Spicy Szechuan Beef and Cabbage Soup
This soup is a quick and easy way to get your Szechuan fix, and it's surprisingly light and refreshing. The combination of beef, cabbage, and carrots is a classic for a reason, and the Szechuan peppercorns add a unique and flavorful note. This soup is perfect for a cold winter day, or any time you're looking for a comforting and flavorful meal.
This soup is based on a recipe that I first learned from my grandmother. She was a Szechuan native, and she taught me the importance of using fresh ingredients and bold flavors. I've adapted her recipe over the years, but the basic ingredients and techniques remain the same. This soup is a labor of love, and I'm proud to share it with you.
Spicy Szechuan Beef and Cabbage Soup Spicy Szechuan Beef and Cabbage Soup Spicy Szechuan Beef and Cabbage Soup Spicy Szechuan Beef and Cabbage Soup
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 60 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1/2 medium head of green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
  • 3 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns, ground
Instructions
  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the beef in a little oil. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
  2. Add the cabbage and carrots to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the garlic, soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, and Szechuan peppercorns to the pot and stir to combine.
  4. Add the beef back to the pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 hour, or until the beef is tender.
  5. Serve hot and enjoy!
Why It Works
  • The combination of beef, cabbage, and carrots is a classic for a reason. The beef provides a hearty flavor and texture, while the cabbage and carrots add sweetness and crunch. The Szechuan peppercorns add a unique and flavorful note that really makes this soup special.
  • The soup is cooked in a single pot, which makes it easy to make and clean up. The ingredients are all simple and easy to find, and the soup can be tailored to your own taste preferences.
  • This soup is a great way to warm up on a cold winter day, or any time you're looking for a comforting and flavorful meal.