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Sichuan-Style Ground Beef with Crispy Garlic and Scallions

weeknightasian-inspiredspicy
10 minPrep12 minCook4Serves

Ingredients

  • 1 poundground beef
  • 6 clovesgarlic
  • 1 tablespoonginger
  • 3 tablespoonsoy sauce
  • 1 tablespoonrice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoonsesame oil
  • ½ teaspoonred pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoonSichuan peppercorns
  • 4 stalksscallions
  • 2 tablespoonvegetable oil
  • 2 cupscooked rice (for serving)

Prep

  1. 01

    Mince 6 cloves garlic.

  2. 02

    Mince 1 tablespoon fresh ginger.

  3. 03

    Slice 4 scallions, separating white and light green parts from darker green tops.

Method

  1. 01

    Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart as it browns, until no pink remains (about 5 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.

  2. 02

    Push the beef to the side of the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the empty space, then add minced ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. 03

    Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

  4. 04

    Return the beef to the center and add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and Sichuan peppercorns. Stir everything together and cook for 2 minutes until the sauce coats the beef and smells deeply fragrant.

  5. 05

    Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve over steamed rice, garnished with sliced scallions.

Spice Tips

Adjust heat to taste: reduce red pepper flakes to a pinch for mild, or add another 1/4 teaspoon for serious heat. A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens the bold flavors. Cilantro makes a nice garnish alternative to or alongside the scallions.

This comes together in under 20 minutes. For deeper Sichuan flavor, toast the peppercorns briefly in a dry pan before adding to the beef. Serve with steamed or fried rice, or over noodles.

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