Szechuan Beef

Description

Szechuan beef is a classic Chinese dish originating from Szechuan cuisine. It is characterized by the use of tender beef and a rich, spicy sauce.

Ingredients

500g beef, thinly sliced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Szechuan pepper
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
Spring onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Preparation

Marinate the beef in a bowl with soy sauce and Szechuan pepper, for at least 30 minutes.
In a pan, heat the sesame oil and add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until cooked.
Add the sugar and continue stirring until it melts.
Optional: dissolve the cornstarch in some water and add it to the sauce to thicken it.
Serve the Szechuan beef on a plate and garnish with spring onions and sesame seeds.

Medical Terms

Szechuan Pepper: Szechuan pepper is a spice plant belonging to the Rutaceae family. It contains the active ingredient hydroxy-alpha-sanshool, which causes a strong tingling and numbing effect on the tongue and lips.

Sesame Oil: Sesame oil is obtained from the seeds of the sesame plant. It contains polyunsaturated fatty acids such as omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E. Sesame oil is used in traditional medicine to treat gastrointestinal disorders and promote blood circulation.

Ginger: Ginger is a rhizome plant used as a spice and medicinal plant. It contains gingerols and shogaols, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Ginger is traditionally used to relieve digestive disorders and nausea.

Sources

1. https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-food/szechuan-beef.htm

2. http://nutritionalcomposition.com/sesame-oil/