Crispy Chilli Beef Rice

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Craving a dish that hits all the flavor notes—crispy, spicy, sweet, and savory—all in one bite? Crispy Chilli Beef Rice is a go-to dinner recipe when you’re in the mood for something bold and satisfying, yet still quick enough for a weeknight.

This dish brings together strips of thinly sliced beef, coated and fried until golden, then tossed in a sticky-sweet chilli sauce that clings to every crispy edge. Paired with fluffy rice and garnished with fresh herbs and sesame seeds, it offers a takeout-style experience made entirely at home.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Crispy Chilli Beef Rice efficiently, you’ll need the right tools to ensure crisp texture and fast cooking:

• Sharp Chef’s Knife: For slicing the beef into ultra-thin strips—this is crucial for even cooking and maximum crispness.
• Mixing Bowls: Separate bowls for marinating beef and preparing the sauce components.
• Wok or Heavy Skillet: A wok is ideal for high-heat frying and stir-frying, allowing the sauce to reduce quickly without steaming the beef.
• Slotted Spoon or Tongs: These help you remove beef from hot oil while keeping the coating intact.
• Paper Towels & Cooling Rack: Helps drain the fried beef without making it soggy.
• Measuring Spoons & Cups: To get the balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy just right.

Having these tools at hand will streamline your cooking and elevate the final result.

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Ingredients for the Crispy Chilli Beef Rice

• Beef (flank or sirloin): Thinly sliced against the grain, this cut crisps up beautifully and absorbs the sauce without drying out.
• Cornstarch: Essential for coating the beef and creating that ultra-crispy texture when fried.
• Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and umami depth to the marinade and sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Offers a light tanginess to balance the sweet elements in the dish.
• Brown Sugar or Honey: Gives the sauce its glossy, sticky consistency and enhances caramelization.
• Garlic & Ginger: These aromatics add bold flavor and complexity to the sauce.
• Chili Flakes or Fresh Red Chilies: Delivers that signature kick of heat.
• Bell Peppers & Carrots: Sliced thinly for color, crunch, and balance.
• Spring Onions & Fresh Cilantro: Brightens the final dish with freshness.
• Cooked Jasmine or Basmati Rice: The ideal fluffy base to soak up all the saucy goodness.
• Sesame Seeds (optional): Add nutty flavor and visual appeal.

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How To Make the Crispy Chilli Beef Rice

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Toss the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, a touch of rice vinegar, and a sprinkle of cornstarch. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prep the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes or fresh sliced red chilies. Set aside.

Step 3: Fry the Beef

Heat a generous amount of oil in a wok or skillet. Once hot, fry the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until deep golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Stir-fry the Vegetables

Drain the oil, leaving just a bit for stir-frying. Add bell peppers and carrots to the wok and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just tender.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Pour the prepared sauce into the pan, bring it to a bubble, then toss the crispy beef back in. Stir well to coat every piece. Let the sauce reduce slightly so it clings to the beef.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowl

Serve over a bed of hot jasmine or basmati rice. Garnish with spring onions, cilantro, sesame seeds, and extra chili slices if desired.

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Best Ways to Serve and Store Crispy Chilli Beef Rice

For serving, always go with freshly steamed jasmine or basmati rice as your base—it helps soak up the bold, sticky sauce while keeping the dish light and aromatic. Garnish with extra chilies, scallions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that visual and textural flair. If you’re entertaining, serve it family-style in a large platter so guests can help themselves.

To store leftovers, allow the beef and rice to cool completely before placing them in airtight containers. Store the beef separately from the rice to maintain its crisp texture. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef in a hot skillet or air fryer for best results, and microwave or steam the rice separately.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the beef crispy after frying?

Once fried, drain the beef on a cooling rack over paper towels instead of stacking it. This helps preserve its crispiness. Also, only toss the beef in sauce right before serving.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the beef and the sauce ahead of time, but for best results, fry the beef and combine with the sauce just before eating.

What if I don’t have a wok?

A heavy-bottomed skillet works just fine. The key is high heat and not overcrowding the pan during frying.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

You can adjust the spice level by reducing the chili flakes or using mild peppers instead. The sweetness in the sauce tends to be a hit with kids.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely. Snow peas, broccoli, or even baby corn can be great additions depending on what you have on hand.

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Want More Beef Dinner Ideas?

If Crispy Chilli Beef Rice hit the spot, you’ll love exploring more hearty beef meals packed with flavor.

Try the savory richness of the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, a creamy and satisfying weeknight winner. Or go bold with the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce for a quick pasta fix with depth.

If you lean toward rice-based meals, the One Skillet Smoky Honey Chili Beef Rice shares a sweet-heat profile with today’s recipe but amps up the smokiness.

Want something more nostalgic? The Easy Homemade Beefaroni delivers comforting, cheesy goodness with every forkful. And don’t miss the Hearty One-Pot Beef Stew when you’re craving a slow-simmered classic.

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If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you adjust the spice level? Swap in different veggies? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others make it their own.

For more recipes like this, follow me on Pinterest at LadyPlate.

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