Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef is a deliciously crunchy, sticky, and slightly spicy dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. This dish is a favorite in Chinese takeout menus worldwide, but making it at home ensures a fresher, healthier, and more flavorful experience. Thin strips of beef are coated in a light batter, deep-fried to crispy perfection, and then tossed in a glossy, homemade sweet chili sauce.
The combination of crispy beef and sweet chili sauce creates an irresistible texture and taste that will leave your taste buds craving more. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or even stir-fried vegetables, making it a versatile meal suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, entertaining guests, or simply indulging in a homemade takeaway-style meal, this recipe is sure to impress.
Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step preparation of this amazing Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef!
Ingredients for Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef :
The Crispy Beef:
- 500g (1 lb) sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 3 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 2 tbsp plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 egg white (for binding)
- Oil for deep frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
The Sweet Chilli Sauce:
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (light or dark)
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 red chili, finely sliced (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken the sauce)
Garnishing & Serving:
- 1 spring onion, finely sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Fresh red chili slices (optional)
- Steamed jasmine rice or noodles
How to Make Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef :
1: Prepare the Beef
- Slice the beef into thin strips, about 1/4-inch thick. Cutting against the grain ensures a tender texture.
- In a large bowl, combine the cornflour, plain flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Add the beef strips into the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Add the egg white to the bowl and mix well to coat the beef evenly. This helps the flour stick to the beef, creating a crispy texture.
2: Fry the Beef
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok to 180°C (350°F). To test, drop a small piece of coated beef into the oil; if it sizzles immediately and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
- Fry the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- (Optional) For extra crispiness, fry the beef a second time for another 1–2 minutes. This double-frying method enhances the crunch.
3: Make the Sweet Chilli Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, ketchup, and hoisin sauce.
- Add the sliced red chili if you prefer a spicier sauce.
- Mix the cornstarch with water, then pour it into the sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Turn off the heat and set aside.
4: Toss the Beef in the Sauce
- Once the beef is crispy and drained, add it to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the warm sweet chili sauce over the beef and toss quickly to coat evenly.
- Ensure every piece of beef is covered in the sticky, glossy sauce.
5: Garnish & Serve
- Transfer the Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef to a serving plate.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced spring onions over the top.
- Add fresh red chili slices for extra heat (optional).
- Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add extra red chili flakes or Sriracha to the sauce for more heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free flour for coating the beef.
- Healthier Alternative: Instead of deep-frying, bake the beef strips at 220°C (425°F) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, or air-fry at 200°C (390°F) for 12–15 minutes.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with crispy tofu or mushrooms for a meat-free version.
Cooking Notes for the Best Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef Recipe
- Crispy Texture: To achieve the best crunch, ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying.
- Double Frying: If you want ultra-crispy beef, double-fry the strips after the first round of frying.
- Sauce Thickness: Adjust the thickness by adding more or less cornstarch mixture.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice for a classic combination.
- Pair with egg-fried rice or vegetable stir-fried noodles for an extra special meal.
- Serve with steamed broccoli, bok choy, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Add a side of fresh cucumber or a simple Asian slaw to balance the dish’s sweetness and spice.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cut: Flank steak or sirloin works best for this dish due to their tender texture.
- Cut Against the Grain: This ensures that the beef remains tender and easy to chew.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the beef in batches to keep it crispy.
- Serve Immediately: The crispiness fades if left sitting too long after mixing with the sauce.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate Values)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fats: 12g
- Sodium: 750mg
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: It’s best served fresh, but you can fry the beef ahead and store it separately. Reheat in the oven or air fryer, then toss it in freshly made sauce before serving.
Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A: Yes! Thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs work well as a substitute.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Q: What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
A: Add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up while heating.
Conclusion
Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef is a restaurant-quality dish that you can easily make at home. The perfect balance of crunch, sweetness, and spice makes it an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re treating yourself or cooking for family and friends, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy this delicious dish with your favorite sides, and don’t forget to experiment with different variations to suit your taste!
Now, it’s time to grab your ingredients and start cooking this fantastic crispy sweet chili beef! 🍽️🔥
PrintCrispy Sweet Chilli Beef
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef is a deliciously crunchy, sticky, and slightly spicy dish that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. This dish is a favorite in Chinese takeout menus worldwide, but making it at home ensures a fresher, healthier, and more flavorful experience. Thin strips of beef are coated in a light batter, deep-fried to crispy perfection, and then tossed in a glossy, homemade sweet chili sauce.
The combination of crispy beef and sweet chili sauce creates an irresistible texture and taste that will leave your taste buds craving more. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or even stir-fried vegetables, making it a versatile meal suitable for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, entertaining guests, or simply indulging in a homemade takeaway-style meal, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients
The Crispy Beef:
- 500g (1 lb) sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 3 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 2 tbsp plain flour (all-purpose flour)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 egg white (for binding)
- Oil for deep frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
The Sweet Chilli Sauce:
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (light or dark)
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 red chili, finely sliced (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken the sauce)
Garnishing & Serving:
- 1 spring onion, finely sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Fresh red chili slices (optional)
- Steamed jasmine rice or noodles
Instructions
1: Prepare the Beef
- Slice the beef into thin strips, about 1/4-inch thick. Cutting against the grain ensures a tender texture.
- In a large bowl, combine the cornflour, plain flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Add the beef strips into the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Add the egg white to the bowl and mix well to coat the beef evenly. This helps the flour stick to the beef, creating a crispy texture.
2: Fry the Beef
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or wok to 180°C (350°F). To test, drop a small piece of coated beef into the oil; if it sizzles immediately and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
- Fry the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and place it on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- (Optional) For extra crispiness, fry the beef a second time for another 1–2 minutes. This double-frying method enhances the crunch.
3: Make the Sweet Chilli Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, add sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, ketchup, and hoisin sauce.
- Add the sliced red chili if you prefer a spicier sauce.
- Mix the cornstarch with water, then pour it into the sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Turn off the heat and set aside.
4: Toss the Beef in the Sauce
- Once the beef is crispy and drained, add it to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the warm sweet chili sauce over the beef and toss quickly to coat evenly.
- Ensure every piece of beef is covered in the sticky, glossy sauce.
5: Garnish & Serve
- Transfer the Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef to a serving plate.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced spring onions over the top.
- Add fresh red chili slices for extra heat (optional).
- Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
Notes
- Crispy Texture: To achieve the best crunch, ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying.
- Double Frying: If you want ultra-crispy beef, double-fry the strips after the first round of frying.
- Sauce Thickness: Adjust the thickness by adding more or less cornstarch mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 32g