Name: Crispy Chilli Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 360g (¾ lb) thin-cut sirloin steak, sliced into 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, sliced and deseeded (optional); 1 tsp minced ginger; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 3 tbsp dark soy sauce; 2 tbsp tomato purée; 6 tbsp caster sugar; 2 tbsp tomato ketchup; 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Crispy Chilli Beef is a mouthwatering dish where tender sirloin strips are coated in cornflour, pan‑fried to a deliciously crisp texture, and then bathed in a glossy, sweet‑savory chilli sauce. With bold flavors from soy sauce, tomato, garlic, and a hint of ginger, this 100‑word intro captures the recipe’s charm: tender yet crispy meat, bold and balanced sauce, all coming together in just one pan—an irresistible combination that’s both elegant and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chilli Beef

Perfect texture contrast: The cornflour and egg coating delivers a satisfyingly crispy crust that contrasts with the tender sirloin.
Simple, bold flavors: A dynamic sauce of soy, garlic, tomato, vinegar, and sugar delivers the perfect blend of salty, sweet, tangy, and spicy.
Quick and impressive: Ready in under 30 minutes, yet fancy enough to serve for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
Fuss‑free one‑pan cooking: From frying the beef to simmering the sauce, everything happens in the same pan—minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!

Ingredients

360 g (3/4 lb) thin‑cut sirloin steak (about 3 steaks), sliced into thin strips (see Note 1)
1 small egg
4 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp white pepper
4 1/2 tbsp sunflower oil, divided
1 medium onion, thinly sliced after peeling
1 red chilli, thinly sliced; deseed for a milder kick if desired
1 tsp minced ginger
3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
2 tbsp rice vinegar
3 tbsp dark soy sauce
2 tbsp tomato purée (tomato paste in the US)
6 tbsp caster (superfine) sugar
2 tbsp tomato ketchup
2 tbsp Thai‑style sweet chilli sauce

Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef

Start by placing the steak strips in a bowl, then add the egg and stir until evenly coated.
Dust with cornflour, salt, and both black and white pepper, then toss to coat.
Add 3 tablespoons of oil to a wok or large frying pan and heat on high until it reaches a sizzling temperature.
Cook the beef in two batches: spread out half the strips in the hot oil and allow them to crisp without stirring too much—about 5–6 minutes with just 3–4 stirs. Transfer to a bowl lined with paper towels.
Repeat with another 1 tbsp oil for the second batch. Drain and combine with the first batch.
Reduce the heat to medium, add the remaining 1/2 tbsp oil to the pan.
Sauté the onion for about 2 minutes until softened.
Add the chilli, ginger, and garlic. Stir for ~30 seconds until aromatic.
Pour in the rice vinegar, soy sauce, tomato purée, sugar, ketchup, and sweet chilli sauce. Raise the heat and let the sauce bubble and thicken slightly.
Return the beef to the pan, toss to coat, and heat through for 1–2 minutes until warmed thoroughly.
Serve immediately with rice or noodles.

Helpful Tips

For crispier steak: Resist stirring too often—minimal movement encourages a better crust.
Chill before slicing: Partially freezing the steak (about 30 minutes) makes slicing thinner, even strips easier.
Control the heat: For a milder dish, remove seeds from the chilli; for more heat, leave them in or use a hotter variety.
Veggie twist: Add bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli in step 7 for extra crunch and nutrition.

Substitutions And Variations

Gluten‑free option: Swap regular soy sauce for tamari. Double‑check that tomato purée, ketchup, sweet chilli sauce, and vinegar are gluten‑free.
Use leftover meat: This dish works beautifully with roasted meats like chicken, duck, roast beef, or lamb. Coat and crisp them as you would the steak.
Vegan/plant‑based option: Try substituting tofu or seitan slices, coated and fried similarly, though textures will vary.

Storage Instructions

Best enjoyed immediately for maximum crispiness.
To freeze: Let cool, then freeze in an airtight container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly in the wok or microwave, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. Expect less crispy texture, though flavor remains great.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, without rice or garnish)

Calories: 472 kcal
Carbohydrates: 37 g
Protein: 21 g
Total Fat: 26g (including 5g saturated fat and 1g trans fat)
Cholesterol: 100 mg
Sodium: 1141 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 26 g

Serving Suggestions

Serve over steamed jasmine or long‑grain rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Alternatively, serve with noodles—egg or udon noodles complement this dish wonderfully.
Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or coriander for color and freshness.
Add a side of steamed greens or a crisp Asian-style salad for balance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Chilli Beef

Q: Are there alternative cuts of beef I can use?
A: Yes—flank steak or rump will work. Just slice thinly against the grain for tenderness and follow the same coating and frying steps.

Q: Is there a milder version for kids?
A: Absolutely—remove the chilli seeds or substitute with a mild sweet chilli sauce. Alternatively, reduce or omit the chilli but keep the sweet‑savory base.

Q: Can I make this dairy‑free?
A: The recipe is already dairy‑free—does not contain milk, butter, or cream.

Q: To thin the sauce, simply stir in a splash of water or broth.

Q: Is it possible to prep any components in advance? A: You can slice the beef and prep the sauce ingredients ahead, but avoid cooking too early to maintain crispiness—cook just before serving for best results.

Conclusion

Thank you so much for checking out this Crispy Chilli Beef recipe—I’m truly thrilled to share it with you! This dish brings together that perfect crispy texture and zesty, flavorful sauce that I absolutely adore. I hope making it feels fun and rewarding, and that each bite brings a burst of bold taste and satisfaction. Enjoy preparing and savoring this dish—it’s simple, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. Thanks for being part of our food-loving community—happy cooking and bon appétit!