Szechuan Beef

Ingredients:
For the Stir Fry:

1. 1/4 cup Olive oil
2. 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced
3. 1/4 cup corn starch
4. 1/2 cup yellow onion, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
5. 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
6. 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
7. 25 small dried red chilies (or more if desired)
8. 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns (optional)
9. 2 teaspoons minced garlic
10. 1 teaspoon minced ginger
11. Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

1. 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
2. 1 1/2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
3. 1 tablespoon sesame oil
4. 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
5. 1 tablespoon corn starch
6. 1/3 cup beef broth

Method:

1. To prepare the steak, thinly slice the flank steak and mix it with 1/4 cup corn starch in a basin until the meat is equally coated. Put aside.
2. Prepare the sauce: Mix the brown sugar, corn starch, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce and beef broth in a small bowl. Put aside.
3. Heat the oil: In a big pan or wok, heat up 1/4 cup of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
4. Cook the steak by adding the coated steak slices in a single layer as soon as the oil is heated. Cook until the meat is crispy and browned, 2 to 3 minutes each side. After taking the steak out of the pan, put it aside.
5. Add the green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and yellow onion to the same skillet and stir-fry the veggies. Stir-fry the veggies for two to three minutes, or until they begin to soften.
6. Add the aromatics: To the pan, add the minced garlic, ginger, dried red chillies, and Sichuan peppercorns, if using. Stir-fry for a further one to two minutes, or until aromatic.
7. Put the cooked meat back in the pan and mix with the sauce. Cover the meat and veggies with the prepared sauce. Cook, stirring constantly, for a further two to three minutes, or until the sauce thickens and covers the steak.
8. Before serving, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper according on your taste. Serve hot Szechuan Beef with noodles or steamed rice.
9. Savour this flavourful and fiery Szechuan beef, ideal for those who want a little fire in their food!