Are you craving a savory, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? Look no further! Our Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry recipe is a classic dish that balances tender slices of beef, caramelized onions, and savory sauces to create a meal that's perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Whether you're new to Chinese cooking or a seasoned pro, this guide will take you step-by-step through the process. Read on to discover how you can create this delectable stir-fry at home and elevate your weeknight meals!
What is a “Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry”?
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, known for its simplicity and rich flavors. Tender beef strips are stir-fried with sweet onions, garlic, and soy sauce, creating a delicious and savory dish. Often served with rice or noodles, this recipe is both versatile and customizable, making it a go-to for families and busy professionals alike. It’s easy to whip up in under 30 minutes, and you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. The combination of juicy beef, fragrant onions, and a savory sauce makes this dish irresistible. Let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions to get started.
Ingredients List for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry
To make the perfect Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry, gather the following ingredients. These will create a flavorful and well-balanced dish:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak (thinly sliced)
- 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for coating the beef)
- ½ teaspoon sugar (to balance the flavors)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for stir-frying)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or peanut oil, for cooking)
- ¼ cup beef broth or water (optional, for more sauce)
- ½ teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
- 1 bunch green onions (cut into 2-inch pieces for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Ingredients List for Marinade
Marinating the beef is key to achieving that tender texture and deep flavor in this stir-fry. Here's what you'll need for the marinade:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (to help tenderize the meat)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
Substitutions and Variations
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry is a highly versatile dish, and you can make substitutions based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
- Beef substitutions: If you don’t have flank steak or sirloin, you can use other cuts like ribeye, skirt steak, or even ground beef. You can also use chicken, pork, or tofu for a non-beef version.
- Onion variations: While yellow or white onions are traditionally used, feel free to substitute red onions or shallots for a slightly different flavor.
- Sauce adjustments: Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or spiciness by tweaking the soy sauce, sugar, or adding chili flakes.
- Vegetable additions: Include other veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli to make the dish more filling and nutritious.
- Gluten-free version: Opt for tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and ensure your hoisin and oyster sauces are gluten-free as well.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients and substitutions ready, let’s walk through the steps to cook this delicious stir-fry:
- Slice the beef: Thinly slice the beef across the grain for tenderness. Place the slices in a bowl and set aside.
- Marinate the beef: In the bowl with the beef, add soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper. Mix well, ensuring all the beef slices are coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Prep the vegetables: While the beef marinates, thinly slice the onion, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and cut the green onions into 2-inch pieces.
- Heat the wok: Heat your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and heat until shimmering.
- Stir-fry the beef: Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef slices in batches. Stir-fry quickly for 1-2 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside.
- Cook the onions and aromatics: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok, then toss in the sliced onions. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and caramelize. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine everything: Return the beef to the wok, then pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, Shaoxing wine, and optional beef broth. Stir-fry everything together for 2-3 minutes until the beef is fully cooked, and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Finish and garnish: Drizzle with sesame oil, toss in the green onions, and give the dish a final stir. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Serve your Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles for a hearty, satisfying meal.
How to Cook Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the ingredients: Marinate the beef and chop the vegetables.
- Heat the wok: Make sure the oil is hot before stir-frying.
- Cook the beef in batches: To avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
- Stir-fry the onions: Let them soften and caramelize for added flavor.
- Finish with sauce and garnish: Add the sauce, combine well, and finish with a sprinkle of green onions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the wok: Cooking too much at once lowers the temperature, resulting in steaming rather than stir-frying. Cook in batches for best results.
- Not slicing beef thinly enough: Thick slices of beef take longer to cook and can become chewy. Always slice thinly against the grain.
- Skipping the marinade: Marinating adds flavor and helps tenderize the beef, so don't skip this step.
- Using too much sauce: Too much sauce can make the stir-fry soggy. Stick to the recipe measurements for a balanced dish.
- Overcooking the vegetables: Stir-fry the onions just until they start to caramelize, so they maintain some crunch and sweetness.
Serving and Presentation Tips
A beautifully presented stir-fry can elevate your meal. Here are some tips for serving and presentation:
- Serve with a side of rice or noodles: The beef and onion stir-fry pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles.
- Garnish generously: Add fresh green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil for an extra touch of color and flavor.
- Use a decorative platter: Serve your stir-fry on a large decorative platter or shallow bowl for a restaurant-style presentation.
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry
- Over steamed rice: This classic pairing lets the savory flavors of the beef and onion shine.
- With noodles: Toss with lo mein or egg noodles for a filling dish.
- On a bed of veggies: For a low-carb option, serve the stir-fry over sautéed greens or cauliflower rice.
Presentation Ideas for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry
- Family-style: Serve in a large bowl or platter in the center of the table, allowing guests to serve themselves.
- Individual bowls: Plate the stir-fry over rice in individual bowls for a clean, modern look.
- Add color: Garnish with finely chopped red chili or cilantro for a pop of color.
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry Recipe Tips
- Thinly slice the beef for tenderness: Freezing the beef for 15-20 minutes before slicing can make it easier to get those thin slices.
- Preheat your wok: A hot wok ensures a quick sear and helps maintain the texture of the ingredients.
- Cook in batches: Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying, so cook the beef in small batches.
- Add a splash of water or broth: If the stir-fry looks too dry, a splash of broth will help create a saucier consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Chicken, pork, or even tofu can work well in place of beef.
Is there a gluten-free option?
You can use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your oyster and hoisin sauces are gluten-free to adapt the recipe.
How can I make the stir-fry spicier?
Add chili flakes, fresh chilies, or a dash of chili oil to amp up the heat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and marinate it ahead of time, then store it in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat the stir-fry in a hot skillet with a splash of water or broth to bring back the saucy texture without overcooking the beef.
Conclusion
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry is a delicious, quick, and customizable dish that's perfect for any weeknight dinner. With its tender beef, caramelized onions, and savory sauces, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home. The key is in the preparation—marinating the beef and cooking in batches will help you achieve the perfect stir-fry texture. Whether you’re serving it with rice, noodles, or veggies, you’ll love how easy and flavorful this dish is. Give it a try today, and bring the taste of Chinese cuisine right into your kitchen!
PrintChinese Beef And Onion Stir-fry Recipe
This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry is a flavorful and easy dish featuring tender beef slices, crisp onions, and a delicious sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this stir-fry comes together quickly using simple ingredients and is served best over rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Beef (thinly sliced)
- Onion (sliced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Water
- Oil (for stir-frying)
- Green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Heat oil in a pan and stir-fry the beef until browned, then remove and set aside.
- Stir-fry onions and garlic until softened.
- Return the beef to the pan and mix with onions, adding water to create a sauce.
- Simmer for a few minutes until the beef is cooked through and sauce thickens.
- Garnish with green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
For a deeper flavor, marinate the beef for at least 15 minutes. Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
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