A plate of chilli beef steaks is a dish that manages to strike a balance between hearty comfort food and vibrant, punchy flavours that wake up the palate. Imagine juicy beef steaks, cooked to tender perfection, then paired with the sweetness of red onion, the crunch of green bell peppers and the unmistakable fiery kick of fresh red chillies. To bring it all together, everything is coated in a glossy, thick sweet and sour sauce that clings beautifully to each bite. Chilli Beef Steaks is one of those meals that looks like a treat but is simple enough to enjoy on an ordinary evening.
What makes chilli beef steaks so appealing is the combination of textures and flavours. The beef brings richness and depth, while the peppers add a refreshing, almost crisp note. Red onion offers just the right amount of sweetness, softening as it cooks yet still retaining its character. And of course, the chillies – vibrant, sharp, and slightly smoky – bring a thrill that lingers with each mouthful. Once the sauce is poured over, it becomes a symphony: tangy, sweet, and savoury all at once.
For those who love variety in their meals, chilli beef steaks are incredibly versatile. They can be dressed up for a dinner party, where their glossy, colourful presentation looks as if you’ve put in far more effort than you have. Or they can be served simply on a weeknight, when you want something comforting yet exciting without having to fuss over complicated steps. The joy of this dish lies not only in its bold flavour but in its flexibility to fit whatever mood you’re in.
The sauce deserves a moment of attention. A proper sweet and sour sauce has depth – it’s not just sugar and vinegar fighting for attention. It’s rounded, rich, and designed to complement the savoury meat and vegetables. When thickened just right, it clings luxuriously to every piece of steak and pepper, so no forkful is ever dull. It’s the kind of sauce that makes you want to scoop up every last drop with a spoon, or at the very least mop your plate clean with bread.
One of the best parts about making chilli beef steaks is that you can adjust the heat level to your preference. Some like it fiery, with slices of red chilli scattered generously through the dish. Others prefer a milder touch, allowing the sweet and sour elements to shine more brightly. The beauty is in finding that balance that suits your own taste buds – and if you’re cooking for family or friends, it’s easy to tone it down or turn it up as you like.
When it comes to serving, chilli beef steaks are a bit of a chameleon. You can pair it with something as simple as plain rice or go all out with accompaniments that make the meal feel like a feast.
Here are some ideas for what to serve with chilli beef steaks:
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice – perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Egg noodles or rice noodles – for a heartier, takeaway-style experience.
- Stir-fried vegetables – such as broccoli, pak choi, or snap peas for freshness.
- Crispy potato wedges – a fusion-style twist that works surprisingly well.
- Soft flatbreads or naan – great for mopping up the sweet and sour sauce.
- A light cucumber salad – to cool things down and balance the heat.
No matter how you choose to serve it, chilli beef steaks are guaranteed to deliver a satisfying meal that brings bold flavour to the table. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet achievable, making it just as suitable for a cosy night in as it is for impressing guests.
Cooking at home often gives you the chance to play with flavour, and chilli beef steaks are the perfect canvas for creativity. Whether you lean into the chilli heat, add more vegetables, or focus on the glossy sauce, you’ll find this dish quickly becomes a favourite. It’s a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated – it just needs a little balance, a touch of spice, and the joy of sharing it with those around you.

Chili Beef Steaks
Ingredients
- 4 large sirloin beef steaks or rump, about 200g each
- 1 large green bell pepper chopped
- 1 medium red onion sliced
- 2 large red chillies thinly sliced adjust to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- salt to season
- black pepper to season
For the sweet and sour sauce:
- 3 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- 2 tbsp water to mix with cornflour
- 150 ml water
Instructions
- Season the steaks with a little salt and black pepper.4 large sirloin beef, salt, black pepper
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat and cook the steaks for 3–4 minutes per side for medium, or to your preferred doneness.2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Remove from the pan, rest for 5 minutes, then slice thickly.
- In the same pan, add the remaining oil.2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Stir-fry the green bell pepper, red onion, and sliced chillies for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened but still vibrant.1 large green bell pepper, 1 medium red onion, 2 large red chillies
- Combine the cornflour and 1 tbsp of water in a small bowl and stir until mixed1 tbsp cornflour, 2 tbsp water
- Mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and pour into the pan with the vegetables.3 tbsp tomato ketchup, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 150 ml water
- Add the cornflour to the pan stirring until it thickens into a glossy sauce.
- Return the sliced beef to the pan and toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Serve the chilli beef steaks hot with your choice of sides.

22 comments
Absolutely delicious! The sweet and sour sauce clings perfectly to the beef, and the chillies give it just the right amount of heat.
Definitely a dish I’ll be making again.
I loved how quickly this came together. In just half an hour we had a meal that looked like something you’d order from a good Asian fusion restaurant.
Served mine with jasmine rice and it was perfect.
The chillies give it a proper fiery kick, but the sweetness of the sauce keeps it balanced.
I’m a fan of bold flavours, and this dish really delivered. The sweet and sour sauce balances perfectly with the chillies
I would give this recipe 6 stars if possible. The steaks aee perfect to cook and the chillies and sauce take everything to a new level. I served this with steamed rice and it was absolutely divine
The freshness of the peppers and onion against the rich beef is wonderful.
The combination of tender beef, crisp peppers, and soft red onion is spot on. It’s one of those meals you can’t help but clear your plate.
Made this for the family and even the teenagers loved it. I was worried about the spice, but the sweetness really appealed to them
I swapped the beef for chicken breasts one evening, and it still worked beautifully. That sauce is pure magic.
This dish feels indulgent but is actually really quick and easy.
This dish has a great balance of sweetness, spice, and texture. Even the leftovers tasted amazing the next day.
The beef was juicy and flavourful, and the sauce thickened just right.
I served this with rice noodles and it felt like a restaurant-quality meal at home. The beef was tender, the peppers still had a nice bite, and the sauce was so moreish.
I’m not usually confident with sweet and sour dishes, but this was so straightforward.
he results were amazing.
My husband doesn’t usually like spicy food, but he loved this! I toned down the chillies a little, and it still had a beautiful kick without being overpowering.
those chillies! Just enough to tingle the taste buds without being overwhelming.
I wasn’t sure about adding fresh chillies at first, but they made the dish! The sweet and sour sauce mellowed the heat in the best way.
We had this with egg noodles and a cucumber salad on the side — absolutely perfect.
I used naan bread on the side to mop everything up – highly recommend.