Name: Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup cold water; Vegetable oil for frying; 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Green onions, chopped for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef a crispy, flavorful beef stir-fry glazed in a tangy-sweet chili sauce is the perfect dish for any time you're craving something savory with a bit of spice. This recipe gives you golden, crunchy beef pieces paired with a sweet and spicy sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. It's the kind of dish that can easily become a household favorite.

Ingredients

1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced

½ cup cornstarch

½ cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

½ cup cold water

Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce:

¼ cup sweet chili sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ginger, minced

1 teaspoon sesame oil

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Green onions, chopped for garnish

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a large bowl, I mix together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.

I then add the cold water to the dry ingredients, stirring to form a thick batter.

Next, I add the thinly sliced beef to the batter, making sure every piece is well-coated.

I heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, I fry the battered beef in batches for about 3-4 minutes per batch, or until golden and crispy. After frying, I set the beef aside on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.

For the sauce, I combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl, stirring well to combine.

In the same skillet, I heat the sauce over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Finally, I add the crispy beef to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the beef in the sauce. I make sure every piece is evenly glazed.

I serve the crispy sweet chili beef with a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

There are several ways I can adjust this dish to suit my tastes or dietary preferences:

Add Vegetables: I sometimes toss in some bell peppers, onions, or broccoli while cooking the beef for a more well-rounded meal.

Make it Spicier: If I like extra heat, I can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some fresh chopped chili peppers to the sauce.

Use a Different Protein: If I don't have beef, I can easily substitute with chicken or tofu for a different take on the recipe.

Gluten-Free Option: I can use a gluten-free flour and cornstarch mix to make the batter and ensure the dish stays gluten-free.

Lower the Sugar: If I want to reduce the sweetness, I can adjust the honey in the sauce or use a sugar alternative.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, I place the crispy beef and sauce in an airtight container. I store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. However, for the best texture, I recommend reheating the beef in a skillet to restore some of its crispiness. If reheating in the microwave, I cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out, but the beef won’t stay as crispy. You can also store the sauce separately for better results.

FAQs

How can I make the beef even crispier?

To make the beef even crispier, I make sure the batter is thick enough to coat the beef evenly, and I fry it in small batches to prevent overcrowding. This allows the pieces to cook evenly and become golden and crisp.

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes! While this recipe calls for beef sirloin, you can easily substitute it with chicken breast or thighs, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the protein you use.

How do I get the sauce thicker?

If I want to make the sauce thicker, I simply let it cook for an extra 1-2 minutes to reduce it further. Alternatively, I can mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce to thicken it more quickly.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time. I usually store them separately and then fry and toss the beef in the sauce right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What can I serve with crispy sweet chili beef?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. I sometimes add a side of sautéed vegetables or a simple salad to complete the meal.

Conclusion

Crispy Sweet Chili Beef is a dish that combines the best of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat when I’m craving something indulgent yet simple. The crispy texture of the beef, paired with the flavorful sauce, is sure to satisfy. With a few easy adjustments, this recipe can be tailored to fit any dietary preferences or spice levels. I’m confident it’ll become a go-to recipe for anyone who enjoys bold and delicious meals.

Recipe:

Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A crispy, flavorful beef stir-fry glazed in a tangy-sweet chili sauce, perfect for anyone craving savory with a bit of spice.

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix together the cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add the cold water to the dry ingredients, stirring to form a thick batter.
Add the thinly sliced beef to the batter, making sure every piece is well-coated.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the battered beef in batches for 3-4 minutes per batch, or until golden and crispy. Set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
For the sauce, combine sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl, stirring well to combine.
In the same skillet, heat the sauce over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Add the crispy beef to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the beef in the sauce.
Serve the crispy sweet chili beef with a sprinkle of chopped green onions on top.