Chinese Beef And Onion Stir-fry Recipe

If you're looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal, this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is the perfect choice! Tender slices of beef are marinated in a savory sauce, then stir-fried with sweet, caramelized onions. The flavors are simple yet bold, with a perfect balance of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness. This classic Chinese stir-fry is ready in under 30 minutes and pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Let’s dive into this easy and flavorful recipe!

this Recipe

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What is Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry?

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a popular Chinese dish made with thinly sliced beef, onions, and a savory sauce made from soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of sugar. The beef is usually marinated to tenderize and infuse it with flavor, then quickly stir-fried in a hot wok along with onions that caramelize and add sweetness to the dish. This stir-fry is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and is typically served with steamed white rice or noodles.

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Ingredients List for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry

Here’s what you’ll need to make Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry:

For the Beef Marinade:

• 1 pound beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced: Flank steak is ideal, but sirloin or ribeye works too.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds salty, umami flavor.
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a rich, savory flavor.
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps tenderize the beef and thickens the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): Adds depth to the marinade.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the saltiness and enhances the beef’s flavor.
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil: For a hint of nuttiness.
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced: Adds warmth and flavor.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: For aromatic flavor.

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced: Yellow or white onions work well, providing sweetness and crunch.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For stir-frying.
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce: For seasoning the onions during the stir-fry.
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: For the stir-fry sauce.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: To help caramelize the onions.
• ¼ cup water or beef broth: To create a flavorful sauce.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce): Mixed with 1 tablespoon water to create a cornstarch slurry.
• 2 green onions, chopped: For garnish and added flavor.
• Sesame seeds (optional): For garnish.

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Ingredients List for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry (Optional Add-ins)

Feel free to customize your stir-fry with these optional ingredients:

• Sliced bell peppers: Add color and crunch.
• Mushrooms: For an earthy flavor and additional texture.
• Bok choy or spinach: Adds a healthy green element to the dish.
• Red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili: For a bit of heat.

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Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure the oyster sauce is gluten-free.
• Beef alternatives: Chicken, pork, or tofu can be used in place of beef for a different protein option.
• No Shaoxing wine?: Use dry sherry or mirin as a substitute, or leave it out if preferred.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into how to prepare this quick and delicious Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

1. Prepare the beef: Thinly slice the beef against the grain into bite-sized strips. This helps ensure tenderness when stir-fried.
2. Mix the marinade: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir well.
3. Marinate the beef: Add the sliced beef to the marinade and mix until all pieces are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15-30 minutes, or up to 1 hour for more flavor.

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Beef and Onions

1. Heat the oil: In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef in a single layer, spreading it out in the pan. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned and almost cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
2. Cook the onions: In the same wok, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and caramelize. You can add a pinch of sugar at this stage to help with caramelization.
3. Add the sauce: Once the onions are softened and slightly golden, return the beef to the wok. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar to the pan. Stir to coat the beef and onions in the sauce.
4. Add liquid: Pour in ¼ cup of water or beef broth to create a light sauce. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce and cook until it thickens.
5. Finish the dish: Stir everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the beef to fully cook and absorb the flavors. Toss in the chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using) just before serving.

Step 3: Serve

1. Plate the stir-fry: Serve the beef and onion stir-fry hot over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles.
2. Garnish and enjoy: Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Enjoy your quick and flavorful Chinese stir-fry!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the beef: Thinly sliced beef cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it, as it can become tough and chewy. Sear the beef just until browned, then set it aside while you cook the onions.
• Not using high heat: Stir-frying is meant to be done quickly at high heat. Make sure your pan is hot enough to sear the beef and caramelize the onions without steaming them.
• Not slicing the beef properly: Always slice the beef against the grain to ensure it stays tender when cooked.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Stir-fries are quick, casual dishes, but they can still look beautiful when served with a few simple touches.

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How to Serve Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry

• Serve with rice: Serve the stir-fry over a bed of steamed white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• With noodles: You can also serve this stir-fry with noodles such as lo mein or rice noodles.
• Side dish: Pair it with simple side dishes like steamed broccoli, bok choy, or a cucumber salad to round out the meal.
• Add a fried egg: Top the stir-fry with a fried or poached egg for an extra layer of richness.

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Presentation Ideas for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry

• Garnish with sesame seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added texture and visual appeal.
• Use a large platter: Serve the stir-fry on a large platter family-style, with rice or noodles on the side.
• Add colorful veggies: If you add red bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the dish, their bright colors will make the stir-fry even more appetizing.

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Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry Recipe Tips

• Prep ahead: To save time, slice the beef and marinate it up to 24 hours in advance. You can also prep the onions and other veggies ahead of time.
• Double the recipe: This recipe is easy to double if you’re feeding a larger group. Just make sure to cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Reheat leftovers: Leftovers reheat beautifully! Simply warm the stir-fry in a hot pan with a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use pre-sliced beef for stir-fry? Yes! Many grocery stores sell pre-sliced beef labeled as "stir-fry beef." This can save time, but make sure to still marinate it for flavor and tenderness.
2. What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine? If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, you can substitute dry sherry or omit it. The wine adds depth of flavor, but the dish will still be delicious without it.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes! To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot pan or microwave, adding a little water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
5. What other vegetables can I add? This stir-fry is versatile! Try adding bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots for extra texture and flavor.

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Conclusion

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor. The tender beef, sweet onions, and savory sauce come together in perfect harmony, making it a fantastic dish for busy weeknights or whenever you're craving a takeout-style meal at home. Serve it over rice or noodles and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a beautifully presented, restaurant-quality dish. So fire up your wok or skillet and enjoy this tasty stir-fry tonight!

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