Go Back
–+ servings
Crispy Chilli Beef

Crispy Chilli Beef That's Healthier and Packed with Flavor

Crispy Chilli Beef is a healthier homemade twist on a Chinese classic, combining tender beef with a spicy, sweet sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Coating Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Coating
  • 360 g thin-cut sirloin steak can substitute ribeye, flank, or skirt steak
  • 1 small egg or substitute with a flax egg for vegan
  • 4 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch) coat evenly for best crunch
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ⅛ tsp white pepper
For Cooking
  • 4.5 tbsp sunflower oil divided; can use vegetable or peanut oil
For the Sauce
  • 1 medium onion sliced; can substitute with red onion or shallots
  • 1 red chili finely sliced deseed for milder taste
  • 1 tsp minced ginger or use ginger paste
  • 3 cloves garlic minced; or use garlic paste
For Flavor Balance
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar or use apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tbsp dark soy sauce or regular soy sauce for lower sodium
  • 2 tbsp tomato puree or substitute with tomato paste
  • 6 tbsp caster sugar or use brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp tomato ketchup or sweet chili sauce if preferred
  • 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce adjust based on heat tolerance

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Frying pan
  • wok

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Coat the Beef: In a mixing bowl, combine the beef strips with egg, cornflour, salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Fry the Beef: Heat 3 tablespoons of oil over high heat. Add the beef strips in batches and fry for 5-6 minutes until dark brown and crispy.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add remaining oil and sauté the onion for 2 minutes. Add red chili, ginger, and garlic, stir-frying for 30 seconds.
  4. Prepare the Sauce: Add vinegar, soy sauce, tomato puree, sugar, ketchup, and sweet chili sauce to the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  5. Combine & Serve: Fold the crispy beef into the sauce, heat for 1-2 minutes, then serve hot with rice or noodles.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For a lighter meal, serve with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles. Adjust spices to taste for customization.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!