If you’re craving something crispy, spicy, and packed with flavor, this easy sticky crispy chilli beef is the perfect recipe for you. In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a restaurant-style dish right at home, complete with a crispy coating and a sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or any time you’re looking to treat yourself to a delicious, homemade “fakeaway” meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crispy chilli beef dish is the ultimate combination of flavors and textures. The beef is tender yet crispy, thanks to a special cornstarch coating, and coated in a sweet and spicy sauce that balances savory and tangy notes. Plus, it’s quick to make, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a fast weeknight dinner. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or with a side of vegetables, this dish will satisfy your cravings and make you feel like you’re enjoying your favorite takeout.

Ingredients

• 500 g (1 lb) sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain

• 100 g (½ cup) cornstarch

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon oil for frying

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce

• 6 tablespoons ketchup

• 4 tablespoons cider or white vinegar

• 5 tablespoons honey

• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ red chili pepper, finely minced

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Beef: Slice the sirloin thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. In a bowl, combine cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the beef strips in this mixture until well-coated.

2. Cook the Beef: Heat a non-stick skillet over high heat and add the oil. Once hot, carefully place the beef strips in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd. Brown the beef on one side for about 1-2 minutes. Stir the beef to brown on all sides. When crispy and brown, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, and red chili pepper. Stir to mix well.

4. Cook the Sauce: Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring it to a boil, stirring frequently for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until it thickens.

5. Combine and Serve: Return the crispy beef to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat evenly. Serve the crispy chilli beef over cooked rice or noodles and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Chicken: For a lighter option, substitute the beef with thinly sliced chicken breast.

• Vegetarian: Use tofu or tempeh instead of beef for a vegetarian version.

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili pepper to increase or decrease the spiciness.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute soy sauce with tamari to make this dish gluten-free.

• Sweeteners: Swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar to create a different sweetness profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. While the beef will lose its crispiness, the flavor remains delicious.

• Freezing: For best results, freeze the beef and sauce separately. Defrost both in the fridge and cook according to the recipe.

• Reheating: To reheat, spread the beef on a baking sheet and warm it in a 180°C (350°F) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use flank steak, rib-eye, or any tender cut of beef. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain.

2. How can I make this dish spicier?

To increase the heat, simply add more red chili pepper or a dash of chili flakes. You can also use fresh or dried red chilies for an extra kick.

3. Can I use a different oil for frying?

Yes, vegetable oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil will all work well for frying the beef.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative.

5. Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?

While it’s best to use fresh beef for the best texture, you can use frozen beef. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before coating and frying.

6. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or any other liquid sweetener you prefer.

7. How do I make the beef extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, try double frying the beef. Fry it once to cook it through, then remove it and fry again until golden and crispy.

8. Can I make this dish in advance?

You can prepare the sauce and slice the beef ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the beef just before serving to maintain its crispiness.

9. How can I make this dish less sweet?

If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of honey or ketchup in the sauce and adjust to taste.

10. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! You can stir-fry vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli in the same pan to add more color and nutrition to the dish.

Conclusion

This 30-minute sticky crispy chilli beef is a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy nights when you want a delicious “fakeaway” experience at home. The crispy beef paired with a sweet and tangy sauce is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with different proteins and flavor levels, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your weeknight rotation.