Crispy Chilli Beef at Home

Golden, crispy beef strips tossed in a sticky sweet chili garlic sauce with colorful peppers and onions. This homemade Crispy Chilli Beef is packed with flavor and crunch, and it makes an easy takeout-style dinner served over hot steamed rice.

Ingredients

For the Beef

• 1 lb (450 g) beef steak, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce

• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or fresh lime juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes, optional
• 2 tablespoons water

For the Vegetables

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef: Thinly slice the beef against the grain. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Season and coat: Place the beef in a bowl and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Add the cornstarch and flour, then toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated.
3. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, chili flakes, and water. Stir until well combined.
4. Fry the beef: Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the beef in small batches for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
5. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
6. Cook the vegetables: Carefully remove most of the oil from the skillet, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
7. Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Stir and cook for about 1–2 minutes, until the sauce becomes hot and glossy.
8. Combine: Add the crispy beef back to the skillet. Toss quickly to coat the beef evenly in the sticky sauce. Cook for about 30–60 seconds so the beef remains crispy.
9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or noodles.

Tips for the Crispiest Beef

• Slice the beef very thinly and cut against the grain for a tender texture.
• Pat the beef completely dry before coating it.
• Do not overcrowd the pan while frying.
• Fry the beef in batches for the best crispy texture.
• Add the beef to the sauce at the very end and toss quickly.
• For extra heat, add fresh sliced chilies or additional chili flakes.
• Serve immediately with hot steamed rice for the best texture.