Chinese Sichuan Spicy Beef 2026 Version is a bold, fiery stir-fried beef dish packed with the signature heat of Sichuan chili peppers and numbing peppercorns. This upgraded 2026-style recipe highlights tender beef strips tossed in a fragrant sauce infused with garlic, ginger, dried chilies, and the unmistakable mala flavor. It’s aromatic, spicy, and irresistibly savory—perfect with steamed rice, noodles, or as part of a full Chinese dinner spread.
Ingredients :
For the Beef:
➮ 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
➮ 2 tbsp soy sauce
➮ 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
➮ 1 tbsp cornstarch
➮ 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Sauce:
➮ 2 tbsp doubanjiang (Sichuan chili bean paste)
➮ 2 tbsp soy sauce
➮ 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
➮ 1 tbsp sugar
➮ 1/4 cup beef broth or water
➮ 1 tsp black vinegar (optional)
For Stir-Fry:
➮ 3 cloves garlic, minced
➮ 1 tsp ginger, minced
➮ 6–8 dried red chilies
➮ 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns
➮ 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
➮ 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
➮ 2 green onions, chopped
➮ 2 tbsp vegetable oil
➮ Steamed rice (for serving)
Cooking Directions:
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, combine thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Mix well and let sit for 10–15 minutes. This helps tenderize the beef and creates the signature silky stir-fry texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate small bowl, whisk together doubanjiang, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, beef broth, and black vinegar. Set aside.
Step 3: Fry the Aromatics
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add Sichuan peppercorns and dried red chilies. Stir until fragrant—around 30 seconds.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
Add the marinated beef to the pan in a single layer. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the beef is mostly cooked and slightly browned. Remove and set aside.
Step 5: Build the Flavor
In the same pan, add garlic and ginger. Stir for 20–30 seconds.
Pour in the sauce mixture and let it simmer until it thickens slightly.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Return the beef to the pan. Add bell peppers and green onions. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender and the sauce coats everything beautifully.
Step 6: Serve
Turn off the heat and serve immediately with steamed rice for the full Sichuan 2026 experience.
Why This Dish Is Perfect for 2026
✔ Modern Flavor Profile – The 2026 edition highlights bolder Sichuan spices and elevated aromatics that match today’s evolving culinary trends.
✔ Restaurant-Quality at Home – This recipe delivers authentic Chinese flavors with upgraded techniques, giving you a premium dining experience in your own kitchen.
✔ Versatile & Crowd-Friendly – Whether served with steamed rice, stir-fried noodles, or seasonal vegetables, it fits perfectly into modern 2026 home-cooking styles.
✔ A Trending Chinese Classic – Sichuan-inspired dishes continue to rise in popularity in 2026, making this beef recipe both traditional and perfectly on-trend.