Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry

Description of this recipe
A quick and flavorful stir fry featuring tender beef strips and sweet, caramelized onions coated in a savory sauce. Perfect for pairing with steamed rice or noodles!

Why you will love this recipe
This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will transport you to your favorite takeout restaurant without ever leaving your kitchen. The combination of tender beef, sweet onions, and a rich, savory sauce makes this dish not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or sauces!

Introduction
Stir-frying is a cooking technique that originated in China and has become popular worldwide for its speed and ability to lock in flavors. This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quintessential example of this method, allowing the ingredients to shine through in a vibrant, aromatic dish. The key to a successful stir fry lies in the preparation and timing, ensuring that each component is cooked to perfection. In this recipe, we will guide you through the steps to create a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Beef Marinade:

1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon rice vinegar

For the Stir Fry:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 medium onions, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon grated ginger
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon hoisin sauce (optional)
1/4 cup beef broth or water
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation:

Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Add the beef slices, tossing to coat them evenly. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), beef broth or water, sugar, and white pepper. This sauce will add depth to the stir fry, balancing savory and sweet flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until it is browned but not fully cooked. It’s important not to overcrowd the pan, so consider cooking the beef in batches if necessary. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Onions
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Toss in the sliced onions and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they become softened and slightly caramelized. The natural sweetness of the onions will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine and Sauce
Return the beef to the wok and pour in the prepared sauce. Toss everything together to ensure that the beef and onions are evenly coated. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and the beef is fully cooked.

Step 6: Serve
Garnish the stir fry with chopped green onions and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles. The combination of the tender beef, sweet onions, and savory sauce makes for a mouthwatering meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

COOKING Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – This dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry over a bed of fluffy steamed rice or alongside your favorite noodles. For a complete meal, consider adding steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for added nutrition and color.

Tips:

For the best flavor, choose high-quality beef and slice it against the grain to ensure tenderness.
Feel free to customize this stir fry by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms.
If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes or Szechuan peppercorns to the stir fry.
Make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as stir-frying is a quick process that requires your full attention.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 350
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 800mg

Conclusion
This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that brings the flavors of your favorite Chinese restaurant right to your home. With its tender beef, sweet onions, and savory sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, this stir fry is perfect for busy evenings or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Enjoy this delectable dish with your favorite sides, and don’t forget to experiment with different vegetables and sauces to make it your own!

Questions and Answers about this recipe:

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir fry?
Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak are recommended for their tenderness, you can also use ribeye, skirt steak, or even ground beef in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Just ensure you marinate the tofu or tempeh in a similar sauce to infuse flavor.

3. What can I serve with this stir fry?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

4. How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens during storage.

5. Can I freeze this stir fry?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the stir fry in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating on the stove. Note that the texture of the beef may change slightly after freezing.