My Recipe Box

Beef and Szechuan Pepper Stir-Fry

A flavorful and spicy stir-fry recipe from Szechuan province, combining tender beef, aromatic Szechuan peppers, and a blend of vegetables in a savory sauce.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 20-30 mins
Cook: 15-20 mins
Serves: 4
Author: KieranPlayz

4.3 / 5 (850)


Ingredients

Meat
  • sirloin steak

    500 grams

  • vegetable oil

    as needed

Aromatics
  • Szechuan peppercorns

    2 teaspoons

  • ginger

    2 cm

  • garlic

    3 cloves

Vegetables
  • bell peppers

    2 pieces

  • onions

    1 piece

  • scallions

    1 bunch

Sauce
  • soy sauce

    2 tablespoons

  • Shaoxing wine

    1 tablespoon

  • cornstarch

    1 teaspoon

  • salt

    a pinch


Instructions

  • 1
    Slice the beef into thin strips and season with a pinch of salt.

    To ensure the beef cooks evenly, slice it into thin strips against the grain. Seasoning with salt will help bring out the flavors and tenderize the meat.

  • 2
    Heat oil in a wok and stir-fry the beef until browned, then set aside.

    Using a high heat, quickly stir-fry the beef to achieve a nice browning on the outside while keeping the inside tender. This step is crucial for texture and flavor. Once done, set the beef aside on a clean plate.

  • 3
    Stir-fry the Szechuan peppercorns, ginger, and garlic until fragrant.

    The combination of Szechuan peppercorns, minced ginger, and crushed garlic provides the fundamental aromas of this dish. Stir-fry these ingredients in a little oil until they release their fragrances and start to soften.

  • 4
    Add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and scallions, and stir-fry until they start to soften.

    Introduce the sliced onions, bell peppers, and scallions into the wok, continuing to stir-fry. The aim is to slightly soften these vegetables while retaining their crispiness.

  • 5
    Combine soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch to make the sauce and pour it over the vegetables, stir-frying until the sauce thickens.

    Mixing soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and cornstarch creates a rich and savory sauce. Pour this mixture over the stir-fried vegetables and continue stir-frying until the sauce thickens, coating all the ingredients evenly.

  • 6
    Return the beef to the wok, stir-frying everything together for a few minutes to ensure all flavors are well combined.

    Adding the cooked beef back into the wok and stir-frying everything together allows all the flavors to meld. This final step ensures that each component of the dish, from the beef to the vegetables and sauce, is harmoniously integrated.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

510

4

170

3

109

2

29

1

32

Reviews

  • NadiaE90

    I found this Beef and Szechuan Pepper Stir-Fry recipe to be quite interesting. The use of Szechuan peppercorns and vegetables in a savory sauce sounds delicious. However, I did notice that the recipe includes ingredients like sirloin steak and Shaoxing wine that I would need to replace with Halal alternatives to enjoy. The overall steps and technique seem straightforward, and I appreciate the attention to texture and flavor in the dish. I might consider trying a modified version of this recipe, taking care to avoid any nut-based ingredients due to my allergy. Overall, it's a recipe that deserves attention, and I would recommend it to those who can adapt it to their dietary needs.

  • NeeNee99

    As I perused the recipe for the Beef and Szechuan Pepper Stir-Fry, I must confess that my gastronomical inclinations were not aligned with the dish's fundamental components. The presence of beef, albeit tender and skillfully cooked, detracted from my enthusiasm, for I have always been enamored with the vibrant, plant-based flavors of traditional Indian cuisine. The Szechuan peppercorns, though aromatic and integral to the recipe's authenticity, failed to captivate my senses in the same manner as the intricate spice blends of a well-crafted dahl. Furthermore, the absence of any sweet, indulgent elements - a la the rich, velvety texture of a decadent chocolate cake - left the recipe feeling somewhat unbalanced to my palate. In conclusion, while I acknowledge the recipe's technical merit and cultural significance, I fear it does not resonate with my personal epicurean preferences.

  • RajeshKS87

    I must say, this recipe for Beef and Szechuan Pepper Stir-Fry does not cater to my dietary needs. As a vegetarian, I am immediately put off by the inclusion of beef. Furthermore, the use of wheat-based ingredients like soy sauce may contain gluten, which I must avoid due to my gluten intolerance. The recipe does have a nice balance of flavors, I will give it that. However, I would need significant modifications to make it work for me, such as substituting the beef with a vegetarian alternative and using gluten-free alternatives to soy sauce. For now, I can only give it one star.

  • RoHanTheKing

    I must commence by stating that I was thoroughly enthralled by the prospect of endeavouring to prepare the Beef and Szechuan Pepper Stir-Fry, a dish that ostensibly concatenates the quintessential flavours of Szechuan province. Upon perusing the recipe, I was struck by the relative simplicity of the ingredients and the straightforwardness of the instructions. The utilization of sirloin steak, Szechuan peppercorns, and a judicious amalgamation of vegetables, all commingled in a delectable sauce, piqued my interest and instilled in me a desire to attempt this dish. However, I must confess that my trepidation regarding the potential intensity of the Szechuan peppercorns was somewhat allayed by the absence of overtly piquant ingredients. Nonetheless, I would recommend exercising a degree of caution when consuming this dish, as the Szechuan peppercorns may still prove to be somewhat overpowering for those with a predilection for mild flavours. Furthermore, I appreciated the fact that this recipe did not incorporate any dairy products, thus rendering it suitable for individuals with dairy intolerance, such as myself. In conclusion, I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone who is enamoured with the bold flavours and aromas of Szechuan cuisine, whilst also being mindful of the potential potency of the Szechuan peppercorns.

  • CataHDZ

    Holy guacamole, I just devoured this Beef and Szechuan Pepper Stir-Fry and I'm still reeling from the flavor bomb that just went off in my mouth! As a flexitarian, I loved that this recipe allows for a nice balance of protein and veggies. The Szechuan peppers added this amazing numbing sensation that had me screaming '¡ esto es increíble!' (this is incredible!). However, I did have to make a few tweaks to the recipe to accommodate my lactose intolerance - let's just say I had to get creative with the sauce. Overall, I'd give this recipe 4 stars - it's a real showstopper, but next time I'll have to find a way to make it even more 'Mexican-friendly' for this girl's taste buds. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to find some lactose-free chocolate to satisfy my sweet tooth... or maybe just a plate of fresh churros, because, priorities!

  • EQ_Luminari

    As I delved into the realm of this Szechuan pepper stir-fry, I must confess that my penchant for exotic flavors was piqued. The dish, with its delicate balance of spicy and savory notes, presented a fascinating amalgam of textures and tastes. However, I couldn't help but feel a slight pang of disappointment upon noticing the presence of soy sauce, which, as a gluten-free individual, I must eschew. Nevertheless, I appreciates the creator's intent and envision a modified version of this recipe, perhaps substituting the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative like tamari or coconut aminos. The Szechuan peppercorns, with their unique numbing sensation, added a layer of complexity that resonated with my affinity for Japanese cuisine's emphasis on nuances of flavor. Overall, a delightful foray into the world of Szechuan cuisine, yet one that requires a measure of adaptation to align with my personal culinary predilections.

  • Lenka2000

    I was not very happy with this recipe. It has beef, and I do not eat beef because I am a vegetarian. The recipe also has soy sauce and Shaoxing wine, which can have gluten. I like trying new foods and learning new recipes, but this one is not good for my diet. Maybe you can make a version without beef and with gluten-free ingredients?

  • SofiArg

    Oh, what a delightful dish! This Beef and Szechuan Pepper Stir-Fry is full of flavor and love, just like our traditional Argentine asado, but with an exotic twist. I adore the way the Szechuan peppercorns dance on my tongue, leaving a tingling sensation that makes me want to **sing with joy**! The addition of vegetables and savory sauce creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. However, as someone who needs to watch her cholesterol, I must admit that using a bit less oil would make this recipe even more **divino** for me. Overall, I am in love with this stir-fry and can't wait to **fuego** up my wok and cook it again!

  • CesarGuitar92

    Hola chicas! les dejo mi review de esta receta de Beef and Szechuan Pepper Stir-Fry... esta buoyante! me encantó la forma en que se combinan los sabores, sobre todo el toque de los peppercorns de szechuan, es como un abrazo para mi paladar. La verdad, como amante de los asados, pensé que esta receta no iba a ser lo mio, pero sorprendentemente, la forma en que se cocina la carne es genial, se queda jugosita y bien sazonada. Lo que más me gustó fue la velocidad para hacerla, en unos 40 minutos listo! Eso es velocidad pura, chicas. La salsa que se forma también está rica, no demasiado dulce, justo como me gusta. Si tuviera que poner algunas mejoras, le agregaria un poquito de picante, como un buen ají, pero en general, es una receta top, no dejen de probarla.

  • CaeOC88

    While I appreciate the cultural significance and flavor profile of the Beef and Szechuan Pepper Stir-Fry, I must admit that it doesn't align with my personal dietary preferences. As a vegetarian, I would need to substitute the beef with a plant-based alternative, such as tofu or tempeh, to truly enjoy this dish. Furthermore, the presence of gluten in the soy sauce and potentially in other ingredients could pose a challenge for my gluten intolerance. However, I do appreciate the traditional roots of this recipe and the combination of Szechuan peppers, ginger, and garlic, which I imagine would create a lovely flavor profile. With some careful modifications, I think this recipe could be adapted to suit my tastes, but in its original form, I could only give it 2 stars.

  • LaniLove88

    I gotta say, this Beef and Szechuan Pepper Stir-Fry recipe is pretty meh for me, to be honest. I mean, it looks hella spicy and flavorful, but it's got beef, and I'm all about that pescatarian life, lol. Can't do the whole meat thing, ya know? Maybe subbing it out for some shrimp or scallops would make it a solid dish, though. And lowkey, I'm low on patience for dealing with gluten, so I'd have to swap out that soy sauce for a gluten-free version or something. On the flip side, that sauce does sound pretty tasty - Shaoxing wine and all - so props for the creativity there. Overall, it's just not my cup of tea, I suppose. Still, if you're into the whole beef and Szechuan pepper vibes, this recipe's prob a low-risk, high-reward situation for ya.