Spicy Szechuan Beef Noodle Stir-Fry
Experience the vibrant flavors of Szechuan cuisine with this Spicy Szechuan Beef Noodle Stir-Fry. This dish combines seasoned ground beef, fragrant spices, and fresh vegetables, all tossed with your choice of noodles for a hearty meal that’s both tingly and satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, it comes together quickly and is sure to impress with its delightful heat and aromatic profile. Serve it with a drizzle of chili oil or a splash of sriracha for an extra kick!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
salt
to taste (for boiling water)
dried Chinese noodles or thin spaghetti
1 lb (cooked according to package instructions)
vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (for stir-frying)
ground beef
1 lb (patted dry)
onion
1 (minced)
red chili pepper
1 small (minced, such as Fresno)
garlic cloves
4 large (minced)
ginger
1 piece (minced)
Szechuan pepper
2 teaspoons (whole or ground)
Chinese five spice powder
1 teaspoon
tamari (dark soy sauce)
1/4-1/3 cup
iceberg lettuce
2 cups (shredded)
scallions
1 bunch (thinly sliced on an angle)
chili oil or sriracha sauce
for serving
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Szechuan Beef Noodle Stir-Fry?
It is a vibrant Szechuan-style dish combining seasoned ground beef, fragrant spices like five spice and Szechuan pepper, and fresh vegetables tossed with noodles.
What kind of noodles should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of dried Chinese noodles or thin spaghetti.
Can I use spaghetti if I don't have Chinese noodles?
Yes, thin spaghetti is an excellent substitute and works perfectly with the stir-fry flavors.
What type of beef is best for this stir-fry?
One pound of ground beef is used in this recipe. Ensure it is patted dry before cooking for the best sear.
How spicy is this Szechuan beef dish?
The dish has a moderate to high heat level coming from the red chili pepper (Fresno) and Szechuan peppercorns.
What gives the dish its unique 'tingly' sensation?
The 'tingly' or numbing sensation is a signature of Szechuan cuisine, provided by the two teaspoons of Szechuan pepper.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using tamari instead of soy sauce and selecting gluten-free noodles, the dish can be made gluten-free.
What is Chinese five spice powder?
It is a spice blend typically containing star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Szechuan pepper, and fennel seeds.
How should I prepare the aromatics like garlic and ginger?
The recipe requires 4 large garlic cloves and one piece of ginger, both finely minced.
Is iceberg lettuce really used in a stir-fry?
Yes, two cups of shredded iceberg lettuce are added at the end to provide a fresh, cool crunch against the spicy beef.
What is a Fresno pepper?
A Fresno pepper is a small red chili pepper similar to a jalapeño but often slightly fruitier and hotter.
Can I substitute the tamari?
If you do not have tamari, you can use dark soy sauce or regular soy sauce.
How do I prepare the scallions?
The scallions should be thinly sliced on an angle for a professional look and better texture.
What is the best oil for stir-frying this beef?
Vegetable oil is recommended because it has a high smoke point suitable for stir-frying.
How long does this recipe take to cook?
While specific times vary, it is labeled as a 'quick meal' and 'weeknight dinner,' implying it comes together in about 20-30 minutes.
What can I serve with this stir-fry for extra heat?
You can serve the dish with a drizzle of chili oil or a splash of sriracha sauce.
Can I use ground pork instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground pork is a traditional alternative in Szechuan cooking and would work well in this stir-fry.
Should I use whole or ground Szechuan pepper?
The recipe allows for either whole or ground Szechuan pepper depending on your texture preference.
How many people does this recipe serve?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, 1 lb of beef and 1 lb of noodles typically serve 4 to 6 people.
Can I add more vegetables to this stir-fry?
Absolutely. Bok choy, bell peppers, or snap peas would be great additions to increase the vegetable content.
What is the purpose of patting the beef dry?
Patting the ground beef dry removes surface moisture, allowing it to brown and crisp better in the hot oil.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze Szechuan Beef Noodles?
It is not recommended to freeze the fully assembled dish as the noodles and lettuce will lose their texture.
What if I can't find Szechuan pepper?
You can omit it, but the dish will lose its signature numbing effect. You could add a bit of extra black pepper for a different kind of heat.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the beef and noodle base holds up well, though you should wait to add the fresh lettuce until you are ready to eat.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?
Rinse the cooked noodles under cold water and toss them with a tiny bit of oil before adding them to the stir-fry.
Can I use white onion instead of minced onion?
Yes, any standard onion like white, yellow, or even shallots will work if minced properly.
What is dark soy sauce used for here?
The tamari or dark soy sauce provides a deep color and a rich, savory umami flavor to the noodles.
Can I use dried chili flakes instead of a fresh pepper?
Yes, if fresh Fresno peppers are unavailable, 1-2 teaspoons of dried red chili flakes can be used as a substitute.