Delicious Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry Recipe | Quick and Flavorful

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a quick and delicious dish that combines tender beef, caramelized onions, and savory sauces, creating an irresistible meal perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend dinner with the family. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, combining a few ingredients that pack a punch in terms of flavor. If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and requires minimal time, this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is exactly what you need.

In this article, we will take you through a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this mouth-watering stir-fry with flank steak or sirloin beef, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and more. You’ll also learn helpful tips and variations, as well as how to serve it alongside your favorite side dishes. By the end of this post, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge you need to make this dish a regular in your dinner rotation. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a go-to dish for so many people. Here are just a few reasons why this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen:

• Quick and Easy to Make: This stir-fry comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights.
• Full of Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce gives the dish a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami.
• Versatile: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for more color and texture.
• Customizable Protein: While this recipe calls for flank steak or sirloin, you can easily swap these out for chicken, pork, or tofu for a different variation.

With these reasons in mind, let’s get into the details of how to make the best Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry.

Ingredients for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry

For the Beef Marinade:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For Stir-Frying:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (to balance the savory flavors)
• 2 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Cooked white rice, for serving

This combination of ingredients will create a stir-fry with perfectly cooked beef, sweet and savory onions, and a hint of umami from the sauces.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry

Now that we have the ingredients, let’s walk through the steps to create this mouth-watering dish.

1. Marinate the Beef

To ensure that the beef is flavorful and tender, we start by marinating it. In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin with the following ingredients:

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Cornstarch
• Shaoxing wine (if using)
• Sesame oil

Once all the ingredients are mixed in, let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes. This will allow the beef to absorb the flavors of the marinade and become more tender. If you’re short on time, you can marinate it for even less time, but the longer you let it sit, the more flavorful it will be.

2. Sear the Beef

Once your beef is marinated, it’s time to sear it. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef to the pan in a single layer. Be sure not to crowd the pan, as this will prevent the beef from searing properly.

Sear the beef for about 1–2 minutes per side, until it’s browned but not overcooked. You want it to stay tender and juicy. Once seared, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Onions

Now that your beef is seared, it’s time to stir-fry the onions. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes, until they start to soften and char slightly. The caramelization of the onions will add an extra layer of flavor to the dish.

Add the minced garlic and sugar to the skillet and stir for another 30 seconds. The sugar helps balance the savory flavors and adds a touch of sweetness that complements the onions.

4. Combine the Beef and Onions

Once the onions have softened and become fragrant, it’s time to combine the beef with the onions. Return the seared beef to the skillet and toss everything together. Stir the mixture for about 1 minute, ensuring that the beef and onions are well combined and heated through.

This is the final step before serving, so be sure to adjust the seasoning with extra soy sauce or hoisin sauce if needed, according to your taste preferences.

5. Serve

Once everything is combined and heated through, it’s time to serve your Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry. Garnish with chopped green onions for an extra touch of freshness and crunch. Serve the stir-fry hot over cooked white rice for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry

Here are some helpful tips to make sure your Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry comes out perfectly every time:

• Slice the Beef Thinly: To ensure the beef cooks quickly and remains tender, slice it thinly against the grain. This will help break down the muscle fibers and keep the beef soft.
• Use High Heat: Stir-frying is all about cooking quickly over high heat. Make sure your skillet or wok is preheated before adding the beef and vegetables.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the beef, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the beef in batches to achieve a perfect sear.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to the stir-fry for added texture and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir-fry?

Yes! While flank steak and sirloin are commonly used for stir-fries, you can substitute them with other cuts like skirt steak or ribeye. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly to keep it tender.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can replace the beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before stir-frying.

What can I serve with Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also add a side of stir-fried vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! To add some heat, you can incorporate chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh chili peppers into the stir-fry. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.

Conclusion

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a flavorful and easy dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving something savory and satisfying. The tender beef, sweet onions, and rich sauces come together in a harmonious way that will leave everyone at the dinner table asking for more. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking process, this recipe is ideal for both novice and experienced cooks alike.

By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can make this delicious stir-fry in under 30 minutes, giving you a satisfying and healthy meal in no time. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the wok, and enjoy this amazing dish with your loved ones!

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