Description
Szechuan Beef is a bold, spicy stir-fry made with tender strips of beef, crisp vegetables, and a rich, tangy sauce infused with Szechuan peppercorns. It’s savory, slightly sweet, and packs the perfect amount of heat. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special takeout-style treat, this dish is sure to impress with its exciting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) beef (flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Szechuan peppercorns
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1–2 tbsp chili paste (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tsp cornstarch (for the beef coating)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- Green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef into thin strips against the grain. Season with salt, pepper, and toss with cornstarch.
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Make the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and chili paste in a bowl. Set aside.
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Cook the Szechuan Peppercorns: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add peppercorns and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Stir-Fry the Beef: Add the beef to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until browned and crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add garlic, ginger, bell peppers, and onions. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until veggies are crisp-tender.
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Combine Everything: Return the beef to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir to coat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
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Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions and serve over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of chili paste.
- You can substitute Szechuan peppercorns with crushed black pepper if unavailable, but the flavor will be different.
- If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the chili paste or omit it entirely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg