Name: Crispy Chilli Beef Rice Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 10.5 oz lean beef mince (5% fat – 300g); 1 onion, chopped; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, plus 1 tsp (20ml); 1 tbsp sriracha, adjust to taste (15ml); 2 tsp tomato puree (10g); 1 tbsp honey, plus 1 tsp (20g); 1-2 tbsp water (for sauce); 1.5 cups cooked rice, day-old or cold rice works best (250g); Spring onions, sliced, for garnish; Sesame seeds, for garnish

Jump to Recipe·5 from 27 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a quick dinner that delivers on bold flavors and satisfying texture, you’re in for a treat with Crispy Chilli Beef Rice. This zesty stir-fry tosses golden, crispy beef in a spicy-sweet sauce that clings to every grain of fragrant rice. Bright pops of onion and bell pepper cut through the richness, while a garnish of spring onions and sesame seeds lends crunch and a pop of color. Finish everything in under 20 minutes and you’ve got a weeknight hero that’s just as good as any takeout — only fresher.

Crispy Chilli Beef Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about simplicity meeting big flavor! Each ingredient here works its magic to deliver those punchy, vibrant bites you crave. Grab these kitchen staples, because they’re about to turn everyday rice into a superstar meal.

Lean beef mince (5% fat): Choose 10.5 oz (300g) for savory flavor and irresistible crispy edges without excess grease.
Onion: One chopped onion brings gentle sweetness and rounds out the spice.
Bell pepper: Bright, chopped bell pepper adds crunch and a pop of color.
Garlic: Three minced cloves infuse each bite with aromatic depth.
Dark soy sauce: With 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon (20ml in total), this brings umami, color, and complexity to the sauce.
Sriracha: One tablespoon (15ml), or more to taste, infuses that signature chilli kick — tailor the heat as you like.
Tomato puree: Two teaspoons (10g) help thicken the sauce and add tangy depth.
Honey: Use 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon (20g); this delivers a sweet counterpoint and gorgeous glaze.
Cooked rice: One and a half cups (250g) of day-old or cold rice work perfectly for fluffy, separated grains.
Spring onions: Sliced for garnish, they provide fresh crunch and a pop of green on top.
Sesame seeds: Sprinkle plenty for nutty taste and extra texture in every mouthful.
Water: Add 1-2 tablespoons to adjust the sauce’s consistency — just enough to help it coat everything evenly.

How to Make Crispy Chilli Beef Rice

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies and Aromatics

Start by chopping your onion and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves as well. Prepping everything in advance ensures the cooking process flows quickly, which is vital for achieving that restaurant-style stir-fry texture.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Bell Pepper

Heat a large pan or wok over medium heat. Throw in the onion and bell pepper, letting them cook for just 1–2 minutes. You want them to soften just a touch but keep their fresh crunch — that textural contrast is half the fun of Crispy Chilli Beef Rice!

Step 3: Add the Garlic

Next, let the minced garlic join the party. Give it one or two minutes, stirring constantly, until you can smell its fragrance. This step builds a savory base and instantly makes your kitchen smell incredible.

Step 4: Brown and Crisp the Beef

Now, crumble in the beef mince, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 4-5 minutes, frequently stirring until all the moisture evaporates and the beef develops those irresistible crispy edges. This is where the “crispy” in Crispy Chilli Beef Rice really comes alive!

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together dark soy sauce, sriracha, tomato puree, honey, and 1–2 tablespoons of water until the sauce is smooth and shiny. This combination is what brings the heat, the sweet, and the savory all in dramatic harmony.

Step 6: Sauce It Up

Pour that glossy sauce right over the browned beef. Stir well, letting everything simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to every piece. The aroma will be mouthwatering!

Step 7: Add the Rice and Heat Through

Toss in the cooked rice — ideally day-old or cold for the fluffiest results. Stir and break up any clumps, mixing for about 2-3 minutes until every grain is coated in sauce and steamy hot. Now, the Crispy Chilli Beef Rice is a symphony of flavor in your pan.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Plate up your masterpiece, then shower it with sliced spring onions and plenty of sesame seeds. Serve immediately and dig in while it’s sizzling hot!

How to Serve Crispy Chilli Beef Rice

Garnishes

Nothing lifts Crispy Chilli Beef Rice like a generous sprinkle of fresh spring onions and toasted sesame seeds. These last touches bring freshness, a hint of sweetness, and a slight nutty crunch, making every bite pop with flavor and color.

Side Dishes

Pair your Crispy Chilli Beef Rice with simple steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas for an extra splash of green, or go all out with a side of pickled cucumber salad for a zesty contrast. If you’re feeling extra, crispy prawn crackers or a hot and sour soup round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the Crispy Chilli Beef Rice into a shallow bowl and topping with a perfectly fried egg for a luxurious twist. Or, serve it family-style in a large platter for a gather-round-the-table kind of energy. For a lunchbox win, spoon leftovers into meal prep containers, garnishing just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crispy Chilli Beef Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and deepen, so your lunch the next day will be just as delicious.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Crispy Chilli Beef Rice! Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to one month, making it perfect for busy weeks when you crave something bold and flavorful in minutes.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat your Crispy Chilli Beef Rice in a hot skillet with a splash of water to loosen things up. Stir frequently until hot. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too — cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 1-minute bursts.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced steak, shredded chicken, or even ground turkey make great alternatives. Just be sure to brown well for that signature crispy finish.

Does it have to be day-old rice?

Day-old or cold rice is best because it holds its shape and doesn’t turn mushy, but you can use freshly cooked rice that’s been cooled in the fridge for about 30 minutes if you’re in a pinch.

What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to toss in sliced carrots, mushrooms, or snap peas for extra crunch and color. The recipe is flexible, so use whatever you have on hand to make your Crispy Chilli Beef Rice uniquely yours.

How spicy is this dish?

The sriracha brings a good kick, but it’s easy to customize. Add more or less sriracha depending on your heat tolerance, or offer extra at the table for spice lovers.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply swap in gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and make sure your sriracha and tomato puree are gluten-free. Every other ingredient in Crispy Chilli Beef Rice is naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the thrill of tossing together such a bold, addictive meal in minutes. Give this Crispy Chilli Beef Rice a place on your dinner rotation and watch it become a fast family favorite — it’s the kind of dish you’ll make again and again, and love every single time.