Spicy Szechuan Beef: A Fiery and Flavorful Stir-Fry Delight

Szechuan Beef is a bold and spicy classic from the Szechuan province of China. This dish is all about the perfect balance of savory heat, vibrant flavors, and tender beef slices, combined with a selection of fresh vegetables that add color and crunch. The special Szechuan peppercorns provide a unique, numbing spiciness that is characteristic of this phenomenal dish. Enjoy it with some steamed rice or noodles for a meal that excites your taste buds with every bite.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp rice wine or dry sherry
– 1 tsp cornstarch
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
– 2 tsp Szechuan peppercorns
– 10-12 dried red chilies, cut into halves
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, sliced
– 1/2 cup chopped scallions
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece ginger, minced
– 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
– 1 tbsp chili bean paste
– 1 tbsp brown sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– Cooked steamed rice, for serving

Instructions:
1. ###Marinate the Beef###: In a bowl, combine the beef slices, soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, and salt. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

2. ###Heat the Oil###: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until it starts to smoke slightly. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.

3. ###Toast the Spices###: In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the Szechuan peppercorns and dried chilies, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

4. ###Add Aromatics and Vegetables###: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the wok and stir-fry for another 30 seconds. Then, add the red and green bell peppers and continue to stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the peppers begin to soften.

5. ###Combine and Sauce###: Return the cooked beef to the wok, along with the chopped scallions. Pour in the hoisin sauce, chili bean paste, and brown sugar. Mix thoroughly to coat all the ingredients. Pour in 1/4 cup of water and stir well to combine. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the beef and vegetables evenly.

6. ###Serve###: Serve the Spicy Szechuan Beef hot, over a bed of steamed rice.

Enjoy this Spicy Szechuan Beef, a mouthwatering stir-fry that brings a wonderful combination of heat, texture, and complex flavors straight to your table!