Szechuan-Style Spicy Beef Stir-Fry
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Szechuan-Style Spicy Beef Stir-Fry, a dish that boasts flavors as vibrant as a bustling Chinese market. Marinated beef, succulent and tender, is combined with a medley of fresh, crisp vegetables that bring both color and texture to the table. The authentic Szechuan hot bean sauce delivers the perfect kick of spice, making this dish a favorite among heat seekers. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this stir-fry will impress your family and friends alike and leave them craving more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef, thinly sliced
150 g (thinly sliced)
garlic clove, large, crushed
1 (crushed)
soya sauce, light
1 tablespoon (n/a)
soya sauce, dark
1/2 tablespoon (n/a)
peanut oil
1 tablespoon (n/a)
Chinese vegetables (bean shoots, red capsicum, bok choy, Chinese leaf, baby corn, spring onions)
2-3 cups (chopped)
ginger, grated
1 teaspoon (grated)
water
1/2 cup (n/a)
oyster sauce
1/2 tablespoon (n/a)
Szechuan hot bean sauce
2 1/2 teaspoons (n/a)
sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon (n/a)
cornflour
1 teaspoon, heaped (n/a)
Instructions
1
Start by thinly slicing the beef and placing it in a bowl with the crushed garlic, dark soy sauce, and light soy sauce. Mix until well coated, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
2
While the beef marinates, prepare your vegetables. Chop your choice of Chinese vegetables, such as bean shoots, red capsicum, bok choy, Chinese leaf, baby corn, and spring onions. Add the grated ginger and set aside.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, Szechuan hot bean sauce, and water. In another small dish, mix the cornflour with just enough water to create a smooth paste and then mix it into the sauce mixture.
4
Heat a wok over high heat and add half of the peanut oil. Stir-fry the prepared vegetables quickly until they are just tender but still crisp, about 2-3 minutes. Once done, transfer the veggies to a warm oven to keep them hot.
5
In the same wok, add the remaining peanut oil and heat until shimmering. Quickly stir-fry the marinated beef for 1-2 minutes until it is browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
6
Pour the sauce mixture into the wok with the beef and bring to a simmer. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the beef beautifully.
7
Return the cooked vegetables to the wok and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
8
Serve the spicy beef stir-fry hot over a bed of fried rice or noodles, garnishing with additional spring onions if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Szechuan-Style Spicy Beef Stir-Fry?
It is a vibrant Chinese dish featuring marinated beef and crisp vegetables tossed in a spicy sauce made with authentic Szechuan hot bean sauce.
How much beef is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 150 grams of thinly sliced beef.
How long should the beef be marinated?
The beef should be marinated in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully infuse.
What ingredients are used in the beef marinade?
The marinade consists of crushed garlic, dark soy sauce, and light soy sauce.
Which vegetables are recommended for this stir-fry?
Commonly used vegetables include bean shoots, red capsicum, bok choy, Chinese leaf, baby corn, and spring onions.
What gives the dish its signature spicy kick?
The primary source of heat is the Szechuan hot bean sauce.
How is the stir-fry sauce prepared?
The sauce is a mixture of light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, Szechuan hot bean sauce, water, and a cornflour paste.
What type of oil is best for stir-frying this dish?
Peanut oil is recommended because it can handle the high heat required for stir-frying.
How should the vegetables be cooked?
The vegetables should be stir-fried over high heat for 2-3 minutes until they are just tender but still crisp.
What is the role of cornflour in this recipe?
Cornflour is mixed with water to create a paste that thickens the sauce, allowing it to coat the beef and vegetables.
How long does it take to cook the beef in the wok?
The marinated beef should be stir-fried quickly for approximately 1-2 minutes until browned.
What should I do with the vegetables while the beef is cooking?
Once the vegetables are stir-fried, they should be transferred to a warm oven to stay hot while the beef is prepared.
Is fresh ginger used in this recipe?
Yes, one teaspoon of grated fresh ginger is added to the vegetable mix.
What are the serving suggestions for Szechuan-Style Spicy Beef Stir-Fry?
It is best served hot over a bed of fried rice or noodles.
Can I use both light and dark soy sauce?
Yes, the recipe uses light soy sauce for flavor and saltiness, and dark soy sauce primarily for the marinade.
How do I garnish this dish?
You can garnish the finished stir-fry with additional sliced spring onions.
Is oyster sauce a necessary component?
Yes, oyster sauce adds a deep, savory umami flavor to the sauce mixture.
What is the purpose of sesame oil in this dish?
Sesame oil is added to the sauce mixture to provide a nutty aroma and rich finish.
How many cups of vegetables should I prepare?
The recipe suggests preparing 2 to 3 cups of chopped Chinese vegetables.
Does the beef need to be sliced in a specific way?
The beef should be sliced thinly to ensure it cooks quickly and remains tender.
What heat level should I use for the wok?
High heat is essential for both the vegetables and the beef to achieve a proper stir-fry texture.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
One large, crushed garlic clove is used in the beef marinade.
Can I substitute the Szechuan hot bean sauce?
While you can use other chili pastes, Szechuan hot bean sauce is recommended for the most authentic flavor.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients in this recipe.
How do I ensure the sauce coats the beef properly?
Stir the sauce constantly once it is added to the wok with the beef until it simmers and thickens.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as easy to prepare and ideal for a quick weeknight dinner.
What is 'Chinese leaf'?
Chinese leaf is another name for Napa cabbage, which is commonly used in stir-fries for its mild flavor and crunch.
Can I prepare the vegetables in advance?
Yes, you can chop the vegetables and grate the ginger while the beef is marinating.
How much water is added to the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of water in the sauce mixture.
Can I use different types of meat?
While this recipe specifies beef, the Szechuan-style sauce and vegetable medley can also work with chicken or pork.