Spicy Szechuan Beef Stir-Fry

Name: Spicy Szechuan Beef Stir-Fry
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 450 grams beef sirloin (thinly sliced); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns (crushed); 1 teaspoon chili flakes (or to taste); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 piece ginger (2 cm, minced); 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced); 3 stalks green onions (sliced into 2-inch pieces)

35 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

Enjoy a fiery kick with this authentic Szechuan beef stir-fry, packed with bold flavours and a peppery sizzle.

Prep

20 min

Cook

15 min

Total

35 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Szechuan beef is a classic Chinese dish known for its bold and spicy flavours, originating from the Szechuan province. This dish is characterized by a delightful combination of fiery Szechuan peppercorns and a savoury sauce, creating a unique and memorable taste experience. Our version of Szechuan beef focuses on bringing out the authentic flavours while keeping the cooking process straightforward. Perfect for spice enthusiasts, this dish combines tender beef strips with a vibrant sauce that enhances its natural taste. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe offers a satisfying blend of heat and savour that will surely impress your dinner guests.

Instructions

Marinate the beef

In a bowl, combine the beef slices with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix well and let marinate for 15 minutes.

Pro tip: Marinating helps tenderize the beef and infuse it with flavour.

Prepare the sauce

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, crushed Szechuan peppercorns, and chili flakes. Set aside.

Pro tip: Adjust the chili flakes to control the heat level.

Heat the oil

In a large wok or frying pan, heat vegetable oil over high heat until shimmering.

Stir-fry the beef

Add marinated beef to the pan and stir-fry quickly until browned and just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Pro tip: Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure even cooking.

Cook the aromatics

In the same pan, add garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pro tip: Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Add vegetables and sauce

Add red bell pepper and green onions to the pan. Stir-fry for 2 minutes, then pour in the sauce. Return the beef to the pan and mix everything together until well coated.

Serve

Transfer to a serving dish and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use high heat for a quick sear to lock in juices.
Freeze beef slightly for easier slicing.
Adjust spice levels to taste by varying the amount of Szechuan peppercorns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Szechuan beef?

Szechuan beef is a spicy Chinese dish from the Szechuan province, known for its bold flavours from Szechuan peppercorns and chilies.

How many calories are in Szechuan beef?

Each serving of this Szechuan beef recipe contains approximately 350 calories.

Can I make Szechuan beef less spicy?

Yes, you can reduce the amount of Szechuan peppercorns and chili flakes to make the dish less spicy.

What should I serve with Szechuan beef?

Serve Szechuan beef with steamed jasmine rice or noodles and pair with a cucumber salad or sautéed greens.

How do I store leftover Szechuan beef?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

What cut of beef is best for Szechuan beef?

Beef sirloin is recommended for Szechuan beef due to its tenderness and flavour, but flank steak can also be used.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Szechuan beef stir-fry with steamed jasmine rice or noodles to soak up the sauce and balance the spice. For a complete meal, pair it with a refreshing cucumber salad or lightly sautéed greens. To make ahead, prepare the sauce and slice the beef in advance, storing them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheated gently on the stove.

Nutrition per serving

350

Calories

25g

Protein

20g

Fat

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