Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry Recipe

Craving a quick, savory, and satisfying dish that’s full of flavor? This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a classic dish that combines tender strips of beef with sweet, caramelized onions in a delicious soy-based sauce. This stir-fry comes together in minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or quick meal when you’re short on time but still want something tasty and filling.

Ready to try your hand at this simple and delicious stir-fry? Let’s get started!

What is Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry?

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine where thin slices of marinated beef are stir-fried with onions and a flavorful sauce. The beef is typically marinated with soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings to make it tender and full of flavor. The onions are cooked until soft and slightly caramelized, which adds sweetness and complements the beef perfectly. This dish is often served with steamed rice, making it a well-balanced and satisfying meal.

this Recipe

Ingredients List for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry

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

For the Beef Marinade:

• 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil for stir-frying)
• 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 bell pepper (thinly sliced, optional for color and flavor)
• 2 green onions (cut into 2-inch pieces, optional for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (for color, optional)
• ¼ cup water or beef broth
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening, optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• Sliced mushrooms (for extra umami)
• Snow peas or broccoli (for added crunch and color)
• Chili flakes or fresh chili (for a spicy kick)

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable, and you can make adjustments to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

1. Beef Cuts: You can use other cuts of beef such as ribeye, skirt steak, or even tenderloin. Just be sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
2. Vegetable Substitutes: If you prefer, you can add other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bok choy to the stir-fry. Mushrooms, snow peas, and broccoli also work great with this recipe.
3. Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Make sure to check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well.
4. Marinade Alternatives: If you don't have Shaoxing wine, you can use dry sherry or even a little rice vinegar. For a sweeter marinade, add a touch of honey or hoisin sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), cornstarch, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, and grated ginger (if using). Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let the beef marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. For deeper flavor, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

While the beef is marinating, slice the onions and any additional vegetables you're using (such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or green onions). Set them aside so they’re ready to go when you start stir-frying.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Stir-fry the beef for 1-2 minutes, just until it’s browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside on a plate. It will finish cooking when combined with the onions later.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Onions and Vegetables

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and caramelize. If you're using bell peppers, mushrooms, or other vegetables, add them at this stage and stir-fry until they are tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Add the Sauce

Once the onions are soft and fragrant, return the beef to the pan. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and dark soy sauce (if using). Stir to combine. Add ¼ cup of water or beef broth to create a little sauce.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to form a slurry and pour it into the pan. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef and vegetables.

Step 6: Season and Finish

Taste the stir-fry and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You can also add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like it spicy. Garnish with green onions for extra flavor and color, if desired.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds for a finishing touch.

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

Cooking a great stir-fry comes down to a few key tips:

1. Marinate the Beef Properly: The marinade not only flavors the beef but also helps tenderize it. The cornstarch and soy sauce create a light coating that keeps the beef tender and juicy during cooking.
2. High Heat for Stir-Frying: Stir-frying should be done over high heat. This allows the meat and vegetables to cook quickly while retaining their texture and flavor.
3. Work Quickly: Stir-frying is a fast process, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If the pan is too crowded, the beef and vegetables will steam instead of stir-frying. Cook the beef in batches if needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Beef: Since beef is sliced thin, it cooks quickly. Overcooking can make it tough. Sear the beef quickly over high heat, then remove it from the pan and finish cooking it later with the vegetables.
2. Not Prepping Ingredients in Advance: Stir-frying happens quickly, so it’s important to have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to add to the pan before you start cooking.
3. Using Too Much Sauce: A good stir-fry should be coated in a light sauce, not swimming in it. Adding too much liquid can make the dish soggy. Stick to the recommended amounts, and thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry if needed.
4. Skipping the Marinade: Don’t skip marinating the beef. It adds flavor and helps tenderize the meat, making a big difference in the final dish.

Serving and Presentation Tips

A well-presented dish not only tastes better but looks more appetizing. Here’s how to present your stir-fry:

How to Serve Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry

Serve this dish hot with steamed jasmine rice or noodles like chow mein or rice noodles. You can also pair it with stir-fried vegetables or a light soup for a complete Chinese meal.

Presentation Ideas for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry

1. Garnish with Green Onions: Add freshly sliced green onions or cilantro over the top for a bright, fresh flavor and a pop of color.
2. Use a Wok: If you have a wok, serve the stir-fry straight from the wok to the table for an authentic presentation.
3. Sprinkle Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nice crunch and a subtle nutty flavor. Sprinkle them over the finished stir-fry for added texture.

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry Recipe Tips

1. Use the Right Cut of Beef: Thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak works best for this recipe because they are tender and cook quickly. Slicing the beef against the grain also helps keep it tender.
2. Cut Uniform Vegetables: Make sure all your vegetables are cut to a similar size to ensure even cooking.
3. Reheat Gently: If you have leftovers, reheat the stir-fry gently in a pan over medium heat to maintain the beef’s tenderness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can marinate the beef up to 24 hours in advance. You can also slice the vegetables and prepare the sauce ingredients ahead of time, then quickly cook everything when you're ready to eat.

Q: What type of beef should I use?
A: Sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye are great choices for this dish. These cuts are tender and cook quickly, which is ideal for stir-frying.

Q: Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, or snap peas to the stir-fry for extra texture and flavor.

Q: How do I prevent the beef from getting tough?
A: To keep the beef tender, slice it thinly against the grain and marinate it for at least 20 minutes. Cook it quickly over high heat, and avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. With tender beef, sweet onions, and a savory sauce, it’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you want to impress with something delicious but easy to prepare. Serve it with rice or noodles, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this classic Chinese stir-fry.

Try this recipe for your next meal, and share it with friends and family. They’ll love the bold flavors and tender beef! Happy cooking!

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