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Crispy Chilli Beef – Sweet, Spicy & Seriously Addictive Takeout-Style Favorite

If you’ve ever ordered crispy chilli beef from your favorite Chinese takeaway and wondered how to recreate that addictive sweet-spicy crunch at home, you’re in the right place. This homemade Crispy Chilli Beef recipe brings all the flavor, texture, and sauciness you love — with none of the sogginess or mystery meat. Made with thin-cut sirloin, lightly coated in cornstarch, then deep-fried to perfection and tossed in a sticky-sweet chili sauce with garlic, ginger, and a fiery red chili kick, this dish is every bit as crispy, bold, and crave-worthy as the restaurant version. And the best part? It’s easier than you think and ready in under 30 minutes! Perfect for serving with jasmine rice, noodles, or even as a standalone starter, this one will become a favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🥩 For the Crispy Beef
  • 360 g sirloin steak thinly sliced into strips
  • 1 small egg
  • 4 tbsp cornflour cornstarch
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ⅛ tsp white pepper
  • 4½ tbsp sunflower oil for frying
🌶️ For the Chilli Sauce
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 fresh red chilli thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp Thai-style sweet chilli sauce
  • 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato ketchup
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 6 tbsp caster sugar
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
🌟 For a gluten-free version, swap soy sauce for tamari and check your ketchup brand.

Equipment

  • Sharp knife & cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Wok or deep frying pan
  • Slotted spoon or spider strainer
  • Tongs
  • Paper towels
  • Measuring spoons
  • Whisk or spatula
  • 🍽️ No wok? No problem! A deep frying pan or heavy-bottomed skillet works perfectly.

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the Beef
  1. Slice sirloin steaks into very thin strips across the grain.
  2. In a bowl, whisk the egg and toss the beef strips in it.
  3. In another bowl, mix cornflour, salt, black pepper, and white pepper.
  4. Dredge egg-coated beef into the cornflour mixture until fully coated.
🥩 Thin slicing ensures fast cooking and maximum crispiness.
    Step 2: Fry the Beef
    1. Heat sunflower oil in a wok or deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
    2. Once hot (test with a small piece of beef – it should sizzle instantly), fry the beef in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden and crispy.
    3. Remove and drain on paper towels.
    🍳 Don't overcrowd the pan — fry in batches for maximum crunch!
      Step 3: Make the Chilli Sauce
      1. Pour out excess oil from the pan, leaving about 1 tbsp.
      2. Add garlic, ginger, onion, and red chilli. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
      3. Stir in sweet chilli sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, tomato paste, caster sugar, and rice vinegar.
      4. Simmer over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, until thick and glossy.
      🔥 Add extra chili or sriracha if you love it HOT.
        Step 4: Toss and Serve
        1. Once the sauce is ready, add the crispy beef strips back to the pan.
        2. Toss quickly to coat every piece in that sticky, fiery sauce.
        3. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with extra chili slices or spring onions.

        Notes

        🧊 Storage & Reheating
        Fridge
        Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
        Reheat
        Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness (add a splash of water to loosen sauce if needed).
        Avoid microwaving, as the beef will lose its crunch.
        🥄 Variations
        🥦 With Veggies – Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the stir-fry.
        🐓 Crispy Chilli Chicken – Substitute thin chicken breast strips for beef.
        🧄 Garlic Bomb Version – Add extra garlic and a splash of soy to deepen the umami.
        🍊 Orange Chilli Beef – Add orange zest and juice to the sauce for a sweet citrus twist.
        🍜 Chilli Beef Noodles – Toss with cooked egg noodles or ramen instead of rice.
        ❓ 10 FAQs
        1. Can I use another cut of beef?
        Yes! Flank or skirt steak works well if sliced thinly across the grain.
        2. Is this dish really spicy?
        You control the heat. Adjust the amount of fresh chili and chili sauce to your taste.
        3. Can I make it ahead?
        It’s best fresh, but you can fry the beef and prep the sauce ahead — combine just before serving.
        4. Can I air fry the beef?
        You can! Spray lightly with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
        5. What oil is best for frying?
        Neutral oils like sunflower, canola, or vegetable oil work best due to high smoke points.
        6. Is dark soy sauce necessary?
        It adds a deeper color and flavor. If using light soy, reduce quantity slightly.
        7. Can I use a wok for this?
        Absolutely — a wok is ideal for quick, high-heat cooking like this.
        8. What sides go with this dish?
        Serve with jasmine rice, fried rice, or steamed greens like bok choy.
        9. Can I double the recipe?
        Yes! Just fry beef in more batches to keep it crispy.
        10. Is this dish gluten-free?
        Use gluten-free soy sauce and check your sauces for additives.
        🏁 Conclusion
        This Crispy Chilli Beef recipe brings together sweet heat, tender yet crunchy beef, and an irresistibly sticky sauce in under 30 minutes. It’s that perfect balance of spicy, savory, and just a touch of sweetness that makes you go back for seconds (and thirds).
        Recreating this takeout favorite at home means full control over the ingredients, spice level, and freshness — all while impressing your family or guests. Serve it up hot with rice or noodles and enjoy the best fakeout-takeout dinner ever.