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crispy chilli beef with sweet chilli
Sofia

Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce

Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce is a delicious fusion of crunch and heat. Strips of tender beef are coated, fried until golden and crispy, then tossed in a sticky-sweet, slightly spicy sauce. It’s a better-than-takeout dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Crispy Beef:
  • 1 lb 450g flank or sirloin steak, thinly sliced into strips
  • ¼ cup cornstarch or more for coating
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Oil for frying vegetable or canola
  • For the Sauce:
  • ¼ cup sweet chilli sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
  • To Finish:
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil optional
  • Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Beef:
  2. Pat beef strips dry with paper towels. Toss in cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Let sit for 5–10 minutes for the coating to adhere.
  3. Fry the Beef:
  4. Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry beef in small batches for 2–3 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  5. Make the Sauce:
  6. In a small saucepan, combine sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Toss and Serve:
  8. Place crispy beef in a large bowl or skillet. Pour over the sauce and toss to coat. Drizzle with sesame oil if using.
  9. Garnish and Serve:
  10. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve hot with jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables.

Notes

  • Cut against the grain for tender beef strips.
  • Crispier coating: Double-fry the beef if desired—fry once, rest 5 minutes, then fry again for 1 minute.
  • Add veggies: Toss in bell peppers or carrots for a stir-fry twist.
  • Storage: Best served immediately, but you can reheat in a hot skillet to regain crispiness.
  • Gluten-free? Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.