Sichuan-style Spicy Beef Tacos

Ingredients

While the original Mexican carne asada tacos feature a traditional marinade with citrus and Mexican spices, our Sichuan-style adaptation infuses the beef with a bold blend of Sichuan peppercorns, chili peppers, and aromatic spices. The tacos are then garnished with Sichuan-inspired toppings to create a unique fusion of flavors. We alse have the original recipe for Carne asada tacos, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef steak, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef steak, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns, crushed 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
• 2 tablespoons chili bean paste 2 tablespoons chili bean paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated 1-inch ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• 8 small tortillas 8 small tortillas

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 18g (Saturated Fat: 5g)
• Carbohydrates: 20g (Sugars: 4g)
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the crushed Sichuan peppercorns, chili bean paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, five-spice powder, cornstarch, and water. Mix well to create a marinade.
2. 2.
   Place the sliced beef in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for enhanced flavor.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until cooked to your desired level of doneness. Season with salt to taste.
4. 4.
   Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
5. 5.
   Assemble the tacos by placing a generous amount of the Sichuan-style beef onto each tortilla. Garnish with your choice of toppings such as sliced scallions, cilantro, and shredded cabbage.
6. 6.
   Serve the Sichuan-style spicy beef tacos hot and enjoy the fusion of flavors!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sichuan peppercorns — Toast the peppercorns in a dry skillet before crushing them to release their aromatic oils.
• Chili bean paste — Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor.
• Beef steak — For the best results, choose a tender cut of beef such as ribeye or sirloin and slice it thinly against the grain.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick, add a sprinkle of ground Sichuan peppercorns on top of the assembled tacos.
• Experiment with different toppings such as pickled vegetables or crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.
• If you prefer a smoky flavor, grill the marinated beef instead of stir-frying it.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili bean paste.
• Serve the tacos with a side of Sichuan-style hot and sour soup for a complete Sichuan dining experience.

Serving advice

Serve the Sichuan-style spicy beef tacos with a squeeze of lime juice and a dollop of Sichuan-style chili oil for an extra burst of flavor. Accompany them with a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the heat.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tacos on a platter, garnishing them with vibrant green scallions and fresh cilantro leaves. Sprinkle some crushed Sichuan peppercorns on top for an eye-catching finish.