Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crispy Chilli Beef is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. The combination of crispy beef with the sweet chilli sauce creates a satisfying crunch, while the bell peppers, onions, and fresh chillies add color and freshness. It’s a quick and easy recipe that can be prepared in under 40 minutes and rivals any takeout dish. Plus, you can customize the level of heat to suit your taste, making it ideal for all palates!

Ingredients

• 200 g Rump/Sirloin steak (or any tender steak cut)

• 1 Egg

• 1 cup Corn/Potato Starch (Flour)

• ½ Sweet Onion

• ½ Bell Pepper

• 2-3 Spring Onions

• 2-3 Birdeye/hot chillies

Marinate for Beef Steak:

• 1 tbsp Light soy sauce

• 1 tsp Ginger garlic paste

• 1 tsp Sesame oil

• ½ tsp Sugar

• ¼ tsp White Pepper

Stir Fry Sauce:

• 3 tbsp Sweet Chilli Sauce

• 2 tbsp Ketchup

• 2 tbsp Light soy sauce

• 1 tsp Vinegar (white or rice)

• 1 tbsp Sugar

• ½ tsp Salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cut the beef into thin strips. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients from the marinade list. Add the beef strips to the marinade, mix well, and let it marinate for 15 minutes.

2. In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the stir-fry sauce and set aside.

3. Crack the egg into the marinated beef strips and mix thoroughly.

4. Coat the beef strips with corn/potato flour. Ensure that each beef strip is well-coated and separated. Shake off any excess flour before frying.

5. Heat oil in a deep frying pan to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated beef strips in batches for 1-2 minutes until crispy and golden brown.

6. Remove the fried beef strips from the oil and place them on a paper towel or cooling rack to drain excess oil.

7. Heat a wok or large pan over medium-high heat and drizzle in 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for a few seconds.

8. Add the bell pepper slices and continue stirring for another minute.

9. Add the fried beef strips, pour in the stir-fry sauce, and toss to coat. Add the spring onions and fresh chillies and stir-fry on high heat for another 1-2 minutes.

10. Transfer the dish to a serving plate and serve immediately with steamed rice or stir-fried noodles.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Heat Level: Adjust the amount of fresh chillies according to your spice tolerance. For a milder version, reduce the number of chillies or omit them entirely.

• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, baby corn, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

• Sauce: If you prefer a tangier sauce, increase the vinegar slightly or add a touch of lime juice.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Crispy Chilli Beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The beef will lose some of its crispiness but will still taste great.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the beef in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, tossing it occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use any tender cut of beef such as fillet, ribeye, or flank steak. The key is to slice it thinly to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. Be sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before marinating it.

3. How do I make the beef extra crispy?

To achieve maximum crispiness, ensure that the beef strips are coated evenly in the flour mixture, and avoid overcrowding the pan while frying. Frying in batches helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures a crisp texture.

4. Can I prepare this dish in advance?

It’s best to fry the beef just before serving to maintain its crispiness. However, you can marinate the beef and prepare the stir-fry sauce ahead of time to save some prep work.

5. What can I serve with Crispy Chilli Beef?

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed rice, stir-fried noodles, or even a simple salad. For a complete meal, you can serve it with some sautéed or steamed vegetables.

6. Can I use other types of flour?

Yes, you can substitute corn or potato starch with all-purpose flour if necessary. However, using starches will give the beef a lighter and crispier coating.

7. How do I store the leftover sauce?

You can store any leftover stir-fry sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It also works well as a dipping sauce for other dishes.

8. Can I make this dish spicier?

To make the dish spicier, you can add more fresh chillies or a splash of hot sauce to the stir-fry sauce for extra heat.

9. Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and cornstarch instead of regular flour.

10. Can I use frozen beef strips?

It’s best to use fresh beef for this recipe, as frozen beef may release excess moisture, affecting the crispiness of the final dish.

Conclusion

Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce is a quick, flavorful dish that delivers a satisfying crunch and a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy. Whether you’re craving a tasty appetizer, a hearty main course, or a fun snack, this dish is sure to impress. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in no time.