Takeaway-style food made slimming-friendly? Yes, please! This crispy chilli beef is packed with flavour, has just the right amount of spice, and includes crunchy red peppers for a pop of colour and freshness. Perfect for satisfying those weekend takeaway cravings without compromising your goals.
Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a real crowd-pleaser. Best of all, it’s simple, quick, and doesn’t require any deep frying, making it much lighter than the classic version while still delivering on taste and texture.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
- Takeaway Fakeaway
It tastes just like your favourite Chinese takeaway but with a fraction of the calories and Syns. - Quick and Easy
Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick dinner. - Packed with Flavour
The combination of garlic, chilli, soy sauce, and Chinese five-spice creates an irresistible, tangy sauce. - Crispy Without Deep Frying
You’ll get that satisfying crunch without the need for oil-laden deep frying, making it much healthier. - Slimming World-Friendly
At only 2 Syns per serving, it’s a guilt-free treat that fits perfectly into your meal plan. - Weight Watchers Approved
Just 6 WW Points per serving, so you can enjoy a filling meal without using too many points. - Customisable Spice Level
Whether you like it mild or fiery, you can easily adjust the chilli to suit your taste. - Packed with Veggies
The addition of red peppers and onions boosts the dish with nutrients and colour. - Great for Meal Prep
It reheats beautifully, so you can batch cook and enjoy it throughout the week. - Family-Friendly
With its vibrant colours and bold flavours, it’s a dish that kids and adults alike will love.
Batch Cook – Storage Information
If you’re into meal prepping or just want to make sure you have a healthy dish ready for the week, this Crispy Chilli Beef is perfect for batch cooking.
Storing in the Fridge
If you’re planning to enjoy leftovers within a few days, store the crispy chilli beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, transfer the portion to a non-stick pan or microwave-safe dish and heat until piping hot, adding a splash of water or stock to loosen the sauce if needed. This ensures the beef stays tender and the flavours remain vibrant.
Storing in the Freezer
For longer storage, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat thoroughly in a pan or microwave. To maintain the texture, avoid reheating the beef multiple times and add a little liquid to refresh the sauce.
Can this recipe be adapted?
Absolutely! This Crispy Chilli Beef recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
Swap the Protein
- Replace beef with chicken, pork, or turkey strips for a leaner option.
Add More Veggies
- Bulk up the dish with extra vegetables such as broccoli, sugar snap peas, courgette, or baby corn.
- Swap the red pepper for a mix of colourful bell peppers to make it even more vibrant.
Adjust the Spice
- Dial the heat up by adding more fresh chilli, dried chilli flakes, or a splash of sriracha.
- For a milder version, reduce the chilli or omit it altogether and focus on the sweet and tangy flavours.
Change the Sauce
- Add a splash of hoisin sauce, teriyaki sauce, or plum sauce for a different flavour profile (adjust Syns or WW Points as needed).
Adjust for Kids
- Reduce or omit the chilli to make it family-friendly for younger palates.
- Add a touch more honey or sweetness to balance the flavours for picky eaters.
Serving Suggestions for Crispy Chilli Beef
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Steamed Rice
Pair the crispy chilli beef with fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a slimming-friendly twist, opt for cauliflower rice. -
Noodles
Serve with egg noodles or rice noodles tossed in a little soy sauce and garlic for a classic takeaway-style pairing.
Related Article: Chicken Chow Mein Recipe -
Stir-Fried Veggies
Add a side of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, sugar snap peas, or pak choi for extra crunch and nutrients. -
Lettuce Cups
Spoon the crispy chilli beef into large lettuce leaves for a fresh, light, and fun way to serve. Perfect for low-carb options! -
Zoodles or Veggie Noodles
Swap out carbs entirely and serve the beef over spiralized courgette, carrot, or sweet potato noodles. -
Side Salad
A simple side salad with cucumber, red onion, and a light sesame dressing complements the bold flavours of the dish. -
Flatbread Wraps
Serve the beef in wholemeal wraps with a dollop of fat-free yoghurt and extra veggies for a satisfying, portable meal. -
With Fried Cauliflower Rice
Mix cauliflower rice with garlic, spring onions, and a touch of soy sauce for a slimming-friendly fried rice alternative.
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Crispy Chilli Beef
- 400g Lean beef steak [thinly sliced into strips, all visible fat removed]
- 1 Red pepper [sliced into thin strips]
- 1 Onion [Finely diced]
- 2 tbsp Cornflour
- 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 2 Garlic Cloves [Crushed]
- 1 Red Chilli [Finely Chopped]
- 2 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Tomato Puree
- 1 tbsp Honey
- 100ml Beef Stock
- 1 tsp Rice Vinegar
- Low-calorie cooking spray
- Sesame Seeds [For Garnish, Optional, Addition syns]
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Prepare the beef: Toss the beef strips in a bowl with the cornflour and Chinese five-spice until evenly coated.
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Cook the beef: Heat a non-stick frying pan or wok over high heat and spray with low-calorie cooking spray. Fry the beef strips in batches for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Cook the vegetables:Spray the pan with a little more cooking spray and add the red pepper and onion. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until softened but still crisp.
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Make the sauce:In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, tomato puree, honey, beef stock, garlic, chilli, and vinegar. Pour this into the pan with the vegetables and bring to a simmer.
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Combine:Add the crispy beef strips back into the pan and toss to coat them evenly in the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
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Serve: Dish up 4 portions and enjoy!
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