shredded beef with pickled pepper

Spicy Shredded Beef Recipe Guide

Spicy shredded beef (泡椒牛肉丝) is a fiery Sichuan dish that tenderizes beef with pickled chili peppers, creating a perfect balance of heat, sourness, and umami. Here’s a simple guide to making it at home.

Ingredients: 200g beef tenderloin (sliced into thin shreds), 3 tbsp pickled chili peppers (sliced), 1 tbsp ginger (julienned), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp starch, 1 tbsp cooking wine, 1 tbsp sugar, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, and a pinch of white pepper.

Steps:

1. Marinate the beef: Toss beef shreds with soy sauce, cooking wine, starch, and white pepper. Let it sit for 15 minutes to tenderize.

2. Stir-fry aromatics: Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Sauté ginger and garlic until fragrant, then add pickled chili peppers and stir-fry for 30 seconds to release their spice.

3. Cook the beef: Add marinated beef to the wok. Stir-fry quickly for 1–2 minutes until the beef changes color but stays tender. Avoid overcooking to maintain its juiciness.

4. Season and serve: Sprinkle sugar to balance the sourness, stir well, and cook for another 30 seconds. Garnish with sesame oil if desired, and serve hot with rice or noodles.

Tips: For extra flavor, use Sichuan pickled peppers. Slice beef against the grain for tenderness, and high heat ensures a nice sear. Adjust chili quantity based on your spice preference. Enjoy this zesty, mouthwatering dish that’s sure to awaken your taste buds!