By Tim Hazell

 

Sichuan (Szechuan) is a landlocked province of approximately 81 million inhabitants in southwest China. The region occupies most of the Sichuan Basin and the easternmost part of the Tibetan Plateau. Its population speaks an unusual form of Mandarin, originating as a variation during the province’s repopulation under the Ming Dynasty. The climate is warm and humid, a source of pungent dishes advocated by Chinese physicians. Intense flavors came from liberal use of ingredients such as rice wine vinegar, fermented soy beans, hot pickled mustard tubers, black bean sauce, and salts from artesian wells.

 

The introduction into China of the South American hot pepper helped to consolidate modern Sichuan cuisine. Recipes such as Kung Pao chicken became international kitchen standards. Regional Chinese cooking integrates five fundamental taste sensations: sweet, sour, pungent, salty, and bitter. Balancing these particular elements in any one dish depends upon climatic temperament and ingredient availability. 

 

Chili peppers and fragrant Sichuan peppercorns produce a numbing effect. Sweet comes from different types of sugars such as beet root or cane. Sour is achieved through the use of vinegars and pickled vegetables. Bitter melon adds an astringent touch, and salt is derived from unique flavored salts produced in the region. 

 

Sichuan beef consists of flank or skirt steak cut into thin strips and marinated before being stir-fried alongside other ingredients. Chicken or pork may be substituted, if preferred.

 

Sichuan Beef

 

Ingredients:

1 lb. skirt or flank steak (falda or arachera)

 

For the marinade:

1-1/2 tbsp. cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp. water

1 tbsp. light soy sauce

1 tbsp. rice wine or dry sherry

1/2 tsp. sugar

1 tbsp. oil

 

For the sauce:

1/2 cup light soy sauce

2 tbsp. rice wine or dry sherry

2 tbsp. chili garlic sauce

2 tsp. sesame oil

1 tbsp. minced fresh ginger root

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp. cornstarch

2 tbsp. oil for frying

4 dried chile peppers

2 large carrots, peeled, sliced, and shredded 

1 red bell pepper, seeded and julienned 

 

For garnish: 

2 green onions, thinly sliced

Sesame seeds

 

Directions:

Cut the meat lengthwise into 3 strips. Cut strips crosswise into 1/8 inch thick slices. In a bowl, stir together cornstarch, soy sauce, sugar, and rice wine. Add the steak and toss to coat. Let marinate 30 minutes, or cover and refrigerate a minimum of one hour. Combine soy sauce, rice wine, chili sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in another bowl. Set aside. Heat a large un-coated skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil, and heat until shimmering. Scatter in the steak, stirring and flipping until meat is no longer pink. Remove to a plate. Heat the second tablespoon of oil in the same skillet. Add the dried chile peppers. Press and flip them in the oil until they darken. Add the carrots and bell pepper, and flip vigorously a few times. Add the beef slices, tossing with the vegetables for about 30 seconds. Pour in the sauce, giving a few sweeping turns until thickened. Tip into a hot serving dish. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.