There’s something undeniably satisfying about crispy beef coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze. It’s the perfect balance of crunch, heat, and sweetness that keeps you coming back for more. This Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef is inspired by classic Asian takeout dishes, bringing restaurant-quality flavors right into your home kitchen.
This dish is all about texture and flavor. The thinly sliced beef is lightly coated in cornstarch, fried to crispy perfection, and then tossed in a glossy, garlicky sweet chili sauce. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough to serve for a special occasion.
If you love dishes that have a little bit of crunch, a little bit of heat, and a whole lot of flavor, then this recipe is for you. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection – The beef is fried to a golden crisp, giving it that irresistible crunch.
- Sweet & Spicy Balance – The sauce is the perfect blend of sweetness, tanginess, and just the right amount of heat.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
- Better Than Takeout – You get all the flavors of your favorite restaurant dish, but homemade and fresher.
- Versatile – Serve it with rice, noodles, or even a side of stir-fried veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crispy Beef:
- 300g beef steak (sirloin or ribeye), thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Oil for frying
For the Sweet Chilli Sauce:
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
For Garnish:
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
How to Make Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by slicing your beef as thinly as possible. The thinner the slices, the crispier they’ll get when fried. To make slicing easier, you can place the beef in the freezer for about 20 minutes before cutting.
In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. The cornstarch creates a light coating that helps the beef get extra crispy when fried.
Step 2: Fry the Beef
Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the beef in small batches. Fry for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beef and drain on a paper towel. Repeat with the remaining beef.
For an extra crispy texture, you can fry the beef a second time for 1-2 minutes. This technique, known as double frying, ensures a crunchier finish.
Step 3: Make the Sweet Chilli Sauce
In a separate pan, heat a little sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and red chili (if using), and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and ketchup. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for a minute.
To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and pour it into the pan. Stir until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
Step 4: Coat the Crispy Beef
Add the fried beef to the pan with the sauce and toss quickly to coat each piece evenly. The crispy beef will soak up the sauce, creating that signature sweet and spicy glaze.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the crispy sweet chili beef to a serving plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Helpful Tips
- Slice the Beef Thinly – Thin slices crisp up better and cook faster. Freezing the beef for 20 minutes before slicing helps with precision.
- Fry in Small Batches – Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy beef instead of crispy pieces.
- Double Fry for Extra Crispiness – If you want super crunchy beef, fry it twice! The second fry removes excess moisture and keeps it crispy even after being coated in sauce.
- Adjust the Spice Level – If you like it spicier, add extra chopped red chilies or a dash of chili flakes. If you prefer it milder, reduce the chili or skip it altogether.
- Serve Immediately – This dish is best enjoyed fresh, while the beef is still crispy and the sauce is sticky and flavorful.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Halal
Notes
- You can substitute beef with chicken if preferred. Simply follow the same method but adjust the cooking time slightly.
- For a healthier version, air-fry the beef instead of deep-frying. Lightly spray with oil and air-fry at 200°C (400°F) for about 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can mix honey and hot sauce as an alternative.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
(Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! While sirloin and ribeye work best due to their tenderness, you can also use flank steak or rump steak. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for a tender bite.
What can I serve with crispy sweet chili beef?
It pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, egg-fried rice, or stir-fried noodles. You can also add a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The sauce can be prepared in advance, but the beef is best fried and served fresh. If you need to reheat it, use an air fryer or oven to help retain some crispiness.
How do I make it less spicy?
Simply reduce or omit the red chili and use a mild sweet chili sauce. Adding a little extra honey can also balance out the heat.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use an air fryer or oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5 minutes to help retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the beef soggy.
Related Recipes
If you loved this crispy sweet chili beef, you might also enjoy:
Conclusion
Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef is the perfect dish when you’re craving something crispy, sticky, and full of bold flavors. It’s an easy way to bring the flavors of your favorite takeout right into your own kitchen. Whethe
r you serve it with rice or noodles, this dish is sure to impress!
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Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef
Description
There’s something undeniably satisfying about crispy beef coated in a sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze. It’s the perfect balance of crunch, heat, and sweetness that keeps you coming back for more. This Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef is inspired by classic Asian takeout dishes, bringing restaurant-quality flavors right into your home kitchen.
This dish is all about texture and flavor. The thinly sliced beef is lightly coated in cornstarch, fried to crispy perfection, and then tossed in a glossy, garlicky sweet chili sauce. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough to serve for a special occasion.
If you love dishes that have a little bit of crunch, a little bit of heat, and a whole lot of flavor, then this recipe is for you. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
For the Crispy Beef:
- 300g beef steak (sirloin or ribeye), thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Oil for frying
For the Sweet Chilli Sauce:
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional for extra heat)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
For Garnish:
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
Instructions
Start by slicing your beef as thinly as possible. The thinner the slices, the crispier they’ll get when fried. To make slicing easier, you can place the beef in the freezer for about 20 minutes before cutting.
In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. The cornstarch creates a light coating that helps the beef get extra crispy when fried.
Heat oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the beef in small batches. Fry for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beef and drain on a paper towel. Repeat with the remaining beef.
For an extra crispy texture, you can fry the beef a second time for 1-2 minutes. This technique, known as double frying, ensures a crunchier finish.
In a separate pan, heat a little sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and red chili (if using), and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, and ketchup. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for a minute.
To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and pour it into the pan. Stir until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
Add the fried beef to the pan with the sauce and toss quickly to coat each piece evenly. The crispy beef will soak up the sauce, creating that signature sweet and spicy glaze.
Transfer the crispy sweet chili beef to a serving plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- You can substitute beef with chicken if preferred. Simply follow the same method but adjust the cooking time slightly.
- For a healthier version, air-fry the beef instead of deep-frying. Lightly spray with oil and air-fry at 200°C (400°F) for about 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
- If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can mix honey and hot sauce as an alternative.