Chinese Beef And Onion Stir-fry Recipe

This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or when you're craving something savory and comforting. Tender slices of beef are marinated in a savory sauce and stir-fried with caramelized onions, creating a delicious combination that’s simple but packed with flavor. Best of all, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a fast, homemade meal. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying dinner.

Let’s dive into the steps to make this delicious Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry recipe!

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What is Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry?

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry is a classic dish made with tender slices of beef and onions stir-fried in a savory sauce. The beef is typically marinated in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and aromatics, giving it a deep, rich flavor. The onions are stir-fried until soft and slightly caramelized, creating a sweet, savory contrast with the beef. It’s a quick, one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights and is commonly served over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

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Ingredients List for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry

For the beef and marinade:

• 1 lb beef sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the stir-fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
• 1 large onion, sliced into thin wedges
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated or finely minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thinning the sauce)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1-2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

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Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand:

• Beef substitutes: You can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or tofu for a different protein option.
• Gluten-free option: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and make sure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
• Vegetables: Add bell peppers, snow peas, mushrooms, or broccoli to the stir-fry for extra texture and flavor.
• Spicy version: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or Sriracha to the stir-fry sauce for a spicy kick.
• Different oils: Use peanut oil or avocado oil for stir-frying if you prefer these over vegetable oil.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the beef
In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, sugar, and sesame oil. Mix well, making sure all the beef slices are coated in the marinade. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator for more flavor.

2. Prepare the vegetables and aromatics
While the beef is marinating, slice the onion into thin wedges and mince the garlic and ginger. Set aside.

3. Heat the oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until the beef is browned and almost cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan—if needed, cook the beef in batches to ensure even browning. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

4. Stir-fry the onions and aromatics
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and caramelize. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Add the sauce
Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the onions. Stir in 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of water (if needed to thin the sauce). Toss everything together to coat the beef and onions evenly in the sauce. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and the beef is cooked through.

6. Garnish and serve
Remove the stir-fry from the heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

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

This quick guide will help you achieve the best results with your stir-fry:

1. Thinly slice the beef: Slicing the beef thinly against the grain ensures it remains tender after cooking.
2. Marinate for flavor: Marinating the beef allows it to absorb the flavors of the sauce, making it more flavorful and tender.
3. Stir-fry in batches: If needed, stir-fry the beef in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan, which can cause the beef to steam instead of sear.
4. Cook onions until soft: Let the onions cook long enough to develop a sweet, caramelized flavor, which adds depth to the dish.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the pan: Stir-frying too much beef at once will cause it to steam rather than sear. Work in batches if necessary to get a good browning on the meat.
• Undercooking the onions: Make sure the onions are cooked until they soften and caramelize slightly to develop their natural sweetness.
• Skipping the marinade: Marinating the beef is key to ensuring that it’s flavorful and tender. Don’t skip this step, even if you only marinate for a short time.
• Overcooking the beef: Thinly sliced beef cooks very quickly, so keep an eye on it and avoid overcooking to maintain tenderness.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are a few ways to make your Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry look as good as it tastes:

1. Serve over rice: This stir-fry pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice. You can also serve it with noodles like lo mein or rice noodles for a different twist.
2. Garnish with green onions: A sprinkle of freshly sliced green onions adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
3. Top with sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a touch of crunch, enhancing the texture of the stir-fry.

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How to Serve Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry

This stir-fry is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to complete the meal:

• With rice or noodles: Serve the beef and onion stir-fry over a bed of steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles for a hearty meal.
• With stir-fried veggies: Pair this dish with stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or bell peppers for a well-rounded meal.
• As a lettuce wrap: Serve the stir-fry in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
• With egg rolls or spring rolls: Serve alongside crispy egg rolls or spring rolls for a complete takeout-style dinner.

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Presentation Ideas for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry

Elevate the presentation of your stir-fry with these ideas:

• Serve in a shallow bowl: A shallow bowl or serving dish allows you to display the beef and onions beautifully with the sauce drizzling over the rice or noodles.
• Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped scallions for a burst of color and flavor.
• Top with toasted sesame seeds: A light sprinkle of sesame seeds adds texture and a visually appealing finishing touch.

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Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry Recipe Tips

• Prep all ingredients in advance: Stir-frying happens quickly, so make sure all your ingredients (beef, onions, garlic, and sauce) are prepped and ready before you start cooking.
• Use a hot pan: Stir-fry over high heat to sear the beef and give the onions a nice caramelization. A hot pan ensures that the food cooks quickly without becoming soggy.
• Adjust the sauce to taste: If you like a sweeter sauce, add a pinch of sugar or hoisin sauce. For extra umami, add a splash of soy sauce or oyster sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the stir-fry fresh for optimal flavor and texture. The cooked beef and onions can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
2. Can I use frozen beef?
   Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it should be fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking. Slice the beef while it’s still slightly firm for easier cutting.
3. What’s the best cut of beef for stir-fry?
   Tender cuts like sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye work best for stir-frying because they cook quickly and remain tender.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, simply substitute the soy sauce and oyster sauce with gluten-free alternatives, such as tamari or coconut aminos.
5. How can I make the dish spicier?
   Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce, Sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes to the stir-fry for some extra heat.

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Conclusion

This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry is the perfect combination of tender beef, caramelized onions, and a savory sauce. It’s an easy, flavorful, and quick dish that you can whip up in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles, and garnish with fresh herbs and sesame seeds for a beautiful and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a fan of takeout-style dinners or just looking for a tasty, homemade stir-fry, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

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