Snack On Meat

You are here: Home / All RECIPES / Crispy Chilli Beef (Better Than Takeout!)

Crispy Chilli Beef (Better Than Takeout!)

Crispy Chilli Beef is a classic Chinese takeaway favorite—thinly sliced beef fried until crunchy, then tossed in a sweet, spicy, and savory homemade sauce. This version delivers everything you love about your local takeout, but fresher, lighter, and unbelievably easy to make at home with simple ingredients.

If you’ve ever been disappointed by overly battered or overly sweet takeout versions, this recipe will be a game changer. After extensive testing, I created a version that’s crisp, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. My friends and family swear it tastes even better than our favorite restaurant!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chilli Beef

  • Ultra-crispy beef with only cornstarch and one egg for the coating
  • A homemade sweet-chilli sauce that’s balanced, bold, and not overly sugary
  • Quick cook time—ready in under 30 minutes
  • Perfect as a takeout-style appetizer or a full main dish
  • Easy to customize with vegetables, rice, or noodles

Family-Favorite Beef Stir Fry Recipes to Try Next

These are some of our most popular Asian-inspired beef recipes:

  • Salt and Pepper Beef – Chinese-style crispy beef with fragrant salt & pepper seasoning
  • Classic Shredded Beef – Lightly crispy beef strips with a savory glaze
  • Pepper Steak Stir Fry – Tender beef tossed in a rich black pepper sauce

3 Tips for Perfectly Crispy Chilli Beef

1. The Coating

You only need cornstarch (cornflour) and one egg.
Cornstarch creates a light, airy, ultra-crispy crust—much crispier than all-purpose flour, which softens because of its gluten content.
If possible, use cornstarch or potato starch for the best texture.

2. The Beef

Choose tender cuts like:

  • Sirloin
  • Rib-eye
  • Tenderloin
  • Rump steak

Slice against the grain into thin strips for the best texture.

Using a tougher cut?
Add ½ tsp baking soda + ½ tsp cornstarch to the marinade. This classic Chinese velveting method makes the beef incredibly tender.

3. The Sauce

The key to the perfect sweet chilli sauce is balance.
You’ll need:

  • Soy sauce
  • Ketchup
  • Sugar
  • Vinegar
  • Sweet chilli sauce

Brands like Blue Dragon and Mae Ploy work great and are widely available.

This Dish Is Super Versatile

You can enjoy Crispy Chilli Beef in many ways:

  • Toss the crispy beef in sauce and serve as-is
  • Add broccoli or carrots for a veggie-packed version
  • Make a crunchy Asian-style salad
  • Serve over steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles for a satisfying meal

How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef

1. Prep the Beef

Slice the steak into thin strips against the grain.

2. Marinate

Mix soy sauce, ginger-garlic paste, sesame oil, white pepper, and sugar.
Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes.

3. Make the Sauce

Combine sweet chilli sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Set aside.

4. Coat the Beef

Add one egg to the marinated beef, then coat thoroughly with cornstarch.
Separate the strips so they crisp evenly.

5. Fry

Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the beef for 1–2 minutes until golden and crispy.
Drain on paper towels or a cooling rack.

6. Stir Fry

Sauté onions and bell peppers briefly, then add the fried beef, sauce, fresh chillies, and spring onions.
Toss over high heat for 1–2 minutes until glossy.

7. Serve

Serve immediately while the beef is still hot and crisp.

How to Serve It

Crispy Chilli Beef is delicious as:

  • A starter or appetizer
  • A snack with tea or cold drinks
  • A main dish over hot rice
  • A topping for stir fry noodles

More Delicious Stir Fry Recipes

  • Beef and Broccoli
  • Beef and Noodle Stir Fry
  • Orange Chicken
  • Salt and Chilli Chicken