Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stirred my pot one evening, the mingling scents of ginger, garlic, and sweet chilli took me back to that little restaurant down the street, famed for their amazing Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef. This is not just any dish; it’s a celebration of that delightful crunch and sauce that transforms a weeknight meal into a feast! Imagine serving a homemade version that not only brings that beloved takeaway flavor to your kitchen but also offers a healthier twist. With a simple prep and an irresistible texture, this recipe becomes an easy, go-to meal for busy nights. Ready to recreate this crispy, sticky goodness? Let’s dive into the deliciousness! Why is Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef Irresistible? Addictive Crunch: Each bite features a perfectly crispy texture that will make your tastebuds dance with joy! Flavor Explosion: The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy sauces takes your palate on a journey inspired by your favorite takeout. Quick Prep: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this dish in no time, ideal for busy weeknights when you crave homemade goodness. Versatile Options: This recipe offers gluten-free and vegetarian adaptations, so everyone at the table can enjoy it. Consider adding fresh veggies for extra flavor, like bell peppers or snap peas! Crowd Favorite: Serve this delightful dish with steamed jasmine rice or noodles, and watch it disappear, leaving your guests asking for seconds! Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef Ingredients For the Beef • Thin-Cut Sirloin Steaks – Provides tenderness and the core protein; flank or tenderloin works, too. • Egg – Binds the cornflour coating, adding richness; substitute with a flax egg for a vegan option. • Cornflour (Cornstarch) – Ensures an irresistibly crispy texture; avoid using regular flour for best results. For the Seasoning • Salt – Enhances flavor; season to taste. • Black Pepper – Adds warmth; adjust according to your preference. • White Pepper – Provides a milder spice note; feel free to omit for a gentler flavor. For the Cooking • Sunflower Oil – Essential for achieving crispiness during frying; vegetable or peanut oil can be substituted. For the Aromatics • Onion – Adds sweetness and depth; interchangeable with red or yellow onion. • Red Chilli – Delivers heat and color; adjust the quantity based on your spice preference. • Minced Ginger – Brings warm spiciness to the dish; can use minced garlic in a pinch. • Garlic Cloves – Infuse aromatic notes; always opt for fresh for the best flavor. For the Sauce • Rice Vinegar – Adds tang and brightness; apple cider vinegar can make a great substitute. • Dark Soy Sauce – Contributes rich flavor; tamari serves as a gluten-free alternative. • Tomato Puree – Enhances richness and acidity; can swap with ketchup but balance the sugar. • Caster Sugar (Superfine Sugar) – Balances flavors and sweetness; granulated sugar works in a pinch. • Tomato Ketchup – Introduces a tangy sweetness; can be replaced with hoisin sauce if desired. • Sweet Chilli Sauce – The star of the dish, bringing signature flavor; try making it homemade for a twist! Now that you have all the essential ingredients, are you ready to create a delightful Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your loved ones? Let’s get cooking! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef Step 1: Prep the Beef In a mixing bowl, add the thin-cut sirloin steaks and crack one egg over them, tossing until the beef is evenly coated. Gradually sprinkle in cornflour, salt, black pepper, and white pepper, ensuring each piece is well covered with the mixture. Let this sit for a few minutes while you prepare your cooking station. Step 2: Heat Oil In a large frying pan, pour in about 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil and heat it over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when you see it shimmering but not smoking; this ensures that your Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef will achieve the perfect golden crust. Step 3: Fry Beef Carefully add the beef strips to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for 5-6 minutes until they are dark brown and crispy, flipping occasionally for even cooking. Once they are beautifully crisped, remove the beef and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil. Step 4: Sauté Aromatics In the same frying pan, add a splash more oil if needed, and toss in the chopped onion. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onions just begin to soften, then add in the chopped red chilli, minced ginger, and minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds, allowing the flavors to infuse the oil. Step 5: Make Sauce Pour in the rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, tomato puree, caster sugar, tomato ketchup, and sweet chilli sauce to the pan with the aromatics. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and thicken. Step 6: Combine Now, return the crispy beef back into the pan, stirring gently to coat each piece thoroughly with the luscious sauce. Heat everything together for 1-2 minutes until the beef is warmed through and glistening with the sweet chilli sauce. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor! How to Store and Freeze Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef Room Temperature: It’s best to consume Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef immediately for optimal flavor and texture. If left out, consume within 2 hours for safety. Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan to preserve some crispiness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the beef in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet for best results. Reheating: For the most satisfying crunch, reheat the beef in a hot frying pan rather than the microwave, which can make it soggy. Enjoy your Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef! What to Serve with Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef Elevate your home-cooked feast by pairing this delightful dish with complementary sides that enhance its vibrant flavors. Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy texture and subtle flavor of jasmine rice perfectly balance the rich, sticky sauce of the beef. Fried Rice: With a hint of garlic and soy, fried rice adds a delightful crunch and complements the dish’s savory elements wonderfully. Stir-Fried Vegetables: Colorful veggies like bell peppers and snap peas provide a fresh crunch and nutrition, enhancing the overall meal experience. Crispy Spring Rolls: These tasty appetizers add a satisfying crunch and can be filled with veggies or shrimp for a delightful starter before the beef. Sesame Noodle Salad: The nutty flavor of sesame oil and the chewiness of noodles create a delightful combination that contrasts nicely with the beef. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber and vinegar salad offers a cool, crisp bite that cuts through the richness of the sweet chilli sauce. Chilled Green Tea: A light and refreshing beverage, green tea helps cleanse the palate and balances the meal’s flavors without overpowering them. Mango Sorbet: To finish on a sweet note, this cool, fruity treat brings brightness to the meal and leaves your taste buds dancing! Expert Tips for Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef Properly Prep the Beef: Ensure your beef is coated evenly with the egg and cornflour mixture. This step helps achieve that coveted crispy texture. Perfect Oil Temperature: Wait for the oil to shimmer before adding the beef. If it’s not hot enough, the meat will absorb the oil instead of frying, resulting in a soggy dish. Batch Frying: Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain crispiness. Fry the beef in small batches, giving each piece adequate space to cook evenly. Let it Rest: Allow the fried beef strips to rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil, giving you an even crunchier exterior for your Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef. Shake Before Serving: Just before serving, give everything a gentle toss in the sauce to ensure the beef is well coated and glistening, enhancing both flavor and presentation. Make Ahead Options Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef is a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy that crispy texture on busy weeknights! You can prepare the beef by coating it in egg and cornflour up to 24 hours in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its quality. Additionally, the aromatics—onions, ginger, garlic, and chili—can be chopped and refrigerated for about 3 days ahead to save time. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, simply fry the beef as instructed, sauté the aromatics, and combine them with the sauce for that delicious, fresh taste without the hassle of last-minute prep! Variations & Substitutions for Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef Customize your dish with these delightful twists and substitutions, turning your Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef into your very own masterpiece! Gluten-Free: Swap out the dark soy sauce for tamari to ensure this dish remains gluten-free, perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Vegan Delight: Replace the sirloin with firm tofu or tempeh to keep the dish plant-based while still enjoying that crispy goodness. Simply marinate the tofu for added flavor! Extra Veggie Boost: Toss in colorful vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or even broccoli to make your meal more nutritious and visually appealing. Spicy Kick: For those who love heat, amp up the spice by adding sriracha or extra slices of fresh red chilli to the sauce. Your taste buds will surely thank you! Crispy Cauliflower: Swap the beef for cauliflower florets, batter them in the same egg and cornflour mix, and fry until golden for a delightful vegetarian twist. Saucy Variations: Feel free to mix up the sauce! Substitute sweet chilli sauce with a homemade version using chili garlic sauce, honey, and lime juice for fresh, zingy flavors. Sweet & Savory Balance: If you enjoy a sweeter profile, increase the sugar content slightly or add a touch of pineapple juice for a tropical hint. Pair it beautifully with your purchase of Ground Beef Burrito for a more filling experience! Herbaceous Touch: Finish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh coriander or basil just before serving, enhancing flavors and adding a burst of freshness that’s simply irresistible. Each of these variations brings a unique flair to your Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef, ensuring there’s something to please every palate. Dive into experimentation and create your own beloved twist on this takeout favorite! Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe ingredients for this recipe? Absolutely! For the best results, select fresh, vibrant vegetables. Look for bell peppers that are firm and unblemished, and choose onions that are dry and free from dark spots. For the beef, ensure the sirloin has a bright red color with minimal marbling, indicating freshness. How should I store leftovers of Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef? Certainly! Store any leftover Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, gently reheat it in a frying pan over medium heat. This method helps retain some of that delicious crispiness! Can I freeze Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef? Yes, you can! To freeze, place the cooled beef in an airtight container or freezer bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating in a skillet for best texture. What should I do if my beef isn’t crispy? Very! If your Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef isn’t achieving that perfect crunch, there are a couple of things to check. First, ensure the oil was hot enough before frying—look for shimmering but not smoking. Second, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this traps steam and can lead to sogginess. Fry in smaller batches for optimal crispiness! Is this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities? Absolutely! To make this Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef gluten-free, replace the soy sauce with tamari, and ensure all other sauces used are gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels to be safe! Can I adapt this recipe to be vegetarian? Yes, indeed! You can substitute the beef with strips of firm tofu or tempeh, which will absorb the sweet chilli sauce beautifully. For the best results, ensure to coat them with the cornflour mixture and achieve that lovely crispy texture in the same way you would with beef. Enjoy the delightful crunch! Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef: Your New Favorite Takeaway Dish Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef is a delightful dish that's a celebration of crunch and sauce, transforming weeknight meals into feasts. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AsianCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Beef500 grams Thin-Cut Sirloin Steaks Flank or tenderloin works too.1 Egg Substitute with a flax egg for a vegan option.100 grams Cornflour (Cornstarch) Avoid using regular flour for best results.For the Seasoning1 teaspoon Salt Season to taste.1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust according to your preference.1 teaspoon White Pepper Feel free to omit for a gentler flavor.For the Cooking3 tablespoons Sunflower Oil Vegetable or peanut oil can be substituted.For the Aromatics1 medium Onion Interchangeable with red or yellow onion.1 piece Red Chilli Adjust quantity based on spice preference.1 tablespoon Minced Ginger Can use minced garlic in a pinch.3 cloves Garlic Cloves Always opt for fresh for best flavor.For the Sauce2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar Apple cider vinegar can substitute.3 tablespoons Dark Soy Sauce Tamari serves as a gluten-free alternative.2 tablespoons Tomato Puree Can swap with ketchup but balance the sugar.1 tablespoon Caster Sugar (Superfine Sugar) Granulated sugar works in a pinch.2 tablespoons Tomato Ketchup Can be replaced with hoisin sauce.100 grams Sweet Chilli Sauce The star of the dish. Equipment Mixing bowlfrying pan Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a mixing bowl, add the thin-cut sirloin steaks and crack one egg over them, tossing until the beef is evenly coated. Gradually sprinkle in cornflour, salt, black pepper, and white pepper, ensuring each piece is well covered with the mixture. Let this sit for a few minutes while you prepare your cooking station.In a large frying pan, pour in about 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil and heat it over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when you see it shimmering but not smoking.Carefully add the beef strips to the hot oil in batches, frying each batch for 5-6 minutes until they are dark brown and crispy. Remove the beef and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.In the same frying pan, add a splash more oil if needed, and toss in the chopped onion. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onions just begin to soften, then add in the chopped red chilli, minced ginger, and minced garlic.Pour in the rice vinegar, dark soy sauce, tomato puree, caster sugar, tomato ketchup, and sweet chilli sauce to the pan and stir well. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes.Return the crispy beef back into the pan, stirring gently to coat each piece thoroughly with the luscious sauce. Heat everything together for 1-2 minutes until warmed through and glistening with sauce. Nutrition Serving: 150gramsCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg NotesFor optimal flavor and texture, consume immediately. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve crispiness. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
