Description
This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender beef slices stir-fried with caramelized onions in a savory, umami-rich sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles, making it a satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Marinate the Beef – Toss the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and a little soy sauce. Let it sit for 10 minutes to tenderize.
Cook the Beef – Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan or wok over high heat. Stir-fry the beef for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics – In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry the sliced onions for 2 minutes until slightly softened. Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
Prepare the Sauce – Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, beef broth, sesame oil, black pepper, and rice vinegar. Let it simmer for a minute.
Combine & Thicken – Return the beef to the pan and mix well. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.
Garnish & Serve – Top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, marinate the beef with cornstarch and soy sauce for at least 15 minutes.
- Substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or additional soy sauce if unavailable.
- For added spice, mix in red pepper flakes or chili oil.
- Use different cuts like ribeye or sirloin for a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese