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

Scale

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