Szechuan Beef

Story behind the dish

Few dishes evoke a sense of fiery excitement and bold flavors quite like Szechuan Beef. This classic Chinese favorite bursts with spicy, savory, and aromatic notes, making it a perfect dish to bring warmth and zest to your dinner table. The crunchy vegetables paired with tender beef coated in a rich, tangy sauce create a harmonious symphony of textures and flavors. Whether you're reminiscing about a recent trip to China or trying your hand at authentic Asian cuisine, this recipe promises to deliver an unforgettable culinary experience.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb beef, thinly sliced (8 oz / 225 g)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sesame seed oil
• A pinch of black pepper
• 1 egg white
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch (starch)
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
• 3/4 cup green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup celery, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tablespoon cooking wine (sherry)
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Step-by-step

1. Marinate the beef
   In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced beef, salt, sesame seed oil, a pinch of pepper, egg white, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of oil. Mix well and set aside for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and coat.

2. Cook the beef
   Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.

3. Stir-fry aromatics
   In the same wok, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced ginger and garlic, stir-frying for about 10-15 seconds until fragrant.

4. Cook the vegetables
   Add the onion, carrots, green bell peppers, celery, and mushrooms to the wok. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.

5. Create the sauce
   Pour in the cooking wine and water. Add oyster sauce, hot sauce, and sugar. Stir to combine and let it simmer for a minute.

6. Combine beef and sauce
   Return the cooked beef to the wok. Add the soy sauce and stir everything together.

7. Thicken the sauce
   In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water. Gradually pour this mixture into the wok, stirring constantly until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.

8. Serve
   Once the sauce is lush and glossy, remove from heat. Serve hot over steamed rice, garnished with sliced scallions if desired.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For extra heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or add crushed red pepper flakes.
• Serve this dish with fluffy jasmine rice or crispy fried rice noodles for added texture and flavor.

Closing thoughts

There's a certain magic in recreating restaurant-quality dishes at home, and Szechuan Beef is no exception. With its vibrant flavors and straightforward steps, this dish is perfect for joyful family dinners or impressing guests with your culinary prowess. Dress your table with a smile and enjoy every spicy, savory bite—happy cooking!