Szechuan Shredded Beef Recipe
Description:
Szechuan Shredded Beef is a deliciously spicy and hot Chinese dish that defies the myth of feeling hungry shortly after eating Chinese food. With tender beef marinated in a savory mix of soy sauce, sherry wine, and vinegar, then cooked quickly in a hot wok, this dish is packed with flavor. The marinade can be prepared ahead of time and left in the fridge, making it perfect for a speedy supper. Serve this dish with plain rice for a complete meal that satisfies both your hunger and taste buds.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mild soy sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Sherry wine | 2 tbsp |
| Rice vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| White vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp |
| Chili pepper (jalapeno) | 1 |
| Fresh gingerroot | 1 inch |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Five-spice powder | 1 tsp |
| Granulated sugar | 1 tsp |
| Sherry wine (for sauce) | 1 tbsp |
| Rice vinegar (for sauce) | 3/4 tsp |
| Soy sauce (for sauce) | 1 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 279 kcal |
| Total Fat | 13.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 78.5 mg |
| Sodium | 547.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 6.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.2 g |
| Sugars | 2.2 g |
| Protein | 26.1 g |
Instructions:
-
Prep the Beef:
To make slicing the beef easier, place the meat in the freezer for about 30 minutes or until it is partially frozen. This will help firm it up and make slicing much simpler. -
-
Slice the Beef:
Once the beef is firm enough, remove it from the freezer and cut it across the grain into thin, 1/4-inch slices. Then, cut each slice into 1/4-inch strips. -
Prepare the Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, combine the mild soy sauce, sherry wine, rice vinegar, and white vinegar. Stir in the cornstarch and mix until smooth. -
Marinate the Beef:
Toss the sliced beef strips in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let the beef sit for 1 hour at room temperature to absorb the flavors. For a stronger flavor, you can marinate the beef for longer in the refrigerator. -
Prepare the Spice Mix:
While the beef is marinating, finely chop the jalapeno pepper, gingerroot, and garlic. Combine these ingredients with the five-spice powder and set the mixture aside. -
Make the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, stir together the sherry wine, rice vinegar, and soy sauce to form the sauce. Set aside. -
Cook the Beef:
Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add a little oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef strips, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to separate the meat. The beef should begin to brown slightly. -
Sweeten the Dish:
Sprinkle the beef with the granulated sugar and cook for another 1 minute, continuing to toss and stir to evenly distribute the sugar. -
Add the Spice Mix:
Remove the pan from the heat momentarily and add the prepped spice mixture to the beef. Stir it into the hot beef and let it cook in the residual heat for another minute. -
Add the Sauce:
Pour in the prepared sauce, along with any leftover marinade that might have been reserved. Return the pan to the heat and stir for about 3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coats the beef evenly. -
Serve:
Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and serve the Szechuan Shredded Beef over plain rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Recipe Tips:
- Make Ahead: This dish is great for meal prep. You can prepare the marinade and even slice the beef ahead of time, storing both in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Just marinate the beef the night before for a deeper flavor.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of jalapeno pepper or omit it altogether.
- Perfect for Leftovers: The leftovers from this dish reheat beautifully, making it a great option for lunch the next day.
Enjoy your flavorful and quick Szechuan Shredded Beef, and be sure to check out more quick recipes for busy weeknights right here on Love With Recipes!
