Alright, flavor adventurers, gather ’round! I’ve got a dish that’s about to become your new obsession: Crispy Chilli Beef. This isn’t your average weeknight dinner, folks. This is a flavor explosion, a symphony of textures, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s bold, it’s unapologetic, and it’s everything Cuba Queen stands for!
I’ve been tweaking and perfecting this Crispy Chilli Beef recipe for months. So many “almost-there” moments, so many taste tests (the sacrifices I make for you all!), and then BAM! The breakthrough. It was all about the balance of sweet, spicy, and that unforgettable crisp. The kind of crisp you can hear across the room.
The secret? It’s all in the technique and a few carefully chosen ingredients, but trust me, even a beginner can nail this. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise. I’m so excited to share my Crispy Chilli Beef recipe with you because every bite is a party in your mouth. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.Let’s dive in, shall we?
INGREDIENTS You Need for This:
This Crispy Chilli Beef ingredient list is short but mighty! We’re talking maximum flavor with minimum fuss. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (more if you like it HOT!)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Dried Red Chilies
The secret to epic Crispy Chilli Beef is using good quality flank steak. Don’t skimp here! You’ll find the best ingredients for this Crispy Chilli Beef at your local Asian market, where you can get authentic soy sauce and fresh ginger.
Splurge on good honey! Trust me, you will taste the difference, and it will give you that perfect balance of sweet and savory. For a budget-friendly alternative, you can use brown sugar instead of honey, but adjust the amount to taste.
Store your ginger and garlic in the fridge for maximum freshness. Grate or mince them just before using for the best flavor in your Crispy Chilli Beef. Get all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking; this dish comes together quickly! Now, let’s get cooking!

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Alright, flavor adventurers, let’s get down to business! This Crispy Chilli Beef recipe is easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down on restaurant-quality deliciousness in no time.
- First, marinate the beef. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and sriracha. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. Pro tip for Crispy Chilli Beef perfection: Marinate it for longer! The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes.
- Next, prepare the beef for frying. Remove the beef from the marinade (don’t discard the marinade – we’ll use it later!). Toss the beef with cornstarch until it’s evenly coated. This is what gives it that irresistible crisp! Don’t stress – your Crispy Chilli Beef is going to be incredible.
- Now, it’s frying time! Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (but not smoking!), carefully add the beef in batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the beef won’t get crispy.
- Fry the beef for 2-3 minutes per side, until it’s golden brown and crispy. Remove the Crispy Shredded Beef from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil. This is where most people mess up their Crispy Chilli Beef – but not you!
- Make the sauce. In the same skillet, discard all but 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them!
- Pour in the reserved marinade and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the sliced bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until it’s tender-crisp. This is where your Crispy Chilli Beef transforms into pure magic!
- Combine and serve. Add the fried beef to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over rice or noodles. While your Crispy Chilli Beef is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!
- Taste test time! Make sure the balance of flavors is perfect. Add more sriracha if you want more heat, or a touch more honey if you prefer it sweeter.
In my kitchen, this Crispy Chilli Beef takes exactly 30 minutes from prep to plate. Your Crispy Chilli Beef should look golden brown, smell amazing, and feel crispy to the touch!
PRESENTATION:
Presentation is key, flavor adventurers! We eat with our eyes first, so let’s make this Crispy Chilli Beef look as amazing as it tastes.
Serve this Crispy Chilli Beef immediately over a bed of fluffy white rice or egg noodles. The contrast of textures is divine! For an Instagram-worthy plating technique, arrange the rice or noodles on a plate, then top with the Crispy Chilli Beef, making sure the crispy pieces are visible. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Crispy Chilli Beef at potlucks. They always ask for the recipe! This Crispy Chilli Beef absolutely slays at dinner parties! It’s a guaranteed conversation starter.
Pair this Crispy Chilli Beef with a crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. You could also serve it with steamed broccoli or bok choy for a complete meal.
Got leftovers? Transform them into Chilli Beef Noodles the next day! Just toss the leftover beef and sauce with cooked noodles and add some extra veggies. For seasonal variations, try adding different vegetables like snap peas in the spring or butternut squash in the fall. Speaking of which, if you love butternut squash, check out my Crispy Air Fryer Butternut Squash recipe. It is epic!
FAQs:
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common Crispy Chilli Beef cooking challenges and my solutions:
- Can I make this Crispy Chilli Beef spicier? Absolutely! Add more sriracha to the marinade and the sauce. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
- What if I don’t have flank steak for my Crispy Chilli Beef? You can use skirt steak or sirloin as a substitute. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain.
- How do I know when my Crispy Chilli Beef is perfectly done? The beef should be golden brown and crispy, and the sauce should be thick enough to coat the beef.
- Can I make this Crispy Chilli Beef gluten-free? Yes! Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- What if I don’t have rice vinegar? You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute.
- Can I add other vegetables to my Spicy Beef Stir Fry? Of course! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as carrots, mushrooms, or snow peas.
- How do I prevent the beef from sticking to the pan? Make sure your skillet is hot enough and don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry the beef in batches for best results.
- Can I bake the beef instead of frying it? I haven’t tested that method, but frying it gives it the best crispy texture. You could try baking it at a high temperature, but keep a close eye on it to prevent it from drying out. I would recommend trying my Crispy Air Fryer Pizza Rolls recipe as it provides a similar texture and crispness to the beef.
Remember, cooking is all about experimentation! Don’t be afraid to adjust the recipe to suit your taste. Our community loves this Crispy Chilli Beef recipe, and I’m confident you will too!
CONCLUSION:
This Crispy Chilli Beef recipe represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, simple techniques, and celebration-worthy meals. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress your friends and family, and it’s easy enough to make on a weeknight.
My Crispy Chilli Beef Power Tips:
- Marinate, Marinate, Marinate: The longer you marinate the beef, the more flavorful it will be.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the beef in batches to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Taste and Adjust: Don’t be afraid to adjust the flavors to suit your taste.
Here are a few Crispy Chilli Beef variations I’ve created and loved:
- Spicy Peanut Crispy Chilli Beef: Add peanut butter and chili garlic sauce to the sauce for a nutty, spicy twist.
- Orange Crispy Chilli Beef: Add orange zest and orange juice to the sauce for a citrusy kick.
- Sesame Ginger Crispy Chilli Beef: Add extra sesame oil and grated ginger to the sauce for a more intense flavor.
- Crispy Chilli Beef Noodles: Check out Crispy Chilli Beef Noodles – Nicky’s Kitchen Sanctuary for another amazing Crispy Chilli Beef recipe.
The Spicy Peanut Crispy Chilli Beef version gets the biggest reactions!
I have absolute confidence that you are going to nail this Crispy Chilli Beef. Get ready to make some seriously delicious memories! Now it’s your turn to create your own Crispy Chilli Beef masterpiece! Share your results with me on social media and let me know what you think! I know you will love this dish more than the Satay Crispy Rice Salad! For more inspiration check out Crispy Chilli Beef : r/MobKitchen. For a traditional approach, check out Crispy Chilli Beef – Nicky’s Kitchen Sanctuary. Don’t forget to tag Cuba Queen. Now get cooking! 🔥

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Crispy Chilli Beef
Craving a flavour explosion? This Crispy Chilli Beef delivers a delightful combination of crispy beef strips, a sweet and spicy sauce, and a satisfying crunch in every bite. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
- 500g Beef Sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Cornflour
- Oil, for deep frying
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 inch Ginger, grated
- 1 Red Chilli, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 4 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Rice Wine Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Tomato Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
- Sesame Seeds, for garnish
- Spring Onions, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Coat the beef strips in cornflour, ensuring they are evenly covered.
- Heat oil in a wok or deep fryer to 180°C (350°F). Fry the beef in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan. Add garlic, ginger, and chilli. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, tomato ketchup, and sesame oil.
- Pour the sauce into the wok and bring to a simmer. Cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the crispy beef to the wok and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and spring onions.
- Serve immediately with rice or noodles.
Notes
For extra flavour, add a pinch of five-spice powder to the cornflour when coating the beef. Serve with steamed broccoli or other vegetables for a complete meal.

