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Crispy Chilli Beef

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Crispy Chilli Beef is a Chinese-inspired comfort dish with thin strips of sirloin steak fried until golden and crunchy, then coated in a bold, tangy, and spicy sauce. It’s quick, flavorful, and tastes just like your favorite restaurant version—if not better.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

2 thin-cut sirloin steaks, sliced into strips

1 egg

½ cup cornflour (cornstarch)

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

¼ tsp white pepper

34 tbsp sunflower oil (plus more as needed)

1 onion, sliced

1 red chilli, sliced

1 tbsp minced ginger

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tbsp rice vinegar

2 tbsp dark soy sauce

1 tbsp tomato puree

2 tbsp caster sugar

2 tbsp tomato ketchup

3 tbsp sweet chilli sauce

Optional garnish: sliced scallions

Instructions

  1. Prepare beef: Slice steaks into thin strips. Coat with egg, then add cornflour, salt, black pepper, and white pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
  2. Fry beef: Heat 3 tbsp sunflower oil in a wok over high heat. Fry beef in batches for 5–6 minutes until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
  3. Cook aromatics: Add ½ tbsp oil to the pan. Reduce heat to medium. Sauté onion for 2 minutes, then add chilli, ginger, and garlic. Stir-fry 30 seconds.
  4. Make sauce: Stir in rice vinegar, soy sauce, tomato puree, sugar, ketchup, and sweet chilli sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
  5. Combine: Return crispy beef to the wok. Toss until coated in sauce and heated through.
  6. Serve: Plate hot with rice or noodles. Garnish with scallions if desired.

Notes

  • Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure condiments are gluten-free.
  • Extra spicy: Add more chilli or hot sauce to the sauce mix.
  • Milder version: Omit the chilli or remove its seeds.
  • Alternative proteins: Works with chicken, duck, lamb, or tofu.
  • Baking option: Bake coated beef on a rack at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stir-Fry
  • Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
  • Diet: Halal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 880mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg