Crispy Chilli Beef with Jasmine Rice

The mouthwatering combination of crispy fried beef coated in a sticky sweet chili sauce makes this dish a beloved favorite for those craving bold Asian-inspired flavors at home. Paired with aromatic jasmine rice, the contrast of textures and sweet heat delivers comfort and excitement in every bite. What’s even better is how easily you can recreate this restaurant-style favorite in your own kitchen. Using everyday pantry staples and fresh ingredients, this quick stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Serve it hot, topped with sesame seeds and fresh herbs, and watch it disappear in minutes.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 400g beef steak (thinly sliced)

• 3 tbsp cornstarch

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 cup jasmine rice

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 2 spring onions, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 red chili, finely chopped (optional)

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce

• 1 tbsp ketchup

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp sugar

• Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

• Fresh coriander, for garnish

Directions:

1. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water. Cook according to package instructions and keep warm.

2. Season the thinly sliced beef with salt and pepper, then coat each piece evenly with cornstarch.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the beef in batches until crispy and golden. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.

4. In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and sauté garlic, red chili, and bell pepper for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and tender-crisp.

5. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, ketchup, sesame oil, and sugar. Pour into the pan and stir to combine.

6. Return the crispy beef to the pan and toss everything together until the beef is well coated and sticky.

7. Serve the crispy chili beef over steamed jasmine rice. Garnish with spring onions, sesame seeds, and fresh coriander.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 530 kcal | Servings: 2 servings

A Fiery Classic: The Story Behind Crispy Chilli Beef

Crispy Chilli Beef is one of those dishes that manages to capture hearts from the very first bite. Originally inspired by Chinese takeaway cuisine, particularly the British-Chinese food scene, this dish has seen a meteoric rise in popularity around the world due to its irresistibly crunchy texture, sweet-and-spicy flavor profile, and fast cooking time. While it might seem like a complicated meal to pull off, it’s surprisingly simple to recreate at home using accessible ingredients and a few clever cooking techniques.

What sets this dish apart is its use of thinly sliced beef that’s been coated in cornstarch and shallow-fried until it reaches that golden, crispy perfection. This method not only seals in the juices but also gives the beef a wonderful texture that holds up to the bold sauce. The sauce itself—typically made from a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sugar—adds layers of umami, heat, and sweetness. It’s an experience for the senses, offering both crunch and a sticky glaze in each bite.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

There are countless reasons why Crispy Chilli Beef with Jasmine Rice deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation. For starters, it’s a one-pan wonder (minus the rice), meaning fewer dishes and quicker clean-up. Beyond convenience, the dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and nourishment. Jasmine rice complements the robust flavor of the beef beautifully, helping mellow out the spiciness while adding a fragrant undertone that enhances the overall taste.

Another big plus is versatility. While this version features red bell pepper and spring onions, feel free to toss in snap peas, broccoli, or shredded carrots. The sauce is also highly adaptable—you can tone down the spice for kids or kick it up with more fresh chili for heat lovers. Plus, this homemade version avoids the heavy grease and excess sugar often found in takeout, giving you full control over the ingredients and seasoning.

The Nutritional Benefits

Although this dish may seem indulgent, it can easily be made more health-conscious without sacrificing flavor. Opting for lean cuts of beef, like sirloin or flank steak, keeps the protein lean and tender. Cornstarch, used to achieve that iconic crispiness, is gluten-free and lighter than typical batter-based coatings.

The addition of vegetables such as bell peppers and spring onions brings a welcome dose of antioxidants, vitamins C and A, and dietary fiber. Jasmine rice, while being a source of simple carbohydrates, is naturally gluten-free and pairs well with the beef’s bold flavors. If you’re looking to boost the nutritional value further, serve it with brown jasmine rice or a mix of rice and cauliflower rice.

The final garnish of sesame seeds and fresh coriander not only adds to the visual appeal but also delivers subtle health benefits. Sesame seeds are rich in healthy fats, calcium, and magnesium, while coriander (also known as cilantro) is a natural detoxifier.

Cultural Fusion at Its Finest

This dish is a perfect representation of modern Asian fusion cuisine. Though it borrows its name and style from Chinese culinary traditions, the method and flavors have been westernized over the years to suit diverse palates. British-Chinese takeout menus often feature crispy chilli beef as a top seller, and now, thanks to social media and food blogs, the dish has found fans from New York to Sydney.

This recipe celebrates that cross-cultural love affair, blending authenticity with approachability. It brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table while giving you the satisfaction of having created it yourself from scratch.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re cooking for date night, a casual family dinner, or entertaining guests, this dish is always a showstopper. The vibrant colors, crisp textures, and addictive flavors make it an instant crowd-pleaser. It also holds up well as leftovers, making it ideal for meal prep or packed lunches.

Hosting a dinner party? Serve it alongside steamed dumplings or a light Asian cucumber salad for a complete feast. For a cozier weekday vibe, pair it with miso soup or a simple green tea to wind down.

Tips for the Best Crispy Chilli Beef

To get that perfect crispy texture, here are a few expert tips:

• Slice the beef thinly: Thinner strips mean faster cooking and crispier results. A sharp knife and semi-frozen beef can help make precise cuts.
• Dry the beef thoroughly: Excess moisture will cause the oil to splatter and reduce the crispiness. Pat the beef with paper towels before coating it in cornstarch.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to ensure each piece of beef gets evenly crisp without steaming.
• Use high heat: This locks in the juices and creates the iconic crust.
• Toss in the sauce just before serving: Prolonged exposure to the sauce will make the beef lose its crunch. A quick toss before serving ensures both crispness and flavor.

A Great Dish for Beginner Cooks

If you’re new to Asian-style cooking or stir-frying, this is a great place to start. It teaches fundamental skills like pan-frying, sauce balancing, and ingredient prep. The steps are straightforward, and once you master them, you’ll be more confident trying other dishes in this genre, like General Tso’s chicken, Mongolian beef, or sweet and sour pork.

It’s also a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen—especially if they enjoy takeout favorites. Allow them to measure ingredients, mix the sauce, or help stir in the garnishes. They’ll love seeing (and tasting) the final product.

Budget-Friendly and Customizable

This Crispy Chilli Beef with Jasmine Rice recipe is also wallet-friendly. A small amount of beef goes a long way, especially when paired with rice and vegetables. You don’t need any fancy or expensive ingredients, and most of the pantry items like soy sauce, ketchup, and cornstarch are kitchen staples.

If beef isn’t your thing or you’re cutting back on red meat, try swapping it for chicken strips or even crispy tofu. You can also scale the spice level up or down to suit your taste and experiment with different veggies for seasonal freshness.

A Meal That Sparks Joy

There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a perfectly crispy strip of beef coated in glossy, sweet-spicy sauce. It’s a dish that stimulates the taste buds, awakens your appetite, and delivers warmth and comfort in every bite.

The aroma alone—garlic sizzling, sweet chili caramelizing, beef crisping—is enough to bring everyone to the table. It’s food that speaks to your senses and feels like a reward at the end of a long day.

Conclusion

Crispy Chilli Beef with Jasmine Rice is more than just a weeknight dinner—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and culinary creativity. It allows you to take control of your meals without sacrificing the joy and indulgence that come with good food. Whether you’re cooking solo or with family, this recipe delivers an experience that’s fun to make, exciting to eat, and worthy of repeating again and again. With its global appeal, simple ingredients, and explosive flavor profile, this is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes. It’s crispy, saucy, filling, and most importantly—unforgettable.