Crispy Chilli Beef Rice

Crispy Chilli Beef Rice is an irresistible and flavorful dish that combines tender strips of beef with a crispy texture, tossed in a sweet, spicy sauce, and served on a bed of fluffy rice. It’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy, with just the right amount of crunch. This dish is quick to prepare and is perfect for when you’re craving takeout-style food at home but without the long wait or the extra calories.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this Crispy Chilli Beef Rice because it’s a fun and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and texture. The crispy beef, coated in a tangy and slightly sweet chili sauce, pairs beautifully with the soft rice. The quick stir-fry method makes this a fast and easy dish to prepare, but it’s still full of bold, vibrant flavors that make it feel like a special meal. It’s a perfect option when I’m craving something spicy, crispy, and comforting!

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon chili paste or sriracha (adjust to taste)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Rice:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or any rice of your choice)

• 1/2 cup green onions (sliced, for garnish)

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the Beef:

1. Prepare the beef: In a bowl, mix the sliced beef with cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper. Toss until the beef is evenly coated. This coating will help create that crispy texture when fried.

2. Fry the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

For the Sauce:

1. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, chili paste (or sriracha), minced garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Adjust the amount of chili paste to your spice preference.

2. Cook the sauce: In the same pan you used to fry the beef, add the sauce mixture over medium heat. Bring it to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Combine:

1. Toss the beef: Once the sauce has thickened, return the crispy beef to the pan and toss it in the sauce, making sure each piece of beef is well-coated.

2. Serve: Serve the crispy chili beef on a bed of steamed rice, and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people and takes approximately 10 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to cook. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that can be made in less than 30 minutes, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Use tofu or tempeh in place of the beef for a vegetarian version. Coat the tofu with cornstarch and fry it to get that crispy texture.

• Add vegetables: Stir in vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots when cooking the sauce for added nutrition and crunch.

• Extra spicy: Add more chili paste or some diced fresh chilies to turn up the heat if you love spicy food.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover crispy chili beef can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, I recommend warming the beef in a skillet over medium heat to keep it as crispy as possible. For the rice, you can microwave it with a splash of water or broth to rehydrate it.

FAQs

Can I use another cut of beef?

Yes, you can use any tender cut of beef like ribeye or sirloin. Flank steak is ideal due to its tenderness and ability to hold up well in stir-fries, but other cuts will work just fine.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of chili paste or sriracha to your liking. You can also add fresh chili slices to the sauce for an extra spicy kick.

Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice if you prefer. However, keep in mind that it will take longer to cook. You might also need to adjust the sauce and beef proportions depending on the amount of rice you’re serving.

Can I prepare the beef ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef by slicing it and coating it in the cornstarch and flour mixture earlier in the day. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to fry it for a quick dinner.

Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

You can use any neutral oil, like canola or sunflower oil, for frying the beef. These oils have a high smoke point, making them ideal for stir-frying.

Conclusion

Crispy Chilli Beef Rice is a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. The crispy beef paired with a sweet and spicy chili sauce, served over fluffy rice, makes for a comforting and delicious meal that comes together in no time. Whether you’re craving something quick for dinner or want to impress your guests with an easy but flavorful dish, this recipe has you covered. It’s packed with bold flavors, crispy textures, and plenty of heat—exactly what you need for a fun and delicious meal!