If you love dishes that combine bold, spicy flavors with a satisfying crunch, this Spicy Crunchy Chili Beef with Sweet Garlic Sauce is guaranteed to become a favorite. Crispy strips of tender beef are tossed in a sticky-sweet garlic sauce with just the right amount of heat from dried red chilies. The result? A dish that’s both comforting and exciting, with layers of texture and flavor in every bite.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe comes together in under an hour and pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles.
🛒 Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced 🥩
½ cup cornstarch 🌽
¼ cup vegetable oil, for frying 🛢️
2–3 dried red chilies, chopped 🌶️
4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
¼ cup soy sauce 🍜
¼ cup honey 🍯
1 tbsp rice vinegar 🍚
1 tsp sesame oil 🌰
½ tsp ground black pepper 🧂
2 green onions, chopped, for garnish 🌿
Optional garnish: sesame seeds 🌱
👩🍳 Instructions
- Marinate the beef
In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, black pepper, and half of the minced garlic.
Mix well and let marinate for 30 minutes to tenderize and absorb flavor.
- Coat with cornstarch
After marinating, coat each beef strip lightly with cornstarch. Shake off any excess to avoid clumping.
- Fry the beef
Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry the beef in small batches (avoid overcrowding the pan) for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Transfer the beef to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the sauce
In the same skillet, remove excess oil, leaving about 1–2 teaspoons.
Add the dried red chilies and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn them).
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and the remaining garlic. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir.
- Combine beef and sauce
Return the crispy beef strips to the skillet.
Toss well until each piece is coated with the glossy sweet garlic sauce.
Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using).
Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
Pair with jasmine rice, steamed bok choy, or stir-fried vegetables for a balanced meal.
Serve over garlic noodles for a takeout-style dinner at home.
Add extra dried chilies or a drizzle of sriracha for more heat.
🔄 Variations
Chicken option: Replace beef with thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs.
Vegetarian version: Use crispy fried tofu or tempeh instead of beef.
Extra crunch: Add roasted peanuts or cashews when tossing the beef with the sauce.
🥡 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked beef (without sauce) for up to 1 month; thaw and reheat with sauce when ready.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness.
📌 Recipe Notes
Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Fry in small batches to keep the beef crunchy.
For a lighter version, the beef can be air-fried instead of pan-fried.
⏱ Recipe Details
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~350 kcal per serving
✨ This dish brings together the perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory — crispy beef bites coated in a glossy chili-garlic sauce that will make you want seconds (and maybe even thirds). Whether you’re making it for family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress!
