Szechuan Beef Stir-Fry with Snap Peas
Tender flank steak marinated in savory-spicy Szechuan sauce, stir-fried with crisp snap peas and aromatic vegetables for a vibrant weeknight meal. This asian ready in about 40 minutes pairs flank steak, soy sauce, rice wine for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz flank steak
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1 tsp Szechuan peppercorns
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- to taste salt
- fresh, for garnish cilantro
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice wine, and 1 tsp cornstarch. Toss to coat and set aside for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 cup trimmed snap peas and cook for 2 minutes until bright green and slightly crisp.
- Step 3: Add 1 medium thinly sliced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the marinated flank steak (with any accumulated liquid) and 1 tsp ground Szechuan peppercorns. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned and cooked through.
- Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chicken broth and 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
- Step 6: Season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Szechuan Beef Stir-Fry with Snap Peas take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (20 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 Szechuan Beef Stir-Fry with Snap Peas?
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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Szechuan Beef Stir-Fry with Snap Peas?
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 Szechuan Beef Stir-Fry with Snap Peas for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Szechuan Beef Stir-Fry with Snap Peas?
Asian asian 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Authentic flavor without the hassle. The beef stayed tender and the ginger really elevated it. Will make this weekly.
- ★★★★★
A hit with my picky eaters! The sauce had that perfect balance of spicy and savory. Leftovers were even better.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a weeknight dinner! The Szechuan sauce was spot-on and the snap peas added the perfect crunch. My family devoured it.








