Introduction

This Crispy Sweet Chilli Beef recipe offers a perfect balance of crunchy fried beef strips coated in a sticky, sweet chili sauce with a subtle heat. Enhanced by fresh garlic, ginger, and spring onions, it’s a quick and flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried vegetables.

A close-up of a dish filled with dark brown, glossy pieces of meat coated in a thick sauce, mixed with bright red and green chili peppers scattered throughout. The meat pieces are uneven in shape and look tender and juicy, with a shiny texture that catches light. Small white sesame seeds are sprinkled on top, along with sprigs of fresh green herbs for garnish. All the food is served in a white bowl, sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

500g beef strips (thinly sliced)

3 tablespoons cornflour

2 tablespoons vegetable oil (plus extra for frying)

1 small red chili, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ginger, minced

4 spring onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Fresh coriander and sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Toss the beef strips with cornflour until fully coated. Set aside.

Step 2: Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the beef strips in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.

Step 3: Remove excess oil from the pan, leaving about 2 tablespoons. Return the pan to heat and add the white parts of the spring onions, garlic, ginger, and chopped chili. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Add soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil to the pan. Stir and cook the sauce for 2 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Return the crispy beef to the pan and toss well to coat all the pieces evenly with the sauce.

Step 6: Remove from heat, then sprinkle with the green spring onion parts, fresh coriander, and sesame seeds before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use lean cuts of beef like sirloin or rump for tender, flavorful results.

Coat the beef evenly with cornflour to ensure consistent crispiness.

Do not overcrowd the pan; frying in batches keeps the oil temperature steady and the beef crispy.

Adjust the heat level by increasing or reducing the amount of fresh chili.

Try stir-frying vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas alongside for added color and nutrition.

For a lighter version, consider using an air fryer to achieve the crispy texture with less oil.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, chicken or pork strips can be used as alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they are cooked through and crispy.

Is this recipe spicy?

This dish has a subtle heat thanks to the fresh chili, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili based on your preference.