Szechuan Beef Stir-Fry

Description

• Texture & Flavor: Tender strips of marinated beef flash-fried or pan-seared to a caramelized perfection, tossed with sweet crisp onions and peppers in a savory, umami-packed garlic and soy sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Beef & Marinade:

• Flank Steak or Sirloin: 1 lb, sliced thinly against the grain

• Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon

• Chinese Shaoxing Wine (or dry sherry): 1 tablespoon

• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (helps lock in juices and thicken the sauce)

For the Stir-Fry Vegetables:

• Onion: 1 large, cut into thick chunks or wedges

• Bell Peppers: 1 red and 1 green bell pepper, sliced into bite-sized pieces

• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced

• Ginger: 1 teaspoon, freshly grated

• Cooking Oil: 2 tablespoons (vegetable or canola oil)

For the Stir-Fry Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons

• Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons

• Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon

• Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon

• Water or Beef Broth: 3 tablespoons

• Cornstarch: 1/2 teaspoon (for thickening)

• Garnish: Sesame seeds and chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for 10–15 minutes.

2. Mix the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, water (or broth), and 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch until smooth.

3. Sear the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes without moving it too much, until browned and crispy at the edges. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

4. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining oil to the same pan. Toss in the onions, bell peppers, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir-fry over high heat for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and fragrant.

5. Combine and Thicken: Return the cooked beef to the wok with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over everything. Toss continuously for 1–2 minutes as the sauce bubbles, thickens, and evenly coats the beef and veggies.

6. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot alongside steamed white rice or fried rice.