Szechuan Stir-Fried Beef with Chili Garlic Sauce

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

A fiery and flavorful stir-fry combining tender beef strips with a bold Szechuan chili garlic sauce, perfect for lovers of spicy Asian cuisine. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes blends vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves, grated ginger into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 3 Chinese cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just browned but still tender; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same wok, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated ginger, 1 tsp toasted and ground Szechuan peppercorns, and 6 whole dried red chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar, and 1 tsp brown sugar, cooking for 1 minute to combine and slightly thicken.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the wok along with 3 sliced scallions. Pour in 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
  5. Step 5: Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the stir-fry, toss once more, and remove from heat immediately to preserve aroma and flavor.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Szechuan Stir-Fried Beef with Chili Garlic Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Szechuan Stir-Fried Beef with Chili Garlic Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Szechuan Stir-Fried Beef with Chili Garlic Sauce?

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 Stir-Fried Beef with Chili Garlic Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Stir-Fried Beef with Chili Garlic Sauce?

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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