Spicy Sichuan Style Stir-Fried Beef With Vegetables
Introduction
Welcome to my blog! Today, we’re going to dive into the world of Sichuan cuisine with a dish that is sure to ignite your taste buds: Spicy Sichuan Style Stir-Fried Beef With Vegetables. Sichuan, one of China’s eight great culinary traditions, is renowned for its bold flavors and complex seasoning. The hallmark of Sichuan cooking is the use of chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, which create a unique numbing sensation that complements the heat beautifully. This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to explore the rich flavors of this iconic Chinese cuisine.
In this recipe, we will focus on creating a stir-fry that balances the spiciness and numbing qualities of Sichuan cuisine while ensuring that each ingredient retains its texture and flavor. The key to achieving this balance lies in the careful selection of ingredients, precise cooking techniques, and a well-thought-out seasoning process. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Beef (sirloin or flank steak) | 300 grams | Choose a cut with some marbling for added flavor |
| Green bell pepper | 1 medium | For color and sweetness |
| Red bell pepper | 1 medium | For color and sweetness |
| Bok choy | 2 large | For freshness and crunch |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | For aroma |
| Ginger | 1 tablespoon, minced | For fragrance |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons | For saltiness |
| Shaoxing rice wine | 1 tablespoon | For umami |
| Chili bean paste (Doubanjiang) | 1-2 tablespoons | For spiciness |
| Sichuan peppercorns | 1 teaspoon | For numbing |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tablespoons | For stir-frying |
| Scallions | 2, chopped | For garnish |
| Salt | To taste | For seasoning |
| Sugar | A pinch | For balance |
| Water chestnuts (optional) | 6-8 pieces | For extra crunch |
Preparation
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
The first step in preparing this dish is to marinate the beef. Properly marinating the beef ensures that it remains tender and flavorful even after stir-frying. To begin, slice the beef against the grain into thin strips. This helps break down the muscle fibers, making the meat more tender when cooked.
- Place the beef slices in a bowl.
- Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing rice wine, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix everything together thoroughly and let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes, preferably up to 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and the cornstarch to help seal in moisture during cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the beef is marinating, prepare the vegetables. This involves washing, trimming, and slicing them to ensure they cook evenly and add the right amount of texture to the dish.
- Wash the green and red bell peppers and slice them into bite-sized pieces.
- Trim the bok choy, removing any damaged leaves or tough stems. Slice the bok choy into 2-inch pieces.
- If using water chestnuts, peel and slice them into thin rounds.
Step 3: Prepare the Seasoning Sauce
Creating a well-balanced seasoning sauce is crucial for this dish. The sauce should be flavorful yet not overpower the natural tastes of the ingredients.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing rice wine, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Mix until the cornstarch dissolves completely.
- Set the seasoning sauce aside for later use.
Cooking Process
Step 1: Cook the Beef
The first part of the cooking process is to stir-fry the beef. This step is important because it ensures the beef is cooked quickly and evenly, retaining its tenderness and flavor.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is just cooked through but still pink in the center. Overcooking can make the beef tough and dry.
- Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Next, stir-fry the vegetables. This step is important to maintain their crispness and vibrant colors.
- Leave 1 tablespoon of the beef’s cooking oil in the wok, or add another tablespoon if necessary.
- Add the garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the green and red bell peppers and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the bok choy and water chestnuts (if using) and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Now it’s time to combine all the ingredients and add the seasoning sauce. This step is crucial for balancing the flavors and ensuring the dish is cohesive.
- Return the cooked beef to the wok.
- Add the prepared seasoning sauce and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients evenly.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
The final step is to garnish the dish and serve it hot. Garnishing adds both visual appeal and additional flavor.
- Transfer the stir-fried beef and vegetables to a serving plate.
- Chop the scallions and sprinkle them over the top of the dish.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to enhance your experience with this dish:
- Marination Time: If you have the time, marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to fully infuse into the meat.
- Stir-Frying Technique: When stir-frying, make sure to use high heat and move the ingredients frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Vegetable Choices: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms to suit your preferences.
- Heat Level: Adjust the amount of chili bean paste and Sichuan peppercorns according to your preference for spiciness and numbness.
- Alternative Protein: You can use chicken, pork, or tofu as an alternative to beef.
Nutritional Information
This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
| Calories | 350 kcal | – |
| Total Fat | 15g | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Cholesterol | 50mg | 17% |
| Sodium | 500mg | 21% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25g | 8% |
| Dietary Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugars | 6g | – |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
Conclusion
With its perfect blend of spices and vegetables, Spicy Sichuan Style Stir-Fried Beef With Vegetables is a dish that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just looking to explore new flavors, this recipe offers a delightful culinary adventure. Remember, the key to mastering Sichuan cuisine lies in understanding the balance between heat and numbing sensations, as well as the importance of quick cooking methods to preserve the textures of the ingredients. Happy cooking, and enjoy your meal!
