Name: Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 egg; 1/4 cup water; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Vegetable oil for frying; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust to taste); 2 teaspoons sugar; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 tablespoon minced ginger; 1/2 onion, sliced; 1 bell pepper, sliced; 1-2 red chilies, sliced (optional for extra heat); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 28 reviews

Craving a dish that’s gloriously crunchy, savory, and packed with a gentle hit of heat? Crispy Chilli Beef is the answer to all your flavor dreams. This irresistible takeout classic hits every note: ribbons of tender beef fried to shattering crispiness, all tumbled with peppers, onions, and a devilishly sticky sweet-spicy sauce. Every forkful is pure delight, making it one of those recipes you’ll want to make for a cozy night in or an impressive dinner with friends. Get ready to discover why Crispy Chilli Beef will become a beloved fixture on your homemade favorites menu!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Crispy Chilli Beef lies in using simple, everyday ingredients in the cleverest ways. Each item plays a part, whether creating that unforgettable crunch, deepening the flavor of the sauce, or adding pops of color and freshness. Here’s everything you’ll need, plus a few tips to help you make the most of every element.

Beef sirloin or flank steak (1 lb): Choose a cut with some marbling for tenderness and slice thinly against the grain for perfect bite-sized pieces.
Cornstarch (1/4 cup): This is the secret to the beef’s wafer-thin crisp coating.
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Combines with cornstarch for structure and extra crunch.
Egg (1): Helps the batter stick to the beef and gives a golden hue when fried.
Water (1/4 cup): Loosens the batter just enough for even coverage without dripping.
Baking powder (1/2 tsp): Adds airy lightness to the crispy coating.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning both the batter and the beef.
Vegetable oil: High smoke point is key for fry-ups; don’t skimp so each strip fries evenly.
Soy sauce (2 tbsp): Brings savory depth to the sauce.
Rice vinegar (1 tbsp): Adds that signature vibrant tang.
Hoisin sauce (2 tbsp): For a sweet, umami-packed foundation.
Chili sauce (1 tbsp or to taste): Gives the sauce its fiery kick; adjust for your heat preference.
Sugar (2 tsp): Balances spice with a touch of sweetness.
Minced garlic (1 tbsp): Delivers a warm, aromatic backbone.
Minced ginger (1 tbsp): Brightness and subtle heat for the sauce.
Onion (1/2, sliced): Adds bite and soaks up all the saucy flavors.
Bell pepper (1, sliced): Crunch and natural sweetness in every mouthful.
Red chilies (1-2, sliced, optional): For those who love a little extra sizzle.
Sesame oil (1 tbsp): A few drops infuse aromatic, nutty notes.
Green onions (1 tbsp, chopped): The perfect fresh garnish.

How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef

Step 1: Slice the Beef

Start with the star of the show by slicing your beef sirloin or flank steak into very thin strips, always against the grain. This single move makes the beef super tender and helps each little ribbon crisp up beautifully. You want uniformity—think of it like prepping for restaurant-style perfection!

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a large bowl, mix together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, baking powder, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then whisk in the egg and water. Your goal is a silky, lump-free batter that isn’t too runny or too thick. This coating will transform the beef into golden, crunchy strands once fried.

Step 3: Fry the Beef

Heat a generous puddle of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok until shimmering (about 350°F, if you have a thermometer). Dip each piece of beef into the batter, making sure it’s well-coated, then fry in batches until each strip is crisp and richly golden—about 3 to 4 minutes per batch. Don’t overcrowd the pan! Drain the beef on paper towels to keep it extra crunchy.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies

Now for some sizzle: add sesame oil to a clean wok or large frying pan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, letting them release their wonderful aroma. Next, add the sliced onion and bell pepper, softening them just a touch while keeping their color and crunch. This step builds layers of flavor that make Crispy Chilli Beef so unforgettable.

Step 5: Make the Sticky Sauce

Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili sauce, and sugar. Stir well, letting the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken. You’ll notice it turning glossy and fragrant—this is what will bring every element together in the most delicious way.

Step 6: Toss It All Together

Return your crispy beef strips to the pan, tossing to coat them in every drop of that incredible sauce. Keep everything moving for 2 to 3 minutes, just enough for the beef to soak up the sauce and the flavors to meld into another. This is where Crispy Chilli Beef achieves its glorious symphony of sweet, spicy, and umami with that iconic crunch.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top with sliced red chilies if you like extra zing, and scatter over plenty of green onions for freshness. Serve right away—the crispier, the better!

How to Serve Crispy Chilli Beef

Garnishes

No plate of Crispy Chilli Beef is complete without a flourish of colorful toppings. Sprinkle over plenty of chopped green onions for a peppery bite, and add thin slices of fresh red chili if you’re feeling bold. Toasted sesame seeds also make a fun, nutty addition if you happen to have them on hand.

Side Dishes

For the ultimate meal, I love serving Crispy Chilli Beef with fluffy steamed jasmine rice to soak up every drop of sauce. If you’re a noodle lover, toss some simple stir-fried noodles on the side. A crisp side salad or fresh cucumber ribbons can cool things down, adding crunch and contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the takeout container! Try piling your Crispy Chilli Beef onto lettuce leaves for a playful, hands-on appetizer, or tuck it into toasted bao buns with pickled veggies for an impressive party snack. If you’re after elegance, serve it over a smear of chili sauce on a platter, scattered with herbs for a real show-stopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (it’s not easy!), cool the Crispy Chilli Beef completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 2 days, though the beef will naturally lose some crispness as it sits in the sauce.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked beef strips before tossing them in the sauce. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a bag or container. The sauce can be made fresh later. This method helps preserve that signature crunch!

Reheating

To reheat, bake the beef strips at 375°F for about 10 minutes or until sizzling and crisp. Warm the sauce on the stovetop, toss the beef through and serve immediately. This way, you’ll revive some of that wonderful texture and get the flavors popping again.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for Crispy Chilli Beef?

The best results come from using sirloin or flank steak, as both are tender and easy to slice thinly. Just remember to always cut against the grain for melt-in-your-mouth texture!

Can I make Crispy Chilli Beef gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend, and make sure your soy and hoisin sauces are gluten-free. You’ll still get that addictive crunch and flavor.

What’s the best oil for frying the beef?

Use a neutral, high-smoke point oil like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil. This lets the beef fry evenly and keeps the flavor clean, letting the sauce shine.

How spicy is Crispy Chilli Beef?

The heat level is entirely up to you. Adjust the amount of chili sauce or skip the fresh chilies if you prefer it milder. If you love the fire, pile on those sliced red chilies!

Can I prepare any part of this dish ahead of time?

Definitely. Slice the beef and chop all your veggies in advance, and even make the sauce ahead; just fry the beef strips and combine everything when you’re ready to serve for maximum crunch.

Final Thoughts

Once you taste homemade Crispy Chilli Beef, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for anything less than this addictive combo of crackle and spice. Give it a try—trust me, you may just discover your new favorite recipe for family dinners and nights when you want to impress. Happy cooking!