Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Crispy chilli beef with sweet chilli sauce is a quick, crowd-pleasing dish that comes together with pantry staples. Tender beef, a glossy sauce, and a crisp coating pair beautifully with rice or noodles for a satisfying weeknight supper.

Ingredients
- 200 g rump or sirloin steak (or any tender steak cut)
- 1 egg
- 1 cup corn or potato starch
- 1/2 sweet onion
- 1/2 bell pepper
- 2 spring onions (2-3)
- 2 hot chillies (or 2-3, to taste)
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce (for marinating)
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste (for marinating)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for marinating)
- 1/2 tsp sugar (for marinating)
- 1/4 tsp white pepper (for marinating)
- 3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce (for stir-fry sauce)
- 1 tsp white or rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar (for stir-fry sauce)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Oil (for deep-frying and stir-frying)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut the beef into thin strips and set aside.
- Step 2: Mix the beef with all marinade ingredients and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mix all stir-fry sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Step 4: Break the egg into the marinated beef strips and mix well to coat.
- Step 5: Coat the beef strips with corn or potato starch, keeping the strips separated, then shake off excess starch.
- Step 6: Heat oil over high heat to about 350°F and deep-fry the coated beef for 1–2 minutes until crispy. Transfer to paper towels or a cooling rack.
- Step 7: Heat a wok or pan over medium-high heat, drizzle in 1 tablespoon oil, and stir the onion for a few seconds before adding the bell pepper and stirring well.
- Step 8: Add the fried beef and sauce mixture, then add the spring onions and fresh chillies. Stir over high heat for 1–2 minutes to combine.
- Step 9: Transfer to a serving plate and serve immediately with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fry noodles.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer chillies, or using a milder pepper option.
- For extra crunch, double-dip the beef in starch and fry a second time briefly.
- Use cauliflower florets or chicken if you prefer a different protein, treating them the same as the beef in this recipe.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a hot skillet to reconfirm crispiness and loosen the sauce if needed.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake the beef instead of deep-frying?
Yes, you can bake the coated beef on a parchment-lined tray at 425°F (220°C) for about 8–12 minutes, turning once, until crisp. The texture will be slightly less crisp than deep-frying.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Prepare the beef and marinate in advance, then fry just before serving to keep the coating crispy. You can pre-mix the sauces and chop vegetables ahead of time.
PrintCrispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce Recipe
Crispy Chilli Beef with Sweet Chilli Sauce is a glossy, peppery stir-fry that starts with marinated, ultra-crispy beef coated in starch, then tossed with a hot, tangy sweet chili glaze and fresh chilies for a fiery finish. Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying, restaurant-style dish at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
Marinade
- 200 g rump or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
Breading/Coating
- 1 cup corn or potato starch
- oil for deep-frying
Stir-Fry Sauce
- 3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp white or rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/2 sweet onion, sliced
- 1/2 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 spring onions, cut into 2–3 inch pieces
- 2 hot chilies (birdseye), sliced
To Finish
- oil for stir-frying
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Cut the beef into thin strips and mix with all marinade ingredients. Let it marinate for 15 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, combine all stir-fry sauce ingredients and set aside for later.
- Coat the beef: Break the egg into the marinated beef and mix well. Coat the beef strips with corn or potato starch, keeping the strips separated and shake off any excess starch.
- Heat for frying: Heat oil to about 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy pot.
- Fry the beef: Deep-fry the coated beef for 1–2 minutes until crispy, then transfer to paper towels or a cooling rack to drain.
- Sauté vegetables: In a wok or large pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium-high heat and briefly sauté the onion until just translucent, then add the bell pepper and continue stirring.
- Combine: Add the fried beef, prepared sauce, spring onions, and fresh chilies. Stir over high heat for 1–2 minutes to coat and heat through.
- Finish and serve: Transfer to a serving plate and serve immediately with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fry noodles.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-fry the beef for 30 seconds on second pass.
- Adjust heat by adding or reducing chilies according to spice tolerance.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated quickly in a hot wok.
Keywords: crispy beef, chilli beef, sweet chilli sauce, beef stir-fry, Chinese-inspired, crispy fried beef

