Chinese Beef And Onion Stir-fry Recipe

Sizzling Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry Recipe for Tonight

My kitchen adventures recently discovered a mouthwatering Chinese beef and onion stir-fry that delivers incredible flavor in mere minutes.

Savory slices of tender meat dance with caramelized onion rings in a wok of pure delight.

Bold seasonings create a remarkable depth that makes ordinary dinners extraordinary.

Restaurant-quality dishes emerge quickly when you master this simple technique.

Tender beef cuts work best for maximum succulence and quick cooking.

Minimal ingredients maximize maximum taste, ensuring a satisfying meal without complicated preparations.

Rush to your kitchen and start slicing – deliciousness awaits you.

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  • No-Bake Wonder: Skip the oven and enjoy a stress-free dessert preparation that keeps your kitchen cool and your energy high, perfect for busy home cooks.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust quantities to suit dietary needs or personal preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for different tastes and occasions.

Ingredients Needed for Chinese Beef And Onion Stir-fry

For the Proteins:
  • Beef Slices: Tender meat cuts that will be the star protein of this stir-fry dish.
For the Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Fragrant ingredients that provide deep, sharp flavor to the dish.
  • Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Salty and umami-rich sauces that enhance the beef's flavor and add complexity.
  • Sugar: Balances the savory flavors and helps create a slight caramelization.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that adjust and round out the overall taste profile.
  • Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the beef and thicken the sauce for a glossy finish.
For the Additional Ingredients:
  • Onions: Sweet and crisp vegetable that adds texture and mild pungent flavor to the stir-fry.
  • Green Onions: Fresh garnish that provides a light, sharp accent and bright color.
  • Water: Creates the sauce and helps blend the flavors together.
  • Cooking Oil: Provides the medium for high-heat cooking and prevents sticking.

How to Prepare Chinese Beef And Onion Stir-fry

Step 1: Marinate The Beef

In a mixing bowl, combine beef slices with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sugar. Let the meat soak up these delicious flavors for 15 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Prepare The Cooking Surface

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add minced garlic and ginger.

Stir these aromatic ingredients quickly until they release their fragrant scent.

Step 3: Cook The Beef

Transfer marinated beef into the hot pan.

Stir-fry the meat for 2-3 minutes, moving it constantly to ensure even browning. The goal is to create a beautiful golden color on each slice.

Step 4: Add Onions

Introduce sliced onions into the pan with the beef. Continue stirring and tossing the ingredients together, allowing the onions to become soft and slightly translucent.

Step 5: Create The Sauce

Pour in water and let the mixture simmer. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

Season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.

Step 6: Finish And Serve

Optional: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for an extra burst of freshness.

Serve the stir-fry immediately alongside steamed white rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips for Chinese Beef And Onion Stir-fry Success

  • Marinate beef for at least 15 minutes to ensure deep, rich flavor absorption and tenderize the meat.
  • Use high heat when stir-frying to achieve that classic wok-seared taste and prevent meat from becoming tough.
  • Cut onions into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Select a well-marbled cut like flank or sirloin steak for maximum tenderness and juiciness in your stir-fry.
  • Prepare all ingredients before cooking to maintain the quick-cooking nature of stir-fry and prevent burning.

Alternative Takes on Chinese Beef And Onion Stir-fry

  • Spicy Sichuan Beef Stir-fry: Add Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil for a fiery kick, transforming the classic recipe into a bold, tongue-tingling experience.
  • Ginger-Garlic Beef Medley: Increase ginger and garlic quantities, creating a more aromatic and deeply flavored dish that highlights these key ingredients.
  • Vegetable-Packed Beef Fusion: Incorporate bell peppers, mushrooms, and snap peas to boost nutrition and add colorful texture to the original stir-fry.
  • Black Pepper Beef Blast: Replace salt with freshly ground black pepper and add a splash of rice wine for a robust, zesty version of the classic recipe.

Serving Suggestions for Chinese Beef And Onion Stir-fry

  • Family Dinner Night Delight: Serve this sizzling stir-fry as the star of your weekly family meal, creating memories around the dinner table with its rich, savory flavors.
  • Quick Lunch Powerhouse: Pack this beef and onion stir-fry in a thermos for a hearty, protein-packed lunch that'll keep you energized through the afternoon.
  • Asian-Inspired Taco Night: Wrap the tender beef and caramelized onions in warm tortillas, topped with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a fusion twist that'll surprise your taste buds.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Prepare a large batch of this stir-fry to portion out for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week, ensuring delicious and quick nutrition at your fingertips.

Storage Tips for Chinese Beef And Onion Stir-fry

  • Store leftover beef and onion stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
  • Transfer cooled stir-fry to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with the date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
  • Warm refrigerated stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Microwave is also an option, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Prepare the marinated beef and chopped vegetables separately in advance.

FAQs

  • Why should I marinate the beef?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat, infuse flavor, and create a more delicious and juicy result. The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sugar helps break down muscle fibers and adds depth to the beef’s taste.

  • Can I use different cuts of beef?

Yes, you can use various beef cuts like sirloin, flank steak, or tenderloin. Just ensure the meat is sliced thinly against the grain for the most tender and easy-to-eat stir-fry.

  • What's the key to perfect stir-frying?

High heat and quick cooking are crucial. Use a wok or large pan, keep ingredients moving constantly, and cook in small batches to ensure even browning and prevent steaming instead of frying.

  • How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?
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Chinese Beef And Onion Stir-fry Recipe

Chinese Beef And Onion Stir-fry Recipe


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4.7 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling woks bring Chinese beef and onion stir-fry to life with bold flavors from traditional Sichuan cooking techniques. Tender slices of marinated beef mingle with caramelized onions, delivering a perfect balance of savory and sweet that will satisfy you completely.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) oyster sauce
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) oil (for frying)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Combine beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sugar in a mixing bowl, allowing flavors to meld for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Warm cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until it shimmers and becomes glossy.
  3. Introduce minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil, quickly stirring to release their aromatic essence without burning.
  4. Carefully transfer marinated beef into the pan, spreading pieces evenly to ensure rapid caramelization, cooking for 2-3 minutes until edges turn golden brown.
  5. Incorporate sliced onions into the beef, continuously tossing to prevent sticking and promote even cooking until onions become translucent and slightly softened.
  6. Splash water into the pan, allowing the liquid to create a light, glossy sauce that coats the meat and onions, simmering for an additional 2 minutes.
  7. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
  8. Transfer the sizzling stir-fry to a serving platter, scattering freshly chopped green onions on top for a vibrant garnish.
  9. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice, ensuring the dish remains piping hot and full of robust flavors.

Notes

  • Boost flavor by using dark soy sauce for deeper color and richer taste in the marinade.
  • Cut beef against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
  • Prepare all ingredients before cooking to maintain high heat and prevent burning during stir-frying.
  • Swap beef with chicken or tofu for dietary variations like lower-fat or vegetarian options.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 290 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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