Cookwith

Name: Sichuan-Style Velveted Beef Stir-Fry
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 3 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry); 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided; 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns; 4 dried red chilies, halved and seeds removed; 2 tbsp doubanjiang (Sichuan fermented bean paste); 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup scallions, sliced (white and green parts separated); 1 tsp toasted sesame oil

Sichuan-Style Velveted Beef Stir-Fry

AromaticRice7743

This Sichuan-inspired beef stir-fry is all about bold, layered flavors and tender texture. By velveting the beef with cornstarch and Shaoxing wine, you achieve a silky, restaurant-quality finish. Toasting Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilies in oil infuses a signature ma la (numbing and spicy) aroma, while the doubanjiang provides a deep, umami-rich base. Crisp bell peppers and fresh scallions add color and crunch. Finished with a fragrant touch of toasted sesame oil, this dish is quick, vibrant, and perfect for a weeknight dinner that tastes truly special.

Ingredients

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine beef with 1 tbsp soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and salt. Toss well and let marinate for 10 minutes to velvet the beef.
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilies, stirring until fragrant (about 1 minute, do not burn). Remove and discard the peppercorns and chilies, reserving the oil in the pan.
Increase heat to high. Add marinated beef, spreading in a single layer. Sear undisturbed for 1 minute, then stir-fry until just browned but still tender, 1-2 minutes. Remove beef to a plate.
Add remaining 1 tbsp oil. Stir-fry white parts of scallions and bell pepper for 2 minutes. Push to sides, add doubanjiang to the center, and stir until oil turns red and aromatic, 30 seconds.
Return beef to wok. Add remaining 1 tbsp soy sauce and green parts of scallions. Stir-fry everything together for 1 minute to coat beef with sauce.
Drizzle in sesame oil, toss, and transfer to a serving plate. Serve hot with steamed rice.