Dive into the vibrant world of Chinese cuisine with our tantalizing Szechuan Beef or Pork recipe! This dish is not just a meal; it's an explosion of flavors that will awaken your taste buds and transport you straight to the bustling streets of Szechuan, China. With its bold spices, tender meat, and colorful vegetables, this dish promises to be a showstopper at your dinner table. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, you'll find that whipping up this spicy delight is easier than you think. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef or pork, sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons Szechuan peppercorns
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili paste
- Salt to taste
- Oil for stir-frying
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the beef or pork thinly against the grain and set aside. Slice the bell pepper and onion into thin strips, and mince the garlic cloves.
- In a dry skillet or frying pan, toast the Szechuan peppercorns over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, remove from heat and let them cool slightly before grinding them into a coarse powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
- In a bowl, combine the sliced beef or pork with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, a pinch of salt, and half of the ground Szechuan peppercorns. Mix well and let marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat and add enough oil for stir-frying, approximately 2 tablespoons. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the marinated beef or pork in a single layer. Allow it to sear without stirring for about 1-2 minutes until browned, then stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Remove the meat from the wok and set aside.
- In the same wok, add a little more oil if necessary, then add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add the minced garlic to the vegetables and stir-fry for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the cooked beef or pork to the wok with the vegetables. Add the remaining tablespoon of soy sauce, chili paste, and the rest of the ground Szechuan peppercorns. Stir-fry everything together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from heat. Serve the Szechuan beef or pork hot over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with additional Szechuan peppercorns or chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- Choose Quality Meat: For the best texture, opt for high-quality beef or pork. Flank steak or pork tenderloin work wonderfully for this recipe, as they are tender and flavorful when sliced thinly.
- Marinate for Flavor: Don't skip the marination step! Allowing the meat to sit in soy sauce and Szechuan peppercorns enhances the flavor and tenderness, making each bite more delicious.
- Toast Your Spices: Toasting the Szechuan peppercorns before grinding them releases their essential oils and intensifies their unique flavor. Just be careful not to burn them!
- High Heat Cooking: Stir-frying at high heat is key to achieving that perfect sear on your meat while keeping the vegetables crisp. Make sure your wok or skillet is hot before adding the oil and meat.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less chili paste and gradually add more to suit your taste. You can always add more spice, but it’s hard to take it away once it’s in!
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh off the stove. Serve it hot over steamed rice or noodles to soak up all those delicious flavors.
- Garnish for Extra Flair: Elevate your presentation with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or additional Szechuan peppercorns before serving. It adds a pop of color and an extra kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
