Sichuan Beef Stir-Fry with Sesame and Green Onions

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick-cooked beef in a spicy Sichuan sauce with crisp vegetables and toasted sesame seeds, ready in 35 minutes. This chinese-inspired quick meals ready in about 35 minutes pairs beef sirloin, Sichuan peppercorns, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp crushed Sichuan peppercorns, 1 tbsp minced ginger, and 1/2 tsp salt; set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, toss 12 oz thinly sliced beef sirloin with 1 tbsp cornstarch until coated. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat until smoking. Add beef in a single layer and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet, then add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add bell peppers, broccoli, and white parts of 4 green onions; stir-fry for 3 minutes until crisp-tender. Return beef to skillet, pour in sauce, and cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats ingredients. Stir in 1 tsp sesame oil and green parts of green onions.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sichuan Beef Stir-Fry with Sesame and Green Onions take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sichuan Beef Stir-Fry with Sesame and Green Onions?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sichuan Beef Stir-Fry with Sesame and Green Onions?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sichuan Beef Stir-Fry with Sesame and Green Onions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sichuan Beef Stir-Fry with Sesame and Green Onions?

Chinese quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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