If you love the irresistible crunch of crispy beef combined with a sticky, sweet, and spicy chilli sauce, this Crispy Chilli Beef recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a fantastic homemade alternative to your favorite takeaway and surprisingly easy to make in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your family, impressing friends, or just craving a restaurant-style dinner, this dish ticks all the boxes — crispy texture, vibrant flavor, and a satisfying spicy kick.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe
Crispy Chilli Beef is a crowd-pleaser for good reason. The combination of tender, thinly sliced sirloin steak coated in a crunchy cornflour batter creates the perfect bite-sized pieces. Then, everything gets tossed in a homemade chilli sauce that’s tangy, sweet, and packs just the right amount of heat.
Unlike takeaways that can sometimes be greasy or over-sauced, this version is balanced and fresh. You control the spice level and ingredients, making it healthier and more customizable. Plus, it pairs beautifully with steamed rice or egg fried rice, turning it into a full meal.
Ingredients – All Measured in US Cups and Standard Units
To make 4 servings of Crispy Chilli Beef, you’ll need:
For the Crispy Beef:
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12.7 oz (360 g) thin-cut sirloin steak, sliced into thin strips
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1 small egg (to help the coating stick)
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¼ cup cornflour (cornstarch) — this creates the crunchy coating
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¼ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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⅛ tsp white pepper (optional for subtle heat)
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4½ tbsp sunflower oil (or any neutral oil, divided for frying)
For the Sauce and Veggies:
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1 medium onion, sliced thinly into strips
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1 red chilli, finely sliced (remove seeds to reduce heat if preferred)
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1 tsp minced ginger (fresh for best flavor)
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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2 tbsp rice vinegar (adds tang and brightness)
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3 tbsp dark soy sauce (for deep umami flavor)
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2 tbsp tomato purée (adds richness and a slight sweetness)
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6 tbsp caster sugar (superfine sugar; balances the tang and heat)
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2 tbsp tomato ketchup (for a familiar, sweet base)
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2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce (for that sticky sweet-spicy glaze)
Equipment You’ll Need
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Large mixing bowls
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Wok or large frying pan
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Slotted spoon
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Kitchen paper towels (for draining excess oil)
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Measuring spoons and cups
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Knife and chopping board
Step-by-Step Directions: Easy to Follow!
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Strips
Place the thin sirloin strips into a large mixing bowl. Crack the small egg over the beef and mix thoroughly so each piece is coated evenly. This helps the cornflour stick better, making the beef crispy once fried.
Step 2: Coat with Cornflour and Seasoning
Add ¼ cup cornflour, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and ⅛ tsp white pepper to the bowl. Toss everything together well so the beef strips are completely covered in a sticky coating. This batter is key for that crunchy texture.
Step 3: Heat the Oil for Frying
Place a large frying pan or wok on high heat and add 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil. Allow the oil to get very hot — almost smoking. Hot oil is crucial for crisping the beef quickly without absorbing too much oil.
Step 4: Fry the Beef in Batches
Add half the coated beef strips to the hot oil in a single layer, spreading them out. Fry for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally to brown all sides evenly. The beef should become dark golden and crispy.
Step 5: Drain and Repeat
Use a slotted spoon to remove the crispy beef from the pan and place on kitchen paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining beef, adding the remaining 1½ tablespoons of oil to the pan.
Step 6: Cook the Aromatics
Lower the heat to medium. Add the sliced onion to the pan and cook for 2 minutes until softened but still slightly crunchy. Then add the finely chopped chilli, minced ginger, and garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 7: Make the Sauce
Add 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce, 2 tablespoons tomato purée, 6 tablespoons caster sugar, 2 tablespoons tomato ketchup, and 2 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce to the pan. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Step 8: Simmer the Sauce
Turn the heat back up to medium-high and let the sauce bubble for a few minutes until it thickens slightly and becomes glossy.
Step 9: Toss Beef in Sauce
Return the fried beef strips to the pan. Toss everything together so the beef is evenly coated with the sauce. Heat through for 1 to 2 minutes to ensure everything is piping hot.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Crispy Chilli Beef immediately with steamed jasmine rice, egg fried rice, or noodles. Garnish with extra fresh chilli slices or spring onions for a colorful touch.
Prep Time and Calories
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Calories per serving: Approximately 470 kcal (varies with oil and serving size)
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Servings: 4
Pro Tips for Perfect Crispy Chilli Beef
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Freeze the steak for 20-30 minutes before slicing to make thin, even strips easier to cut.
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Double-fry the beef by frying it once, draining, then frying again quickly to get even crispier results.
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Use light soy sauce if you want a milder saltiness and darker soy sauce for richer color.
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Add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
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Serve with fresh cucumber slices or steamed greens to balance the richness.
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For a gluten-free version, swap cornflour for rice flour and soy sauce for tamari.
Why This Recipe Works
The crispy coating locks in the beef’s juicy tenderness while creating a crunchy exterior that contrasts perfectly with the sticky sauce. The balance of sweet sugar, sour vinegar, umami soy, and spicy chilli delivers complex layers of flavor with every bite. Cooking the aromatics (onion, garlic, ginger, chilli) fresh ensures a vibrant, fragrant sauce base that elevates the dish far beyond takeout.
Variations and Serving Ideas
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Make it vegetarian: Substitute beef with fried tofu cubes or cauliflower florets for a crispy veggie version.
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Add veggies: Stir-fry bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots with the onions for more color and crunch.
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Heat it up: Add extra fresh chillies or a teaspoon of chilli flakes if you like it fiery.
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Make it saucier: Double the sauce ingredients and toss beef generously for a wetter, saucier finish.
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Side dishes: Serve alongside garlic noodles, steamed bok choy, or simple fried rice.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Chilli Beef recipe is the ultimate homemade Chinese takeaway experience. It’s easy to follow, quick to cook, and perfectly balanced between spicy, sweet, and savory. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe is guaranteed to impress and satisfy your cravings. Try it tonight and watch it become a family favorite!