Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe

If you’re seeking a dish that perfectly balances bold heat, tangy sweetness, and mouthwatering crispiness, you have to try Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce. This recipe is a vibrant stir-fry that brings together tender strips of beef fried to crunchy perfection, soaking up a gloriously sticky sauce packed with sweet chilli, zingy ginger, and a hit of fresh vegetables. It’s the kind of meal that draws friends and family to the table with its irresistible aroma and keeps everyone coming back for “just one more bite.”

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce is that it uses ingredients you can find at almost any grocery store, yet each one plays a special part in building layers of flavor, color, and texture. Don’t skip or swap too many — they work together to create absolute magic!

• Beef (200g Rump/Sirloin): Choose a tender cut, like rump or sirloin, for juicy strips that cook quickly and stay succulent.
• Egg (1): Acts as a binding agent, helping the coating stick well to each piece of beef.
• Corn or Potato Starch (1 cup): Essential for that ultra-crispy crust; much better than plain flour for this dish!
• Sweet Onion (½): Brings gentle sweetness and a bit of crunch to contrast the crispy beef.
• Bell Pepper (½): Adds bright color and a slight tang, making every bite pop visually and in flavor.
• Spring Onions (2-3): Offer fresh, sharp notes and a beautiful green garnish.
• Bird’s Eye or Hot Chillies (2-3): For that fiery kick — add to taste based on your spice preference.
• Light Soy Sauce (1 tbsp for marinade, 2 tbsp for sauce): Provides savory depth and seasoning.
• Ginger Garlic Paste (1 tsp): Delivers that unmistakable aromatic warmth every good stir-fry needs.
• Sesame Oil (1 tsp): Just a little gives a lovely nutty background flavor.
• Sugar (½ tsp for marinade, 1 tbsp for sauce): Balances the spice and tang with sweetness for the classic sticky finish.
• White Pepper (¼ tsp): A subtle hint of heat that’s unique and fragrant.
• Sweet Chilli Sauce (3 tbsp): The secret to that glossy, finger-licking coating — don’t skimp on this!
• Ketchup (2 tbsp): Adds body and just the right touch of acidity to the sauce.
• Vinegar (1 tsp white or rice): Brightens everything up with a gentle tang.
• Salt (½ tsp): Brings all the other flavors into perfect balance.

How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Cut your steak into slim, bite-sized strips to ensure quick cooking and maximum crispiness. Mix the beef with soy sauce, ginger garlic paste, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Give it a good toss so every piece gets a flavorful coating. Set aside for about 15 minutes; this quick marination is where the flavor journey begins!

Step 2: Whisk Up the Stir-Fry Sauce

While your beef marinates, combine sweet chilli sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. This sauce is really the soul of Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce — bright, sticky, tangy, and addictive. Stir well so it’s ready for that sizzle later on.

Step 3: Add the Egg

Crack one egg right over the marinated beef and mix it in. This simple trick helps the coating cling, making those beef strips deliciously crisp after frying.

Step 4: Coat the Beef Strips

Generously dredge each beef strip in corn or potato starch. Use your fingers to separate any pieces that are sticking together, then gently shake off excess starch. The thin, even coating is the secret to signature crunch.

Step 5: Deep-Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat a pot of oil to high (about 350°F is perfect). Fry the coated beef strips in batches for just 1 to 2 minutes, until they’re golden and super crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan to maintain that all-important crunch! Drain the beef on paper towels or a cooling rack.

Step 6: Sauté the Veggies

In a big wok or skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of oil. Sauté the sliced onion for a few seconds, then toss in the bell pepper. Stir quickly; you want them just softened but still vibrant.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Now for that mouthwatering finale! Add the fried beef to the wok. Pour in your waiting sauce, along with the spring onions and chopped chillies. Crank up the heat and toss everything together for 1 to 2 minutes so the beef is well coated and sizzling hot.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

As soon as every piece is glossy and fragrant, plate up your Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce. Serve up straight away for the best crunch and color!

How to Serve Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of sliced spring onions adds freshness and a pop of green, while a few thinly sliced chillies on top make the plate look as fiery as it tastes. For extra appeal, consider a scatter of toasted sesame seeds.

Side Dishes

This dish is absolute heaven with hot steamed jasmine rice, as it soaks up every last drop of sauce. You can also pair it with simple stir-fried noodles or even serve it alongside crunchy Asian slaw for a refreshing contrast to the spicy-sweet beef.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce as fun lettuce wraps for a hand-held appetizer, or pile it high over steamed bao buns. If you want a crowd-pleasing party platter, arrange the beef over a vibrant bed of julienned peppers, cucumbers, and carrots for amazing color and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve managed to save any, store leftover Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within two days for optimal flavor and texture, although it won’t be quite as crispy as fresh-off-the-pan!

Freezing

The beef itself freezes well — let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to one month. For best results, freeze the sauce separately and add after reheating, so you keep that classic crispy texture intact.

Reheating

To re-crisp your beef, spread it out on a baking tray and heat in a hot oven (around 375°F) for 8-10 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it’ll soften the coating. Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop, then toss everything together right before serving.

FAQs

How can I make Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce less spicy?

Just use fewer bird’s eye chillies or swap them for a mild chilli. The sweet chilli sauce also adds gentle heat, so you can mix in a little extra ketchup to mellow things further without losing flavor.

Can I use chicken or another protein?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with chicken breast strips or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just follow the same method for coating and frying.

What’s the best oil for frying the beef?

Go for an oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, sunflower, or canola oil. Peanut oil is delicious too if you don’t have any allergies in the house.

Do I have to deep fry, or can I shallow fry instead?

For the iconic crispiness, deep frying is ideal, but you can shallow fry small batches in a generous layer of hot oil, flipping the strips carefully so all sides get brown.

Is it possible to make this gluten free?

Yes! Use tamari or gluten free soy sauce, and make sure your sweet chilli sauce, ketchup, and other condiments are all gluten free. Potato starch works perfectly for the coating.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something boldly flavorful, utterly crispy, and undeniably fun to share, Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce is guaranteed to delight. Take the plunge and try it at home — you just might discover a new favorite you’ll be excited to make again and again!

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