Amazing Crispy Chilli Beef: Simple Recipe!

Okay, here we go! Let’s chat about one of my family’s all-time favorite comfort foods – Crispy Chilli Beef! There’s something about that sweet and spicy kick combined with perfectly crispy beef strips that just makes everyone happy.

I remember the first time I attempted Crispy Chilli Beef. My kids were begging for Chinese takeaway, but I wanted a healthier (and cheaper!) option. I was so intimidated by the thought of recreating that classic flavor at home!

The first batch was… a learning experience, to say the least. The sauce was too watery, the beef wasn’t crispy enough, and my picky eater refused to even try it. But I didn’t give up! I tweaked and experimented, determined to create a Crispy Chilli Beef that my whole family would devour.

Over time, I perfected my own Crispy Chilli Beef recipe, and it’s now a regular on our dinner rotation. It’s such a winner because it’s satisfying and relatively simple to make, even on a busy weeknight. Plus, I can control the spice level, making it perfect for everyone’s tastes.

There’s something incredibly comforting about knowing I can whip up a batch of Crispy Chilli Beef and instantly turn a chaotic evening into a dinnertime win. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a way to bring my family together and create happy memories around the table.

So, if you’re a fellow busy mom looking for a simple, comforting meal that your family will love, you’ve come to the right place! Let’s get cooking and make some magic happen in the kitchen with this Crispy Chilli Beef!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Raw ingredients for crispy chili beef including sirloin steak, cornstarch, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic, ginger, vegetable oil, water, green bell pepper, and sesame seeds.
  • 1 lb Sirloin Steak, thinly sliced into strips: I usually buy a larger steak and slice it myself to save money. Plus, it’s easier to control the thickness!
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch: This is key for getting that perfect crispy coating. Don’t skip it!
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce: Adds that savory, umami flavor we all love in Chinese takeaway.
  • 2 tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar: For a touch of tanginess to balance the sweetness.
  • 2 tbsp Sweet Chili Sauce: This is where the magic happens! You can adjust the amount to your family’s spice preference.
  • 1 tbsp Sriracha (optional): For an extra kick of heat! My husband loves it, but I usually leave it out for the kids.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Because everything is better with garlic!
  • 1 inch Ginger, minced: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil: For frying the beef to crispy perfection.
  • 1/4 cup Water: To help create a luscious sauce.
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper, thinly sliced: Adds color and a bit of crunch.
  • Sesame Seeds (for garnish): Adds a nutty flavor and a pretty touch.

Trust me, this Crispy Chilli Beef ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! This Chili Beef Recipe is designed to work with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry or can easily find at your regular grocery store. This Crispy Chilli Beef proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive, and you can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store.

No worries if you don’t have rice wine vinegar – I sometimes use apple cider vinegar in my Crispy Chilli Beef, and it works just fine. My family gets extra comfort when I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra layer of spice (just for the adults, of course!).

One comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: I buy pre-minced garlic and ginger to save time. It’s a sanity-saver on busy weeknights!

Let’s Make it Happen!

  1. Prepare the Beef: In a bowl, toss the sliced beef strips with cornstarch. Make sure each piece is well coated. This is the secret to getting those Crispy Beef Strips we all crave.
  2. Fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the beef and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. In my busy kitchen, this comforting Crispy Chilli Beef usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
  3. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (if using), minced garlic, minced ginger, and water.
  4. Sauté the Bell Pepper: In the same skillet, add the sliced green bell pepper and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly softened.
  5. Combine Everything: Pour the sauce over the bell pepper and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Add the fried beef strips back into the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Crispy Chilli Beef – the sauce would sometimes be too thin. The trick is to let it simmer for a minute or two until it reaches the perfect consistency.
  6. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch while your Crispy Chilli Beef is simmering! Your Crispy Chilli Beef should smell amazing by now! Don’t worry if your Crispy Chilli Beef looks a little sticky – that’s what we’re going for!

While your Crispy Chilli Beef is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! This Spicy Beef is a great way to bring some excitement to a regular weeknight meal, and it’s so satisfying to see everyone enjoying something you made with love.

How We Love to Eat This!

The kids devour this comforting Crispy Chilli Beef when I serve it with steamed rice and some simple stir-fried vegetables (broccoli is always a hit!). It’s the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and savory. We also love adding a side of egg rolls for that full Chinese takeaway experience!

This Crispy Chilli Beef is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! It’s also great for casual gatherings with friends. Everyone always raves about how much better it is than takeout!

For presentation, I like to sprinkle extra sesame seeds and some chopped green onions on top for a pop of color. It makes the dish look even more appetizing!

Leftovers (if there are any!) are delicious the next day in a rice bowl or even in a wrap. I’ve even used leftover Crispy Chilli Beef as a topping for baked potatoes – talk about a comfort food explosion!

We’ve tried seasonal variations, too! In the summer, I sometimes add diced mango or pineapple to the sauce for a tropical twist. In the fall, I’ll add a pinch of cinnamon for a warmer, more comforting flavor.

My friend raved about my version of Chinese Takeaway Beef and requested the recipe right away. It’s so rewarding to share a dish that brings so much joy to others! For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out this recipe for Beef Stew and Dumplings.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

  • Is this Crispy Chilli Beef really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The beef is packed with protein, and when served with rice and vegetables, it’s a complete and satisfying meal.
  • What if my picky eater won’t try this Crispy Chilli Beef? Start by offering a small portion and let them try it without pressure. Sometimes, just seeing everyone else enjoying it will encourage them to give it a shot. You can also adjust the spice level to make it more kid-friendly.
  • Can I meal prep this Crispy Chilli Beef for busy weeks ahead? Yes! You can prepare the beef and sauce separately and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply fry the beef and combine it with the sauce.
  • How do I keep the beef crispy? Make sure to fry the beef in batches and don’t overcrowd the pan. This will ensure that each piece gets crispy. Also, don’t add the beef to the sauce until you’re ready to serve, as the sauce will soften the coating over time.
  • Can I use a different cut of beef? While sirloin is my preferred choice, you can also use flank steak or even chicken breast. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. This comforting Chili Beef Recipe is incredibly versatile.
  • What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce? You can substitute it with a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
  • Is this recipe gluten-free? No, as it is written, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the soy sauce. You can use tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) to make it gluten-free friendly.
  • What are other meals I can make similar to this Crispy Chili Beef? This reminds me of another family favorite, Crispy Chicken Caesar Sandwich. https://mommiesmore.com/crispy-chicken-caesar-sandwichFor more recipes similar to this check out Easy Crispy Chilli Beef – Britney Breaks Bread

These are all real questions I’ve gotten from other moms just like you! Don’t hesitate to get creative and experiment to find what works best for your family. This Spicy Beef dish is all about making dinnertime easier and more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts:

Close up of finished crispy chili beef garnished with sesame seeds.

This Crispy Chilli Beef has become a staple in our home because it’s a simple, comforting, and satisfying meal that everyone loves. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to create delicious food that brings your family together. I know it can support your family’s comfort food goals and makes everyone happy!

Here are my Crispy Chilli Beef Comfort Hacks:

  • Prep ahead: Slice the beef and mix the sauce ingredients in advance to save time on busy weeknights.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the beef in batches to ensure maximum crispiness.
  • Adjust the spice: Customize the spice level to suit your family’s preferences.

Here are a few family-tested Crispy Chilli Beef variations:

  • Spicy Peanut Crispy Chilli Beef: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a nutty and creamy twist.
  • Honey Garlic Crispy Chilli Beef: Use honey instead of sweet chili sauce for a sweeter, less spicy flavor.
  • Orange Crispy Chilli Beef: Add orange zest and a splash of orange juice to the sauce for a citrusy kick.

My son prefers the Honey Garlic version, while my daughter loves the classic Sweet Chili Sauce Beef. My husband is all about the Spicy Peanut version!

I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own version of Crispy Chilli Beef that your family will love. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make it your own! I found this recipe on Crispy Chilli Beef – Nicky’s Kitchen Sanctuary. Or maybe you want to try Crispy Chilli Beef (with Sweet Chilli) – Chinese Shredded Beef

I hope this recipe brings as much joy and comfort to your family as it has to mine. Remember, cooking is all about love, and every meal you make is a chance to create happy memories. You can also check out this Beef Wellington Recipe https://mommiesmore.com/beef-wellington/ for something special!

So, go ahead, give this Crispy Chilli Beef a try, and let me know what you think! I’m here to cheer you on every step of the way. Happy cooking! You’ve got this, mama! 💕

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Crispy Chilli Beef

Close-up of freshly made crispy chilli beef

This Crispy Chilli Beef is incredibly flavorful and satisfying, featuring tender strips of beef coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s even better than takeout!

  • Author: Beatriz
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying
  • 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
  • Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, toss the sliced beef with cornstarch until evenly coated.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
  3. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  4. Carefully add the beef to the hot oil in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until crispy and golden brown. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  5. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of oil from the skillet. Add the sauce mixture to the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  6. Add the crispy beef back to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
  7. Serve immediately over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a finely chopped chilli pepper to the sauce. Serve with steamed broccoli for a complete meal.

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