Name: Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
Ingredients: 200 g (7 oz) rump or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain; 1 egg, beaten; 1 cup corn starch or potato starch; 1 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste; 1 tsp sesame oil; ½ tsp sugar; ¼ tsp white pepper; 3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce; 2 tbsp ketchup; 2 tbsp light soy sauce; 1 tsp white or rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sugar; ½ tsp salt; ½ sweet onion, sliced; ½ bell pepper, sliced; 2–3 spring onions, chopped; 2–3 bird’s eye chillies, sliced

Description

Crispy Chilli Beef is a quick homemade Chinese stir fry that rivals takeout. Thin strips of beef are fried until shatteringly crisp, then tossed in a glossy sweet chilli sauce with onions, peppers, and a touch of heat. Ready in 35 minutes, it’s the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and crunchy—ideal for weeknight dinners or serving guests.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef:

200 g (7 oz) rump or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1 egg, beaten
1 cup corn starch or potato starch

For the Marinade:

1 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp sugar
¼ tsp white pepper

For the Sauce:

3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
2 tbsp ketchup
2 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tsp white or rice vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
½ tsp salt

Veggies & Garnish:

½ sweet onion, sliced
½ bell pepper, sliced
2–3 spring onions, chopped
2–3 bird’s eye chillies, sliced

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Marinate the beef: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, ginger-garlic paste, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Add beef and toss. Marinate for 15 minutes.
Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together sweet chilli sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Set aside.
Coat the beef: Beat the egg into the marinated beef. Dredge each piece in starch, shaking off excess.
Fry the beef: Heat oil in a wok or deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry beef in batches for 1–2 minutes until golden. Drain on paper towels. (Optional: Double fry for extra crunch.)
Stir-fry the veggies: In a clean wok, heat 1 tbsp oil. Stir-fry onion for 30 seconds, then add bell pepper.
Combine: Add the fried beef and sauce. Toss quickly over high heat until everything is coated and glossy.
Finish: Stir in spring onions and fresh chillies. Serve immediately.

Notes

Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.

Fry in small batches to keep the beef crispy.

Adjust spice by adding or reducing bird’s eye chillies.

Best eaten fresh—crispy coating softens if stored too long.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-fry / Deep Fry
Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired