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Crispy Chilli Beef

Crispy Chilli Beef

Crispy Chilli Beef is a quick and easy dish featuring tender, thinly sliced beef strips coated in cornstarch and fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a bold, balanced sauce of spicy chillies, sweet honey, tangy vinegar, and aromatic garlic and ginger. Perfectly crispy with a flavorful kick, it’s versatile enough to serve with rice, noodles, or wraps, and customizable to your preferred spice level or dietary needs.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 300g lean beef strips, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch (use gluten-free if needed)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)

Chilli Sauce

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1–2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 1–2 fresh chillies, chopped (adjust to heat preference)

Garnish

  • 2 spring onions, chopped
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Optional: toasted sesame seeds, fresh coriander

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Slice lean beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Toss the beef strips with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated to achieve a crispy exterior when cooked.
  2. Make the Chilli Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar or lime juice, and chopped fresh chillies. This bright, spicy sauce will perfectly complement the crispy beef.
  3. Fry the Beef: Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a wok or deep pan over high heat. Fry the beef strips in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, until golden and crisp. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
  4. Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the drained crispy beef to the pan. Pour the prepared chilli sauce over the beef and toss continuously to coat evenly, taking care to keep the beef crispy and prevent sogginess.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling chopped spring onions and drizzling sesame oil over the dish. Optionally, add toasted sesame seeds and fresh coriander for extra aroma and color. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Notes

  • Pat dry your beef strips before coating for better adhesion and crispiness.
  • Use high heat and fry quickly to lock in juices and create a crunchy coating.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in small batches for even frying and to maintain oil temperature.
  • Use fresh garlic, ginger, and chillies for maximum flavor intensity.
  • If the sauce is too thin, simmer briefly to thicken without losing the crisp texture of the beef.
  • Adjust the spice level by varying the amount or type of chillies used.
  • To keep it gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos and use gluten-free cornstarch.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian Fusion
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 150g)
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Crispy Chilli Beef, spicy beef recipe, quick Asian beef stir-fry, gluten-free beef dish, easy weeknight dinner