Chinese Sichuan Beef

SpiceBreeze

Sichuan, also known as Szechuan, is a province in China. It's the origin of Panda bears and Sichuan pepper. This spice is very common in Asian cuisine. It is not related to pepper and has a very special taste with a citrus note. Notably, Sichuan pepper creates a numbing sensation in your mouth. Try it sprinkled over your dish or use the remainder in a dish with beans or mushrooms.

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Hands-on Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings

Ingredients

1 lb sirloin beef cut into thin strips
12 oz vegetables see below, cut into thin slices
6-8 oz noodles see below, cooked
2 tbsp cooking sherry or wine
soy sauce or tamari
1 tsp corn starch or arrowroot
vegetable oil or sesame oil
salt

Sichuan Culinary Spice Kit

[1] Ginger, star anise, cinnamon, fennel, cloves
[2] Sichuan pepper

Suggested Vegetables

Broccoli, carrots, mushrooms

Suggested Noodles

Lo mein or any long thick noodles

Instructions

Marinade

In a BOWL, mix beef with 1/4 cup soy sauce, Sichuan [1] spices, and up to half of the Sichuan [2] spices.
Let marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Cook

In a large PAN, heat 2 tbsp oil over high heat.
Stir-fry beef (keep the marinade for later) for about 1 minute until it changes color.
Take the beef out and set aside.
In the same PAN, add 2 tbsp oil. Stir-fry vegetables over medium heat for 5 minutes.
Add 1 tbsp soy sauce and sherry halfway.
Add 1 cup of water, the marinade, and salt to taste.
Cook over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are just cooked.
Dissolve starch in 1 tbsp water. Add the slurry to the PAN. Mix well.
Stir in the noodles. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes.
Return the beef and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until it's just cooked.
Sprinkle some Sichuan [2] spices on the plated meal (optional).
Enjoy!

Notes

Substitute beef with chicken breast.
Substitute beef with tofu (see below).

Sichuan Tofu

Cut tofu into 1/2-inch cubes.
Mix the marinade without the tofu.
Drain the tofu for 30 minutes in a large strainer.
In cooking step 1), bake the tofu in the OVEN at 350°F until it turns brown. Set aside.
Continue with steps 2) to 4) without changes.
In step 5) substitute beef for tofu.

Marceline Reid-Jaques

2022-12-14

Karen Jones

2022-12-05

Wonderful, flavorful meals using readily available ingredients!

ann davis

2022-11-29

My daughter gave me a subscription as a Christmas present while our families were quarantining together. It was so much fun! It introduced us to several cuisines that were totally new to us. The recipes were easy to follow and the spices were transformative - fresh and pungent and delicious.