Name: Chinese Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 360g medallion steak, sliced thinly against the grain into strips; 1 egg; 6 tablespoons cornflour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon white pepper; 4 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 3 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce; 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 3 tablespoons ketchup; 3 tablespoons light soy sauce; 2 tablespoons water; 2 cloves garlic, pressed; 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce or hot sauce (adjust to taste)

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If you crave that perfect balance of fiery heat, crunch, and savory goodness, then this Chinese Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender steak strips, coated in a light, crisp batter, fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a sticky, slightly sweet chilli sauce that wakes up every taste bud. It’s a vibrant dish that delivers texture and flavor in every bite, making it an irresistible meal for any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe brings a delightful burst of Chinese-inspired comfort right to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A wooden cutting board rests on a white marbled surface, featuring a large piece of raw red meat on the left side with a smooth texture and deep red color. To the right, there are thin, irregular strips of the same raw red meat piled loosely. A silver knife with a dotted handle lies diagonally across the board, its blade touching both the solid piece and the strips of meat. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple ingredients create magic in this Chinese Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe. Each one plays an essential role—from the tender steak that forms the hearty base, to the cornflour that delivers that iconic crispy crust, and the sweet and spicy sauce that ties it all together. These ingredients combine both familiar pantry staples and Chinese pantry essentials to give the dish its unforgettable flavor.

360g medallion steak: Sliced thinly against the grain for tenderness and quick cooking.
1 egg: Acts as a binder to help the cornflour cling to the beef for that crispy finish.
6 tablespoons cornflour: The secret to the light, crunchy coating everyone loves.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Simply enhances the steak’s natural flavor.
1/2 teaspoon white pepper: Adds a subtle heat that complements the sauce perfectly.
4 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for high-heat frying to achieve a crisp crust.
1 tablespoon sesame seeds: A crunchy, nutty garnish that brightens up each mouthful.
3 tablespoons sweet chilli sauce: A sweet heat base for the sauce that packs personality.
1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Brings zing and acidity to balance the sweetness.
3 tablespoons ketchup: Adds body and a mild tang to the sauce’s depth.
3 tablespoons light soy sauce: A savory umami punch that rounds out the sauce.
2 tablespoons water: Helps in thinning the sauce just right.
2 cloves garlic (pressed): Fresh aromatic flavor that livens up every bite.
2 teaspoons sriracha sauce or hot sauce: Controls the heat level, ramping up the chilli kick.

How to Make Chinese Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Beef

Start by slicing your medallion steak against the grain into thin, manageable strips. This is crucial because it ensures your beef stays tender and absorbs flavors better. Combining the strips with a beaten egg not only helps bind the cornflour but also adds a silky texture that enhances the crispiness when fried.

Step 2: Coating the Beef

Next, sprinkle the cornflour along with salt and white pepper over the egg-coated beef. Mix well so every piece is generously covered with the cornflour. The mixture will feel sticky and thick, but that’s exactly what creates the irresistibly crunchy coating you’re aiming for.

Step 3: Frying to Perfection

Heat your oil in a large frying pan or wok over high heat until it’s smoking hot; this ensures a quick and even fry. Test the oil’s readiness by dipping a small piece of beef in – it should sizzle instantly. Carefully add the beef strips one by one to avoid clumping, frying them in batches to prevent overcrowding. Fry until each strip turns a deep golden brown and feels satisfyingly crisp, stirring occasionally but gently to keep the crust intact.

Step 4: Drain and Set Aside

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy beef onto kitchen paper towels. The paper will soak up excess oil, keeping the beef light and crunchy instead of greasy. This step guarantees that beautiful texture stands out in the final dish.

Step 5: Creating the Sauce

While the beef drains, prepare the sauce by combining sweet chilli sauce, light soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, pressed garlic, sriracha, and water in a clean pan. Simmer this mixture on medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes. Watch closely as it thickens into a glossy, sticky sauce that will perfectly cling to your crispy beef.

Step 6: Combining Beef with Sauce

Once the sauce reaches the ideal consistency, toss in your crispy fried beef and stir well so each strip is coated in that luscious, spicy sauce. The contrast between the crunchy coating and the sticky sauce is simply mouthwatering and makes this Chinese Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe truly unforgettable.

Step 7: Final Touches and Serve

Sprinkle sesame seeds over the sauced beef as a final touch. Their mild crunch and nutty aroma add depth, enhancing the dish’s visual and flavor appeal. Serve immediately while that perfect crispy texture is still intact.

How to Serve Chinese Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe

A white plate filled with multiple pieces of dark brown crispy fried meat coated with a shiny sauce, sprinkled with white sesame seeds. Small green cilantro leaves are scattered on top for decoration. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, with a pair of light wooden chopsticks resting beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like chopped spring onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds really lift this dish. They add not just color but a fresh aroma and light crunch that contrast beautifully with the rich beef.

Side Dishes

Pair your Chinese Crispy Chilli Beef with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy fried rice to soak up the sticky sauce. Stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy add refreshing crunch and balance the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this crispy chilli beef wrapped in warm lettuce cups or use it as a filling for steamed bao buns. Either way, it becomes a playful finger-food experience that’s perfect for sharing or entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store any leftover Chinese Crispy Chilli Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and tasty for up to two days, ready for a quick midweek meal.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish but it’s best to freeze the beef and sauce separately for optimal texture upon reheating. Place the cooled beef and sauce in individual freezer-safe containers or bags. They will keep well for up to two months.

Reheating

When reheating, use a medium-hot pan to gently crisp up the beef strips again, then add the warmed sauce to coat. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crispy beef soggy, losing that delightful crunch that makes this Chinese Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe so special.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While medallion steak is ideal for its tenderness, you can substitute with sirloin or rump, just be sure to slice thinly against the grain to keep the beef tender and easy to eat.

Is it possible to make this recipe less spicy?

Yes, simply reduce or omit the sriracha sauce to suit your heat preferences. The sweet chilli and other ingredients still deliver plenty of flavor without too much spice.

What can I substitute for cornflour?

If you don’t have cornflour, potato starch or arrowroot powder work well as alternatives to achieve that satisfying crispy coating.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently before adding it to the crispy beef for a quicker finish.

How do I keep the beef crispy when serving?

Serve immediately after coating in the sauce and sprinkling sesame seeds. If you need to hold it, keep the beef and sauce separate until just before serving to maintain the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Crispy Chilli Beef Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines bold flavors with an addictive crunch. It’s straightforward enough for weeknight cooking yet impressive enough to serve guests. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your recipe collection—each bite bringing that perfect harmony of crispy, spicy, and sweet that keeps everyone coming back for more.