Spicy Sichuan Beef Salad

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef sirloin, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons chili oil 4 tablespoons chili oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon black vinegar 1 tablespoon black vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 4g, 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the beef slices and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn opaque. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
2. 2.
   Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add Sichuan peppercorns and garlic, and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   In a mixing bowl, combine chili oil, soy sauce, black vinegar, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
4. 4.
   Add the cooked beef slices to the chili oil mixture and toss until well coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
5. 5.
   Before serving, garnish the beef with chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, and toasted sesame seeds.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — For the best results, choose a tender cut of beef like sirloin or tenderloin. Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• Sichuan peppercorns — Toast the peppercorns in a dry pan before using to enhance their aroma and flavor.
• Chili oil — Adjust the amount of chili oil according to your spice preference. You can also make your own chili oil by infusing vegetable oil with dried chili flakes.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of ground Sichuan peppercorns to the chili oil dressing.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns.
• Serve the Spicy Sichuan Beef Salad with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a more substantial meal.
• Feel free to add additional vegetables like cucumber or bean sprouts for added freshness and crunch.
• Make sure to crush the peanuts just before serving to maintain their crunchiness.

Serving advice

Serve the Spicy Sichuan Beef Salad chilled as an appetizer or as a main course. It pairs well with a bowl of steamed rice or as a filling for lettuce wraps.

Presentation advice

Arrange the marinated beef slices on a platter and drizzle any remaining dressing over the top. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, and toasted sesame seeds evenly for an attractive presentation.