Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry

Introduction

When it comes to delicious and effortless meals, stir-fry recipes are a go-to choice. This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is packed with tender, marinated beef, caramelized onions, and a savory sauce that comes together in minutes. Ideal for a quick dinner, it pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles. Follow this guide for tips, substitutions, and serving suggestions to make this dish your own!

Ingredients

For the Marinade:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/4 cup water or beef broth

The Stir-Fry:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, minced
• 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef

Start by marinating the beef to ensure it’s tender and flavorful:

• In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil.
• Add the beef slices, ensuring they’re evenly coated in the marinade.
• Allow the beef to marinate for at least 20 minutes while preparing the sauce and other ingredients.

2. Prepare the Sauce

This sauce is the soul of the stir-fry:

• Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and water or beef broth in a small bowl.
• Set it aside, ready to pour into the wok during the final steps.

3. Cook the Beef

Achieving perfectly browned beef is all about heat and timing:

• Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over high heat.
• Add the marinated beef slices in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes until browned.
• Remove the beef from the wok and set aside to prevent overcooking.

4. Stir-Fry the Onions

Caramelized onions add a rich sweetness to the dish:

• Heat the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil in the same wok.
• Add the sliced onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, letting the onions soften and caramelize slightly.

5. Combine and Finish

Bring the components together for the final flavor infusion:

• Return the cooked beef to the wok.
• Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together.
• Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes to coat the beef and onions in the sauce and cook everything through.

6. Serve

Presentation matters! Serve this dish hot with your choice of sides:

• Garnish with chopped green onion.
• Pair with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

Tips for Success

• Freeze Before Slicing: Slightly freezing the beef for 15 minutes makes it easier to slice thinly and evenly.
• High Heat is Key: Cooking on high heat ensures the beef stays tender without stewing.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Stir-fry in batches if needed to maintain a sear on the beef.

Variations and Substitutions

1. Vegetarian Option: Swap beef with firm tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based twist.
2. Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or stir-fry with fresh red chilies for added heat.
3. Extra Veggies: Include broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for added nutrition and color.

Serving Suggestions

• Complete the Meal: Serve alongside steamed broccoli, stir-fried bok choy, or a cucumber salad for a balanced menu.
• With Rice or Noodles: Jasmine rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles are excellent bases for this dish.

Related Recipes to Try

Looking for more inspiration? Explore these flavorful recipes:

• French Onion Steak Sandwich: A Savory Masterpiece
• Meatloaf with Onion Gravy
• Homemade Peach Cobbler

Find more recipes on our Pinterest: Bonheur Recipes

Conclusion

This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Its rich flavors and quick preparation make it a must-try for home cooks of any skill level. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or spice it up for a bolder taste. With this recipe, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal ready in just 25 minutes!

Try this recipe tonight, and enjoy the flavors of Chinese cuisine from the comfort of your kitchen!

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