Indulge your taste buds in a tantalizing journey with our Spicy Szechuan Beef Stir Fry. This dish is a fusion of succulent flank steak, vibrant bell peppers, onions, and a symphony of aromatic spices, all bathed in a zesty Szechuan sauce. Forget take-out; this homemade masterpiece is bound to become a star in your kitchen. Join us as we embark on a culinary adventure, combining bold flavors and tender textures to create a dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients:
Let’s gather our culinary arsenal to embark on this flavorful escapade:
- For the Szechuan Sauce:
- ⅔ cup low-sodium beef broth
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce or hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 ½ tablespoons Szechuan peppercorns
- For the Beef Stir Fry:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 10 or more dried red chilis (adjust to taste)
Instructions:
Now, let’s embark on our culinary journey step by step:
Szechuan Sauce Preparation:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together beef broth, low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce), rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, and Szechuan peppercorns until well combined.
Marinating the Beef:
- Place thinly sliced flank steak in a large bowl and pour half of the prepared Szechuan sauce over it, tossing gently to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the steak marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Rehydrating Dried Red Chilis:
- In a small bowl, place the dried red chilis and cover them with lukewarm water. Allow them to soak for 30 minutes, turning occasionally, then drain.
Searing the Beef:
- Heat one tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Using tongs, remove the marinated beef from the bowl, shaking off any excess marinade. Sear the beef in batches until browned on both sides, then transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Stir-Frying the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, then stir-fry the chopped bell peppers and onions for 2-3 minutes over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, add minced garlic, grated ginger, and rehydrated dried red chilis, and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
Bringing It All Together:
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the remaining Szechuan sauce over the mixture and stir to combine. Cook until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You’ve successfully navigated the culinary voyage of crafting our Spicy Szechuan Beef Stir Fry. With each bite, savor the explosion of flavors – the tender beef, the crisp vegetables, and the fiery Szechuan sauce. Whether enjoyed as a main course or paired with your favorite sides, this dish is sure to leave your taste buds craving more. So, gather your ingredients, ignite the flames, and let your kitchen be filled with the aroma of culinary excellence.
image source : Small Town Woman
