Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry

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If you’re looking for a quick, delicious meal that packs a punch of flavor, this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is the perfect choice! Ideal for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving takeout but want something homemade, this stir fry combines tender beef with sweet, savory onions in a rich, soy-based sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
  • 2 large onions, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice (for serving)

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Beef: In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with cornstarch, soy sauce, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Stir-fry the beef in batches until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. Cook the Onions: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then add the sliced onions. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
  4. Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the onions. Stir-fry for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and water. Pour the sauce over the onions and stir well to combine.
  6. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked beef to the pan and stir everything together. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the beef and onions. Serve hot over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions.

Tips for Success:

  • Beef Slicing: For easier slicing, partially freeze the beef for about 15-20 minutes before cutting. This helps in getting thin, uniform slices.
  • Quick Stir-Frying: Cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the meat to steam instead of sear.

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  • Add Vegetables: To make this dish even more nutritious, consider adding bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Stir-fry them with the onions for added color and flavor.
  • Serve with Rice or Noodles: While rice is a classic pairing, this stir fry also works well with noodles like lo mein or rice noodles.

Storage Tips:

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: This dish freezes well. Place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

Variations:

  • Spicy Beef and Onion Stir Fry: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Garlic Beef Stir Fry: Increase the amount of garlic to 4-5 cloves for a stronger garlic flavor.
  • Mushroom Beef Stir Fry: Add sliced mushrooms along with the onions for an earthy twist.
  • Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry: Substitute half of the onions with broccoli florets for a classic Chinese dish.
  • Honey Soy Beef Stir Fry: Add 1 tablespoon of honey to the sauce for a sweet and savory flavor profile.

FAQs:

  • Can I use a different cut of beef?
  • Yes, flank steak, sirloin, or even ribeye work well. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain.
  • Can I make this dish gluten-free?
  • Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce.
  • Can I use pre-sliced beef?
  • Absolutely, pre-sliced beef is a great time-saver. Just ensure it’s cut thinly and evenly.
  • How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?
  • Don’t overcook the beef; stir-fry it quickly over high heat to keep it tender.
  • Can I substitute the oyster sauce?
  • If you’re allergic to shellfish or prefer not to use oyster sauce, you can substitute it with a bit more soy sauce and a touch of sugar.

Conclusion:

For those looking to elevate their home cooking game, this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a fantastic choice. It’s not only quick to prepare but also offers a delightful balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors thanks to the combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and a touch of sugar. The key to this recipe’s success lies in the simplicity and quality of ingredients. Using tender beef and fresh onions ensures a satisfying texture, while the stir-frying technique locks in all the rich flavors. Plus, this dish is incredibly versatile—feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to match your personal taste. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this stir fry is sure to become a favorite go-to recipe. Don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy a delicious meal that’s both effortless and delicious!

This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quick and easy meal that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for a busy evening, this dish pairs beautifully with rice or noodles and offers a variety of customization options to suit your taste. Enjoy this savory stir fry and be sure to add it to your list of go-to recipes!