Szechuan Beef

A great one dish dinner!

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  lb beef tenderloin
• 3  tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2  tablespoons  yellow bean sauce (optional)
• 2  tablespoons dry sherry
• 1  tablespoon brandy
• 2  tablespoons  peanut oil
• 2  red chilies, deseeded and sliced
• 8  scallions, trimmed and copped
• 2  garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
• 1  piece gingerroot, peeled and cut into matchsticks (about 1 inch)
• 1  carrot, peeled, sliced lengthwise and cut into short lengths
• 2  green bell peppers, deseeded and cut into 1 inch pieces
• 8  ounces water chestnuts, drained and sliced
• 1  sprig cilantro
• 1  lb  cooked noodles or 1  lb steamed rice, with
•  freshly ground szechuan peppercorns

Directions

1. Trim the beef and cut into 1/4 inch strips.
2. Place in a Ziploc bag or shallow dish.
3. Mix together the hoisin sauce, yellow bean sauce, sherry and brandy together until well blended.
4. Pour over beef, turning to evenly coat.
5. Cover and marinade for at least 30 minutes.
6. Heat a wok or large skillet, add the chilies, scallions, garlic and ginger and stir-fry for 2 minutes or until softened.
7. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
8. Add the carrot and bell peppers to the wok and stir-fry for 4 minutes or until slightly softened.
9. Transfer to plate and keep warm.
10. Drain the beef, reserving the marinade, add to the wok and stir-fry for for 3-5 minutes or until browned.
11. Return the chili mixture and vegetable mixture and the marinade to the wok.
12. Add the water chestnuts and stir-fry for 2 minutes or until heated through.
13. Garnish with cilantro.
14. Serve immediately with rice or noodles.