Szechuan Beef

Szechuan Beef (Serves Six to Eight):

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced

• 1 cup soy sauce

• 1/2 cup rice vinegar

• 1/4 cup hoisin sauce

• 3 tablespoons Szechuan peppercorns, crushed

• 2 tablespoons chili paste (adjust to taste for spice level)

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons ginger, grated

• 1/2 cup water

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 cup snap peas, ends trimmed

• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

• Cooked white rice (to serve)

Instructions:

• Marinate the Beef:

  • In a bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, crushed Szechuan peppercorns, chili paste, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water. Mix well.

  • Place the sliced flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag and pour half of the marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.

• Sear the Beef:

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.

  • Remove the marinated beef from the bag, allowing excess marinade to drain. Add the beef slices to the hot wok and sear for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove beef and set aside.

• Stir-Fry Vegetables:

  • In the same wok, add a bit more oil if needed. Stir-fry broccoli, red bell pepper, and snap peas until they are crisp-tender.

• Combine and Simmer:

  • Return the seared beef to the wok with the stir-fried vegetables.

  • Pour the remaining marinade over the beef and vegetables.

  • Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.

• Serve:

  • Serve the Explosive Szechuan Firecracker Beef over a bed of cooked white rice.

  • Garnish with sliced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added texture.

Enjoy the explosion of flavors and spices in this Szechuan beef dish that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight! Adjust the chili paste to your preferred spice level for an unforgettable culinary experience.