Sichuan-Inspired Spicy Beef Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili

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

A bold and fiery stir fry featuring thinly sliced beef tossed with garlic, chili flakes, and Sichuan peppercorns for authentic regional Chinese heat. This Chinese-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs flank steak, thinly sliced, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine or dry sherry for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, toss 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak with 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine, and 1 tbsp cornstarch until the beef is evenly coated. Set aside for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger, 1 tbsp dried red chili flakes, and 1 tsp toasted crushed Sichuan peppercorns. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the marinated beef to the wok in a single layer. Let sear without stirring for 1 minute, then stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until beef is browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 tsp brown sugar and 2 tbsp water, tossing to coat the beef and create a glossy sauce. Cook for another minute until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 3 sliced scallions, and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sichuan-Inspired Spicy Beef Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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-Inspired Spicy Beef Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili?

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 flank steak, thinly sliced from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sichuan-Inspired Spicy Beef Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili?

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-Inspired Spicy Beef Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili 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-Inspired Spicy Beef Stir Fry with Garlic and Chili?

Chinese beef 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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