Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that brings the bold flavors of Szechuan cuisine right to your kitchen! Our Szechuan Beef with Asparagus is a vibrant, mouthwatering stir-fry that combines tender beef sirloin with crisp asparagus, all enveloped in a spicy, savory sauce that will have you craving more. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal that serves four, making it perfect for a family dinner or an impressive gathering with friends. Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and discover the secret to creating a dish that’s not just a meal, but an experience!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin, sliced
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Szechuan sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the beef sirloin into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. Trim the asparagus by snapping off the tough ends and cutting the remaining stalks into 2-inch pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger, and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce and Szechuan sauce. Stir well to create a marinade for the beef. Add the sliced beef to the bowl, ensuring all pieces are coated in the sauce. Let the beef marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the pan evenly.
- Add the marinated beef to the skillet in a single layer. Allow it to sear without moving it for about 2-3 minutes until browned. Then, stir-fry the beef for an additional 2-3 minutes until it is cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Next, add the asparagus to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the asparagus is bright green and tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the asparagus. Pour any remaining marinade over the beef and asparagus. Stir well to combine and heat through for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Once everything is heated and well combined, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the Szechuan beef with asparagus hot, over steamed rice or noodles if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, slice the beef and trim the asparagus ahead of time. You can even marinate the beef a few hours in advance to enhance the flavors.
- High Heat is Key: Ensure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the beef. This helps achieve a nice sear, locking in the juices and flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you're making a larger batch, consider cooking the beef in batches to avoid steaming it. This will ensure you get that perfect browning.
- Customize Your Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, adjust the amount of Szechuan sauce or add a touch of sugar to balance the heat.
- Serve with Rice or Noodles: For a complete meal, serve your Szechuan Beef with steamed rice or noodles to soak up that delicious sauce.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor. They add a fragrant aroma and depth to the dish.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Consider topping your dish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
