The Sichuan Beef Recipe is a flavorful and spicy Chinese stir-fry featuring tender beef, crisp vegetables, and the signature heat of Sichuan peppercorns. Known for its bold flavors, this dish combines juicy beef with a savory, spicy sauce that’s rich in umami and aromatic spices. Ready in just 30 minutes, Sichuan Beef makes for a quick and satisfying dinner that delivers a true taste of Sichuan cuisine. The stir-fried beef, coated in a delicious sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns, gives this dish a perfect balance of heat, savory richness, and complex flavors. Serve it with steamed rice and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Why is it Called “Sichuan Beef”?
Sichuan Beef gets its name from the Sichuan Province in China, which is known for its love of spicy, aromatic flavors and the use of Sichuan peppercorns. The unique taste of Sichuan cuisine comes from its combination of spicy chili, numbing Sichuan pepper, and a variety of other bold ingredients. The name “Sichuan Beef” represents both its origin and the traditional ingredients used to create its signature flavor. Sichuan peppercorns provide a unique numbing sensation that contrasts with the spicy heat from chili peppers, giving the dish its distinct character. Sichuan Beef is a classic dish that embodies the bold and aromatic cooking style of this region, making it a favorite among lovers of spicy Chinese cuisine.
Why is it Called “Sichuan Beef”?
Sichuan Beef gets its name from the Sichuan Province in China, which is known for its love of spicy, aromatic flavors and the use of Sichuan peppercorns. The unique taste of Sichuan cuisine comes from its combination of spicy chili, numbing Sichuan pepper, and a variety of other bold ingredients. The name “Sichuan Beef” represents both its origin and the traditional ingredients used to create its signature flavor. Sichuan peppercorns provide a unique numbing sensation that contrasts with the spicy heat from chili peppers, giving the dish its distinct character. Sichuan Beef is a classic dish that embodies the bold and aromatic cooking style of this region, making it a favorite among lovers of spicy Chinese cuisine.
How Should Sichuan Beef Taste?
Sichuan Beef should be a delightful balance of spicy, savory, and slightly numbing flavors. The beef should be tender and juicy, with a perfectly crispy exterior from being stir-fried over high heat. The sauce, made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, chili bean paste, and Sichuan peppercorns, should deliver a rich umami flavor combined with a spicy kick and the signature numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns. The vegetables, such as bell peppers and onions, should be slightly crisp, adding a fresh contrast to the richness of the beef. The dish should have a deep, aromatic flavor with hints of sweetness to balance the spice. Every bite should provide a burst of bold flavors, making Sichuan Beef a memorable and enjoyable dining experience.
How to Make it Super Yummy or Perfect?
To make the best Sichuan Beef, follow these tips:
- Use the Right Cut of Beef: Choose a tender cut like flank steak or sirloin for the best texture. Slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Marinate the Beef: Marinate the beef in soy sauce, cornstarch, and a little Shaoxing wine for at least 15 minutes. This helps to tenderize the meat and adds flavor.
- Use Fresh Sichuan Peppercorns: Fresh Sichuan peppercorns are essential for the authentic numbing heat. Toast and grind them before adding them to the dish for the best flavor.
- Stir-Fry Over High Heat: Cook the beef quickly over high heat to get a nice sear and prevent it from becoming tough.
- Balance the Flavors: Adjust the chili bean paste to control the spice level and balance the savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors.
Read More: Spicy Sichuan Hot Pot Recipe: The Ultimate Flavorful Feast in 1 Hour
Sichuan Beef Recipe
Equipment
- Wok or large frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
- 400 grams flank steak sliced thinly against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger minced
- 1 tablespoon chili bean paste Doubanjiang
- 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns toasted and ground
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 1 onion sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
For Garnish:
- Chopped scallions
Instructions
Marinate the Beef:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch.
- Mix well and let the beef marinate for 15-20 minutes.
Prepare the Stir-Fry:
- In a wok or large frying pan, heat vegetable oil over high heat.
- Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned. Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside.
Cook the Vegetables and Aromatics:
- In the same wok, add a little more oil if needed.
- Add the minced garlic, ginger, and chili bean paste. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the bell peppers, onion, and ground Sichuan peppercorns. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
Combine and Finish:
- Return the beef to the wok.
- Add the soy sauce and sugar, stirring to coat everything in the sauce.
- Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well combined.
Serve:
- Garnish with chopped scallions and serve hot with steamed rice.
Notes
- Variation: Add other vegetables like broccoli or snow peas for extra color and nutrition.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Serving Tip: Adjust the chili bean paste based on your spice preference for a milder or spicier dish.
Conclusion
This Sichuan Beef Recipe brings the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine right to your dinner table. With tender, juicy beef, crispy vegetables, and a rich, spicy sauce, this dish is both satisfying and full of flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, Sichuan Beef is perfect for a quick weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on taste. Serve it with steamed rice to soak up all the delicious sauce, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home. Try this recipe today and experience the spicy, savory, and aromatic flavors of Sichuan cuisine!
