What cut of beef works best for skewers?
Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak. The cut should have enough fat to keep the thin slices from drying out at high heat. Lean cuts become tough quickly.
Chinese · snack
Sichuan Ma La Beef Skewers (Chuan Chuan Xiang)
#chinese#sichuan#beef#skewers#bbq
35m
Total time
4
Servings
280
kcal
easy
Difficulty
May 18, 2026
INGREDIENTS.
4
Meat
- 400 g beef sirloin or ribeye
Spice
- 5 g Sichuan peppercorns
- 5 g ground cumin
- 5 g chili powder or chili flakes
- 3 g garlic powder
Sauce
- 15 ml light soy sauce
Pantry
- 10 ml sesame oil
- 15 ml Shaoxing rice wine
- 3 g salt
- 20 ml neutral oil
Other
- 20 pieces bamboo skewers
THE METHOD.
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FAQ · Things people ask
About this recipe.
Can I add vegetables to the skewers?
Yes. Thinly sliced lotus root, tofu skin, mushrooms, or potato slices are all traditional in chuan chuan xiang. Thread them separately and adjust cooking time.
How do I prevent the skewers from burning?
Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before use. Keep the heat at medium-high rather than full flame for pan-frying.
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