Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry Recipe

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a classic, quick, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or whenever you're craving something savory and satisfying. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with onions in a savory sauce that’s made from a blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar. It’s a simple yet delicious dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles. Ready to learn how to make this easy stir-fry? Let’s get started!

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What is Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry?

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a popular Chinese takeout dish where thinly sliced beef is quickly stir-fried with onions and coated in a savory sauce. The dish is all about balancing flavors—umami-rich soy and oyster sauces combined with the slight sweetness of onions. The beef is typically marinated before stir-frying to make it tender, and the onions become sweet and caramelized as they cook. It’s a versatile dish that can be prepared quickly and served with rice or noodles.

Ingredients List for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry

Here’s what you need to make this delicious stir-fry:

For the Beef Marinade:

• 1 lb beef flank steak (or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain)
• 2 tablespoon soy sauce: For seasoning and umami flavor.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps to tenderize the beef and thicken the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): For extra flavor and tenderness.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a fragrant nuttiness.
• ½ teaspoon sugar: For balance and to slightly sweeten the marinade.

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoon vegetable oil: For stir-frying.
• 1 large onion (thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and a bit of crunch.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds depth to the stir-fry.
• 1 tablespoon ginger (minced): For a warm, slightly spicy kick.
• 2 tablespoon oyster sauce: For rich umami flavor.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: To season the stir-fry.
• ½ cup beef or chicken broth: Adds moisture and richness to the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoon water): For thickening the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: To balance out the salty flavors.
• 1-2 green onions (sliced diagonally): For garnish and freshness.

Optional Add-Ons:

• Bell peppers: For added color and sweetness.
• Carrots: For a crunchy vegetable addition.
• Red chili flakes or fresh chili: For a touch of heat.
• Mushrooms: For an earthy flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is versatile, so you can easily make it your own:

• Meat Options: Substitute beef with chicken, pork, or tofu for a different protein option.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap beef with firm tofu or mushrooms, and use vegetarian oyster sauce (made from mushrooms).
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
• Extra Vegetables: Add broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini to bulk up the dish with more veggies.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry step by step:

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and sugar to make the marinade. Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade and toss to coat. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes if you have extra time. This will help tenderize the beef and enhance its flavor.

Step 2: Prep the Ingredients

While the beef is marinating, prepare the rest of the ingredients. Thinly slice the onion, mince the garlic and ginger, and mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry for thickening the sauce later. Have all your ingredients ready, as stir-frying happens quickly.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is browned and nearly cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Onions and Aromatics

Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok. Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until they start to soften and become translucent. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 5: Add the Sauce

Return the beef to the wok and stir to combine with the onions. Add the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and beef broth, stirring everything together. Let the sauce come to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and onions.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the sauce has thickened, remove the stir-fry from the heat. Garnish with sliced green onions for freshness and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

How to Cook Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Marinate the Beef: Marinate thinly sliced beef in soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and Shaoxing wine to tenderize and flavor the meat.
2. Stir-Fry the Beef: Stir-fry the marinated beef in a hot wok until browned, then remove and set aside.
3. Cook the Onions: Stir-fry the onions, garlic, and ginger until the onions soften and become translucent.
4. Add the Sauce: Return the beef to the wok, add the sauces, and thicken the stir-fry with cornstarch slurry.
5. Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some tips to ensure your Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry turns out perfectly every time:

• Not Slicing the Beef Thinly: Slice the beef thinly and against the grain for the most tender results. If the beef is too thick, it will take longer to cook and may become tough.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Cook the beef in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the wok, which can cause the beef to steam rather than sear.
• Overcooking the Beef: Don’t overcook the beef when stir-frying. It should be browned but not fully cooked through when you first remove it from the wok, as it will finish cooking when you add it back later.
• Not Marinating the Beef Long Enough: Marinating the beef for at least 15-30 minutes is key to infusing flavor and tenderness into the meat.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This delicious stir-fry is best served fresh and hot from the wok. Here’s how to serve and present it for maximum flavor and appeal:

How to Serve Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry

• With Steamed Rice: Serve the beef stir-fry over a bed of hot, steamed white or brown rice to soak up the savory sauce.
• With Noodles: You can also serve the stir-fry with noodles such as lo mein, soba, or rice noodles for a complete meal.
• As Part of a Meal: Serve this dish as part of a larger meal with other Chinese-inspired dishes like fried rice, spring rolls, or stir-fried vegetables.

Presentation Ideas for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry

• Garnish with Green Onions: Sliced green onions add color and freshness to the dish.
• Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds: For a nutty crunch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry.
• Serve in a Wok or Skillet: For a more rustic presentation, serve the stir-fry directly in the wok or skillet at the table.

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry Recipe Tips

• Use a Hot Wok: Make sure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding the ingredients to achieve a nice sear on the beef and vegetables.
• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start stir-frying, as the cooking process goes quickly.
• Add a Touch of Heat: For a spicier version, add some crushed red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers to the stir-fry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Yes, you can use flank steak, sirloin, or even ribeye for this recipe. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly and against the grain for the best texture.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Stir-fries are best served fresh, but you can marinate the beef ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also prep the vegetables in advance to save time.

Q: Can I make this stir-fry gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free for a gluten-free version of this dish.

Q: Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
A: Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli to make the dish more filling and nutritious.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot skillet or in the microwave until warmed through.

Conclusion

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a quick and delicious dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want something satisfying but easy to prepare. The tender beef, sweet onions, and rich sauce come together in just minutes, making this a go-to recipe for busy nights. Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe today and enjoy the savory flavors of this classic stir-fry

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