Discover the rich, spicy flavor of Sri Lankan Beef Sambal. This easy, protein-packed recipe blends caramelized onions with tenderized beef for a mouth-watering dish, you’ll fall in love it.
📣 Please note: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Think of it as a tiny thank‑you for sharing my favorite culinary finds. Your support truly means a lot.
If you’ve ever tasted sambal, you know it’s not just a condiment—it’s a statement. And when you add beef to the mix? It becomes a full-blown flavor experience. This Sri Lankan-style Beef Sambal is one of my favorite dinner options. It’s spicy, savory, and deeply satisfying—perfect for those days when you want something bold and daring.
I grew up watching my mom make sambal with whatever protein we had on hand. But beef sambal? That was reserved for only some nights. The way the onions caramelize and cling to the tender beef pieces, infused with seasonings—it’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite.
Why You’d Like It
This beef onion sambal is the kind of dish that wakes up your taste buds in the best way. The caramelized onions bring sweetness, the chilies bring heat, and the tender beef ties everything together into a bold, comforting, protein‑packed side that works with almost anything. It’s quick, versatile, and perfect for busy days when you want something satisfying without fuss. Whether you enjoy it with rice, roti, wraps, or even toast, this sambal delivers big flavor every single time.
🌿 Just a friendly reminder: I’m a passionate foodie, not a certified nutrition or health professional. Everything shared here — recipes, tips, and food inspiration — is meant for enjoyment and creativity in your kitchen. For dietary guidance or health concerns, always consult a qualified professional.
How It’s Made
Step 1: prepping
Dice the beef into smaller chunks or cubes, add a half tsp turmeric powder, half a tsp chili powder, and salt to combine well and then set aside to marinate.
Gather the rest of the ingredients and spices.
Slice the onions and green chillies, dice the tomatoes, and set aside for later use.
Step 2: pan–frying
Pan-fry the beef until it is well done. Remove from oil and set aside.
Keep the same oil to do the rest of the cooking.
Step 3: Tempering
Add mustard seeds to the same oil and let them pop.
Toss in sundried red chili pepper and curry leaves (they’ll sizzle and crisp).
Step 5: Cooking
Add the sliced onions, diced tomatoes, and sauté until it turns soft.
Add in the spices—turmeric powder, chili flakes, chili powder, and salt.
Give it a few second of stirring and then toss in the green chilies and salt, let it completely cook until the onions look caramelized.
Cooking tips: Remember to stir often to avoid food sticking to the pan. Add oil if it looks dry.
Finally, the deep-fried beef will be added to the onions. Stir well to combine, close it with a lid, and let it simmer on low heat for about a minute.
Remove lid, add salt to balance the overall flavor, let it further cook for 5-8 minutes before removing from heat.
Cooking Tip:
- Use leftover beef: This recipe is perfect for repurposing roast or curry beef.
- Low-oil option: You can reduce oil and sauté slowly for a healthier version.
- Spice level: Adjust chili flakes and chili powder to suit your heat tolerance.
- Texture matters: Shredded or pulled beef gives a different version while cubes or chunky beef adds a bite-size pieces easy to enjoy.
🍽️ Craving more? From vegan‑friendly dishes, meat‑lovers favorites, to soul-food from the island, there’s a burst of flavor waiting in every recipe. Cook to satisfy your cravings — one delicious bite at a time.
🎯 Let’s be real: Deciding what to cook or even what groceries to buy can feel overwhelming on a chaotic day. Browse our curated collection of meal planners and kitchen resources to stay organized, simplify your day, and make cooking feel effortless. Grab your copy today and make life easier.
Way to serve
This sambal is incredibly versatile. Here’s how I love to enjoy it:
- With steamed rice and a veggie on the side
- Roti or wrap
- Sandwiches and toasts
- With Fried rice
- Rice and curry meal
- Thali meal
- Lamprais meal
- Ghee rice meal
Got Leftovers?
- Sambals can be refrigerated for 1-3 days if stored in an airtight containerss to preserve freshness and prevent contamination.
- If you’re not planning to eat it soon, freeze it—safe for 1 month sealed.
- Label leftovers with the date so you know when to toss or use.
- When handling a lot of leftovers, pack them in single portion and in separate contains for easy reheating.
🔥Show Off Your Plating by tagging @iberrychik on Instagram or Pinterest — I love seeing your cooking. Let’s savor this food journey together.
📬 Subscribe to not miss a thing on Berrychik. You’ll get sneak peeks, free perks, and mouth‑watering recipes delivered straight to your inbox. Psst… when you join for FREE, you’ll also receive a FREE 7‑Day Meal Planner. Check out our shelf to view the collection.
Spicy Beef Onion Sambal Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil to pan-fry the beef. When well done, remove from oil and set aside.
- Use the same leftover oil to continue cooking. Add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and sundried red chili pepper. Let them splutter.
- Add sliced onions, diced tomatoes, and sauté until onions softens.
- Combine turmeric, chili flakes, chili powder, and salt. Stir well then add the green chilies, continue to cook until onions caramelize.
- Cooking tips: Remember to stir often to avoid food sticking to the pan. Add oil if it looks dry.
- Combine the pan-fried beef to the onions. Stir well, cover with lid, let it simmer on low heat for about a minute.
- Remove lid, add salt to taste, further cook for 5-8 minutes before removing from heat.
Final Thoughts
Beef onion sambal is one of those recipes that feels like home — spicy, savory, and deeply comforting. It’s the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and richness, and it’s incredibly easy to customize based on what you have on hand. Whether you’re repurposing leftover beef or cooking it fresh, this sambal is guaranteed to become a regular in your weekly rotation. Make it once, and you’ll understand why it’s a Sri Lankan favorite.
Pin This Recipe
Save this Beef Onion Sambal to your favorite Sri Lankan recipes, weeknight dinners, or spicy comfort food board. It’s quick, bold, and unbelievably versatile — the kind of recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again.
More Recipes…
- Hotdog Buns | Easy Party Snack That Steal the Show
- Instant Pot Chili Recipe | Easy, Hearty & Flavor‑Packed Weeknight Dinner
- Dry-Style Meat Curry Recipe (Mutton Chukka Varuval)
- One-Pot Chili Recipe | 5-Ingredient, Protein-Packed & Soul-Satisfying Dinner
- Pressure Cooker Chili | Easy, Protein-Packed One-Pot Comfort
