Szechuan-Style Fiery Shredded Crispy Beef
Crispy. Spicy. Irresistibly Addictive.
Ready to fire up your taste buds? This Szechuan-Style Crispy Beef is not your average stir-fry—it’s bold, crunchy, and drenched in the signature spicy, numbing heat of Szechuan peppercorns. Perfectly fried shredded beef meets a sweet, tangy, and fiery sauce that’ll leave you reaching for seconds (and maybe a glass of water)!
Whether you’re planning a Friday night fakeout instead of takeout or just craving something wildly flavorful, this dish delivers serious flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain 🥩
- ¼ cup cornstarch 🌽
- ¼ cup vegetable oil, for frying 🛢️
For the Sauce & Stir-Fry:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced 🥢
- 2–3 dried red chilies, chopped (or to taste) 🌶️
- ¼ cup Szechuan peppercorns 🌶️
- ¼ cup soy sauce 🍜
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar 🍚
- 2 tbsp sugar 🍬
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce 🍯
- ½ cup bell peppers, sliced (any color) 🌶️
- ½ cup green onions, chopped 🧅
- Optional: sesame seeds, for garnish 🌱
Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Add the sliced beef and toss to coat. Let it marinate for 30 minutes to absorb all that umami goodness.
2️⃣ Coat & Fry
Drain the beef and toss with cornstarch until each piece is well coated—this is key for that ultra-crispy finish.
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Fry the beef in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan!) for 3–4 minutes, until golden and crisp. Set aside on paper towels to drain.
3️⃣ Stir-Fry the Aromatics
In the same skillet (leave a bit of oil), add garlic, ginger, dried chilies, and Szechuan peppercorns. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. The aroma alone is next-level.
4️⃣ Bring It All Together
Add the crispy beef back into the skillet along with sliced bell peppers and hoisin sauce. Toss everything together until hot and well coated in that glossy, spicy sauce.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve
Top with green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like a little crunch on top. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Tips & Serving Ideas
- Adjust heat by reducing the Szechuan peppercorns or chilies.
- Add extra veggies like snap peas or shredded carrots for a colorful twist.
- This dish is best served fresh, while the beef is still crispy!
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Calories: ~350 kcal
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
This Szechuan-Style Fiery Shredded Crispy Beef is a flavor-packed celebration of spicy Chinese cooking with a crispy twist! The contrast of crunchy beef and silky, spicy sauce makes it totally crave-worthy. It’s the kind of dish that turns dinner into an experience.
