This Szechuan Beef stir fry combines mouthwatering marinated flank steak with tender-crisp bell peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger in a spicy and savory sauce seasoned with Szechuan peppercorns and a little bit of brown sugar to mellow the heat. This is one of our favorite stir-fry dishes, so much better than Chinese take-out, and a must-try for spicy food lovers.

HOW TO MAKE SZECHUAN BEEF

First, in a medium bowl, whisk together the beef broth, low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce), rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, cornstarch, and Szechuan peppercorns. Add the sliced flank steak to a large bowl, pour half of the marinade over the top, toss to coat, and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Set the remaining marinade aside to use as a sauce. Let the steak marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Add the dried red chiles to a small bowl and pour lukewarm water over them. Turn them every so often, and drain after 30 minutes.

Then, heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Using tongs remove the meat from the marinade, shaking off any excess marinade. Add the beef to the skillet in a single layer and sear it. Flip it and sear the other side. Remove it to a plate and cover it to keep it warm. Work in batches to keep from crowding the skillet, and add more oil when needed. Discard the marinade that the meat was in.

If needed, carefully wipe out the skillet. But be careful as it will be very hot. Heat a little more oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers and onions and stir fry for 2-3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and add the garlic, ginger, and chiles. Cook for 1 minute while stirring very frequently. Remove the veggies to a plate. Add the marinade/sauce that you set aside, to the skillet over low heat and cook until slightly thickened. Don’t worry. It will keep thickening as you add the veggies and beef back to the skillet. Stir to warm and coat everything.