Description
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a classic takeout-inspired dish you can make at home in just 25 minutes. Tender slices of beef are marinated and quickly cooked with caramelized onions, a touch of garlic, and a savory, umami-rich sauce. This satisfying one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers bold flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450 g) beef (thinly sliced, e.g., flank steak or sirloin)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (divided)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Slurry:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish:
- Green onions (sliced)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Place the sliced beef in a bowl and marinate with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Set aside for 15–20 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Heat the Pan: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Working in batches if necessary, quickly stir-fry the beef for 1–2 minutes until just browned but still tender. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
- Cook the Onions: In the same pan, add the sliced onions and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they begin to caramelize and turn golden and soft.
- Add Garlic and Combine: Add the minced garlic to the onions and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the cooked beef to the pan. Pour in the remaining tablespoon soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Stir everything together until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and onions.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish the finished stir fry with sliced green onions and serve hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Marinating the beef ensures it stays tender and flavorful.
- To adjust the sauce thickness, vary the amount of cornstarch slurry used.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes or grated ginger for extra spice and depth of flavor.
- Thinly slicing the beef against the grain is key for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
