sauce and add chili flakes if you like a little extra heat. Toss everything well so that the beef and veggies are evenly coated in the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to combine flavors and heat through.
5. Serve:
Remove the pan from the heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve hot over a bed of steamed jasmine rice for a delicious and satisfying meal!
Enjoy the delightful mix of crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors in this easy and delicious Crispy Chilli Beef recipe!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak are great options for their tenderness, you can also use cuts like ribeye or even brisket. Just remember to slice them thinly for the best texture!
Is There a Vegetarian Option for This Dish?
Yes! You can substitute the beef with tofu, seitan, or even tempeh. Just prepare them in the same way—slice thinly and marinate before frying to achieve a similar crispy texture.
How Can I Adjust the Heat Level?
If you prefer less spice, you can reduce or omit the fresh chili peppers and chili flakes. Alternatively, if you love the heat, feel free to add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sweet chili sauce!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a pan to stir-fry it again for that crispy texture or microwave it gently, though it may not maintain the same crispiness.
