Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli

Name: Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 500g beef sirloin, thinly sliced; 100g cornflour; 1 egg, beaten; Vegetable oil, for frying; 3 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1-2 red chillies, sliced (optional)

Highlighted under: Universal Flavors Table

Elevate your dinner with this Crispy Chilli Beef recipe, featuring tender strips of beef coated in a crunchy batter and tossed in a sweet and spicy chilli sauce. Perfectly balanced between heat and sweetness, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles. Discover how to make this restaurant-quality meal at home and impress your family and friends with its bold flavors and delightful crunch.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-11-29T04:24:30.549Z

Perfect for Any Occasion

Crispy Chilli Beef is not only a delight on your plate but also a dish that suits a variety of occasions. Whether you're hosting a casual family dinner or a more formal gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress. Its vibrant colors and tantalizing aroma will draw your guests in, while the combination of textures—from the crispy beef to the luscious sauce—will keep them coming back for more.

Moreover, this recipe is versatile enough to be served as an appetizer or a main course. If serving as an appetizer, consider accompanying it with toothpicks for easy enjoyment during gatherings. As a main dish, pair it with fluffy white rice or stir-fried noodles, allowing diners to savor every bite of the sweet and spicy flavors.

Customization Options

One of the best aspects of Crispy Chilli Beef is its adaptability. You can easily modify the heat level according to your preferences. If you enjoy a mild dish, feel free to skip the red chillies or reduce their quantity. On the other hand, if you're a spice enthusiast, add more chillies or even opt for a dash of chili sauce to crank up the heat.

Additionally, consider adding vegetables to the dish for extra nutrition and visual appeal. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas can provide a lovely crunch and enhance the dish's flavor profile. This not only boosts the dish's health benefits but also makes it a more colorful and enticing meal.

Storing and Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers, storing them properly can ensure that your Crispy Chilli Beef remains delicious for future meals. Store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, it's important to note that the beef may lose some of its crispiness when stored, so it's best enjoyed fresh.

When reheating, consider using an oven or air fryer to retain some of that crisp texture. Simply preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F), place the beef on a baking tray, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This quick reheating method will help maintain the crunchy exterior while reviving the flavors of the dish.

Ingredients

For the Beef

500g beef sirloin, thinly sliced
100g cornflour
1 egg, beaten
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce

3 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1-2 red chillies, sliced (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Beef

In a bowl, combine the beaten egg and cornflour until well mixed. Add the beef strips and coat them evenly.

Fry the Beef

Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the coated beef strips in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

Make the Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix together the sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sliced chillies.

Combine

Once all the beef is fried, return it to the pan and pour the sauce over it. Toss gently to coat the beef in the sauce.

Serve

Serve the Crispy Chilli Beef hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Cooking Tips

For the crispiest result, make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the beef. If the oil isn't hot, the batter will absorb oil and become soggy. A good test is to drop a small piece of batter into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready for frying.

Be careful not to overcrowd the frying pan with beef strips. Frying in smaller batches helps maintain the oil's temperature, leading to a more even and crispier fry. This step is crucial for that signature crunch in your Crispy Chilli Beef!

Serving Suggestions

To enhance the flavor of your Crispy Chilli Beef, consider serving it with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy basmati rice. The subtle aroma of the rice complements the bold flavors of the dish beautifully. You could also offer fried rice or noodles for an extra treat.

For a balanced meal, pair the beef with a fresh salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The refreshing taste of the salad will contrast nicely with the rich and savory notes of the beef, making for a delightful dining experience.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute chicken for beef in this recipe.

→ Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and cornflour.