Name: Crispy Chilli Beef Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 300g flank steak; 4 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon chilli flakes; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 2 cups cooked white rice; 2 green onions, chopped; 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying

If you love bold flavors and crispy textures, this Crispy Chilli Beef Rice will absolutely hit the spot. It brings together golden, crunchy beef strips tossed in a sticky, spicy-sweet chilli sauce layered over a bed of fluffy rice. Every bite is a satisfying blend of heat, crunch, and comfort that makes this dish a favorite for takeout nights—but made right in your own kitchen.

This recipe is inspired by the popular Chinese restaurant dish but tweaked for the home cook with simple ingredients and an easy frying technique. Whether you’re cooking for a weekend dinner or want to spice up your weeknight routine, it comes together faster than you’d think and tastes just as good (if not better) than your local spot.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Chilli Beef Rice

What makes this dish so crave-worthy is the harmony of textures and flavors. The beef is marinated then fried until perfectly crisp, locking in moisture and flavor. Then it’s tossed in a glossy sauce that balances heat with sweetness and tang. When served over warm rice that soaks up the sauce, it becomes an irresistible meal in one bowl. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce, and it can be adjusted to your preferred spice level.

What Cut of Beef Works Best for Crispy Chilli Beef?

Flank steak or sirloin are your best bets. Both cuts are lean, flavorful, and hold up well to quick frying. You want something that cooks fast and turns crisp without drying out. Just slice it thinly across the grain, and you’re golden. If you’re in a pinch, even thinly sliced rump steak can do the trick.

Ingredients for the Crispy Chilli Beef Rice

This dish only needs a few ingredients to build big flavor. You likely have most of these in your pantry already, and if not, they’re all easy to find in most grocery stores.

Flank steak: Tender and lean, it crisps beautifully when fried.
Cornstarch: Helps create that signature crispy coating.
Soy sauce: Adds salt and umami to the marinade and sauce.
Rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tang to balance the sweetness.
Chilli flakes: For that signature heat, use as much or as little as you like.
Garlic and ginger: Aromatic essentials that elevate the sauce.
Brown sugar: Gives the sauce its sticky-sweet element.
Ketchup: Surprisingly key to getting that deep red, glossy finish.
Cooked white rice: Fluffy rice is the ideal base to soak up all the saucy goodness.
Green onions: Adds a pop of freshness and color at the end.
Vegetable oil: For shallow frying the beef to golden perfection.

How To Make the Crispy Chilli Beef Rice

Step 1: Slice and Marinate the Beef

Thinly slice your flank steak against the grain and toss it in a bowl with soy sauce and a pinch of cornstarch. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to soak up those flavors while you prep everything else.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and chilli flakes. Stir until the sugar dissolves and set aside.

Step 3: Coat the Beef

Toss the marinated beef in more cornstarch until well coated. Shake off any excess. This coating is what gives you that signature crunch once fried.

Step 4: Fry to Crispy Goodness

Heat oil in a frying pan or wok. Fry the beef in batches so the oil stays hot. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until crisp and deep golden. Set on paper towels to drain.

Step 5: Toss with Sauce

Pour out most of the oil and add the sauce to the pan. Let it simmer and thicken slightly. Add the beef back in and toss to coat every piece with the glossy chilli sauce.

Step 6: Plate It Up

Serve the spicy-sweet beef over hot white rice and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Dive in while it’s sizzling hot.

Serving and Storing Crispy Chilli Beef Rice

This recipe serves 3 to 4 people depending on how hungry you are (or how much extra beef you sneak before plating). It’s best eaten fresh so the beef stays crisp, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat instead of the microwave to help revive the texture. You can also re-crisp it in the air fryer for a few minutes if you have one.

What to Serve With Crispy Chilli Beef Rice?

Steamed Broccoli

A simple side that adds freshness and balances the heat.

Garlic Green Beans

Tossed with sesame oil and a pinch of salt, they’re a crunchy match.

Cucumber Salad

Cool and refreshing, this offsets the bold flavor of the beef.

Egg Rolls

Great for making it feel like a full takeout night at home.

Fried Egg

Pop one right on top of the rice bowl for an indulgent finish.

Mango Chutney

A sweet-spicy dip on the side can complement the heat.

Sesame Noodles

Serve as a small side or appetizer if you’re going for a spread.

Want More Beef Dinner Ideas?

If this Crispy Chilli Beef Rice is your kind of meal, you’ll love digging into these other savory dinner favorites:

Save This Recipe For Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the chilli or keep it mild? Maybe you swapped in honey for the sugar?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Ask away if you have questions—we’re all here to help each other make better food.

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