{"id":8567,"date":"2016-03-28T00:01:16","date_gmt":"2016-03-28T04:01:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.slimmingeats.com\/blog\/?p=8567"},"modified":"2023-09-23T18:24:06","modified_gmt":"2023-09-23T23:24:06","slug":"sweet-chilli-beef","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slimmingeats.com\/blog\/sweet-chilli-beef","title":{"rendered":"Sweet Chilli Beef (Stove Top or Air Fryer)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Sizzle into the flavours of the Far East with our Sweet Chilli Beef - tender strips of beef in a delicious sweet chilli sauce, bringing the magic of a Chinese Fakeaway night right to your table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Chinese Crispy Chilli Beef<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Do you know that yummy crispy shredded beef you get from the Chinese? One of my favourites I should add, this is a very similar dish, but lower on the calories. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To give the beef a yummy coating and make that sauce lovely and glossy, I use a cornstarch and a little oil along with the star ingredient sweet chilli sauce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then to get the lighter crispy coating you can either cook it in a pan or an air fryer. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n[feast_advanced_jump_to]\n\n\n

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Calories in Sweet Chilli Beef<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This delicious Sweet Chilli Beef serves 3 people and has 300 calories per serving (no sides). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you're looking for more recipes within the same calorie range, you'll find an abundance of options in my dedicated collection of 300+ calorie recipes<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie intake using a reliable calorie calculator. Please note that the calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Personalizing your calculations is essential to meet your individual needs. By using a calorie calculator, you can make informed choices and stay on track with your dietary goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Ingredients in Sweet Chilli Beef<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To prepare these quick and easy Sweet Chilli Beef, here are some notes on the ingredients used<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Steak<\/strong> - sirloin or a similar cut of steak, trimmed of visiible fat and sliced into thin strips<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Cornstarch\/Cornflour<\/strong> - this is to help crisp up the beef. Arrowroot powder or tapioca starch can also be used. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Cooking oil <\/strong>- I recommend using an oil with a high smoke point like peanut oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil or grapeseed oil <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Sweet Chilli Sauce<\/strong> - available from most major grocery stores or Asian supermarkets<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Soy Sauce<\/strong> - light soy or all purpose. Don't use dark for this as it will overpower the sweet chilli sauce. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Tomato Paste<\/strong> - Not a traditional in this recipe, but I like to add it just help thicken the sauce and keep a nicer colour.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Spring Onions<\/strong> - purely for decoration, but also add an extra punch of flavour. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe for breakfast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Cooking Sweet Chilli Beef on the Stove Top <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    As we don't use a large quantity of oil, I recommend using a quality non-stick pan or wok when preparing this Sweet Chilli Beef. The last thing you want is for it to stick to the pan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I particularly favor ceramic non-stick pans, which come in various shapes and sizes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ensure that you heat the pan thoroughly before adding both the oil and the steak. This step is crucial for achieving the desired sear. If you add the steak to a cold pan, it will simply adhere to the surface and won't develop the beautiful golden color you're aiming for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Additionally, be mindful not to use a pan that is too small. If you overcrowd the pan, it will steam the ingredients rather than frying them, which won't yield the desired result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Air Fryer Sweet Chilli Beef<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    If you own an air fryer, you'll be pleased to know that I've now added instructions on how to cook this dish using an air fryer to the recipe box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    An air fryer achieves the best results for that crispy beef texture similar to what you get from Chinese restaurants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    I personally use a 5.7-liter air fryer, so if yours is smaller, you may need to cook it in two batches or split it into two baskets for a dual air fryer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Additionally, I recommend using slightly less water in the sauce when using the air fryer method since you won't be simmering it on the stovetop for this cooking method.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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    Variations on Sweet Chilli Beef<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Other Proteins:<\/strong> Feel free to substitute the protein with chicken or pork. When opting for chicken, I recommend using boneless thighs sliced into strips (chicken breast tends to become too dry for this dish). For pork, use pork shoulder steaks sliced into strips, as I find these work best for a stir-fry type dish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Add some maple syrup\/honey:<\/strong> If you like a bit a sweeter flavour to sweet chilli beef, you can add in a little maple syrup or honey, just 1-2 tablespoons is enough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Sides for Sweet Chilli Beef<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Every week I buy these handy bags of shredded vegetables as they are perfect for stir-fries to serve with dishes like this sweet chilli beef. The bag usually contains shredded carrots, kale, broccoli stalks, cabbage, Brussels etc, which are all really good just stir fried in a little cooking oil spray with some salt and black pepper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Any stir-fried vegetables of your choice would go well with this, for example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n