If you are craving a dish that perfectly blends the thrill of spice with the irresistible crunch of tender beef, then this Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe is here to blow your mind. Every bite bursts with layers of flavor — from the sizzling crispy coating to the vibrant kick of fresh chillies and colorful bell peppers. It’s a wonderful dance of textures and tastes that will have you reaching for second helpings before you even finish your first. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor right into your kitchen with simple, accessible ingredients and straightforward steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe lies in its simplicity and the perfect balance of ingredients. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s providing crunch, heat, umami, or freshness — ensuring every mouthful is a delicious experience.
- 500 g beef steak (such as flank or sirloin): Thinly sliced to cook quickly and stay tender while delivering a hearty protein base.
- 1 cup cornstarch: The secret to that coveted crispy exterior that makes the beef irresistible.
- 1 egg, beaten: Binds the marinade and helps the cornstarch stick to the beef perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances natural flavors throughout the dish.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle, spicy warmth.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying): Essential for getting the beef to a golden crisp.
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying): Helps cook the vegetables and infuse the sauce with flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant base that awakens the palate.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Brings a slightly bitter contrast to balance the sweetness.
- 1 onion, sliced: Adds texture and mild sharpness when stir-fried.
- 2 -3 red chillies, sliced: Adjust the spice level to your liking for that thrilling heat.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Packs in savory depth and saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Contributes umami richness that makes the sauce addictive.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to brighten the dish.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Balances the heat and acidity with gentle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: A final drizzle that brings a toasty aroma and rounded flavor.
- Spring onions (for garnish): Freshness and a mild onion crunch to finish off beautifully.
How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by tossing your thin slices of beef with salt, black pepper, and the beaten egg in a bowl. This short marinade ensures the beef is seasoned and the egg helps the cornstarch coating stick later on. Let this marinate for about 30 minutes, giving the flavors time to meld while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Coat the Beef with Cornstarch
Once marinated, shake off any excess egg from the beef slices and dredge each piece thoroughly in the cornstarch. This layer is what transforms the beef into a crispy delight once fried, so don’t be shy about coating it well, but avoid clumps.
Step 3: Fry the Beef Until Golden and Crunchy
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a hot pan or wok over medium-high heat. Working in small batches, place the coated beef in the oil and fry for about 3 to 4 minutes until each piece turns a beautiful golden brown and becomes irresistibly crispy. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and let it rest on paper towels to soak up excess oil.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic for Aroma
In the same pan, add 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil and warm it up. Toss in the minced garlic and stir quickly for about 30 seconds. The goal here is to release those mouth-watering aromas without burning the garlic.
Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add your sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry them for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften slightly but still retain a satisfying crispness that contrasts beautifully with the beef.
Step 6: Introduce the Chillies and Sauce
Add the sliced red chillies and stir-fry for an additional minute, allowing the heat to permeate. Then pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Mix everything thoroughly — this is the moment the sauce ties together sweetness, sourness, saltiness, and spice all at once.
Step 7: Combine Beef and Sauce
Return the crispy beef to the pan and toss gently to coat each piece evenly with the glossy, fragrant sauce. Drizzle sesame oil over the whole mixture for a finishing touch that elevates the flavor to the next level.
Step 8: Ready to Serve
Your Crispy Chilli Beef is now ready to hit the table — garnish generously with chopped spring onions for that fresh, vibrant finish that will make every bite pop.
How to Serve Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Spring onions are the classic garnish here, adding a burst of fresh color and subtle crunch. If you want to experiment, try sprinkling toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped fresh coriander to add extra layers of flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Chilli Beef pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy basmati rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad or sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach to keep the meal balanced and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, why not serve the crispy beef over a bed of crunchy lettuce leaves for wrap-style eating? Or pile it on top of fried rice or noodles and make it a one-pan feast. The tangy, spicy sauce also makes this dish excellent as a filling for bao buns or tacos, turning it into a fusion sensation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Crispy Chilli Beef in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. The beef will remain flavorful, but the crispiness may soften slightly as it absorbs the sauce.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers if needed. Spread the beef out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag or container. This prevents clumping and ensures easy portioning. Frozen beef will keep well for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To bring back as much crispiness as possible, reheat the beef in a hot skillet over medium heat rather than the microwave. This helps evaporate any excess moisture and refreshes the texture. Add a splash of oil if needed and warm gently until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for the Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe?
Absolutely! Flank or sirloin is preferred due to tenderness and quick cooking time, but you can experiment with ribeye or even rump as long as you slice the beef thinly against the grain to prevent toughness.
How spicy is this Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe?
The heat level is quite adjustable. Start with 2 chillies, and if you love spice, go for 3 or add extra sliced fresh chillies. The sauce itself balances heat with sweetness, so it won’t be overwhelmingly fiery unless you push the spice.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free and perfect for creating that crispy coating, so with these substitutions, the recipe is friendly for gluten-sensitive diets.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. While the beef loses some crispiness over time, the flavor stays fantastic. Cook the beef and veggies separately if possible, then combine just before eating for the best texture on busy days.
What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch?
Potato starch or arrowroot powder are great alternatives that will give you similar crispiness. Just avoid regular flour as it won’t yield the same crunch or light texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason why this Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe has won so many hearts — it’s vibrant, flavorful, and downright fun to make. The balance of textures and layers of taste come together in a way that feels both comforting and exciting. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try. Once you taste that perfect combination of crispy beef with spicy, tangy sauce, I promise it will become a staple in your cooking rotation.
Print
Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 45m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 1h 5m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A flavorful and crispy stir-fried beef dish that combines tender marinated beef coated in cornstarch and fried to a golden crisp, then tossed with colorful bell peppers, onions, and spicy red chillies in a savory Asian-inspired sauce.
Ingredients
Beef and Coating
- 500 g beef steak (such as flank or sirloin), thinly sliced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
Vegetables and Sauce
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 – 3 red chillies, sliced (adjust according to spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Spring onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the beef: In a bowl, combine thinly sliced beef with salt, black pepper, and beaten egg. Mix thoroughly so the beef is evenly coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and help tenderize the meat.
- Coat the beef: Place cornstarch in a shallow dish. Remove each piece of marinated beef, shaking off excess liquid, and dredge in the cornstarch until fully coated. This step ensures a crispy texture when fried.
- Fry the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated beef in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy. Remove the beef and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Sauté garlic: In the same pan, add 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Once heated, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook vegetables: Add sliced onions, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet retain some crispness.
- Add chillies and sauce: Stir in sliced red chillies and cook for another minute. Then pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Mix well to combine all ingredients and develop the sauce’s flavor.
- Toss beef with sauce: Return the crispy beef to the pan. Toss everything together carefully so the beef is well-coated in the sauce. Drizzle sesame oil over and give a final gentle toss to incorporate the aroma.
- Serve: Immediately serve the crispy chilli beef garnished with chopped spring onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red chillies according to your spice tolerance.
- Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola oil for frying to prevent burning.
- Be sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying the beef to maintain crispiness.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
- Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and consumed within 2 days for optimal taste and safety.
