Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a quick and delicious dish that combines tender beef with savory soy and oyster sauces, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of onions. This stir-fry is a fantastic option for a fast weeknight dinner, and it’s packed with flavor from just a few simple ingredients. With its rich umami taste and satisfying texture, this dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice and is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb beef, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Directions

1. In a bowl, marinate the beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan or wok over high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
4. Add the marinated beef to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
5. Add the sliced onions to the pan and stir-fry for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the onions have softened and caramelized slightly.
6. Serve the stir-fry hot, ideally with steamed rice.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

1. Add Vegetables: You can easily add other vegetables to the stir-fry, such as bell peppers, snow peas, or bok choy for added crunch and color.
2. Spicy Version: Add sliced chili peppers or a drizzle of chili oil to give the dish a spicy kick.
3. Use Different Meat: This recipe works well with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time for different proteins.
4. Add Ginger: Incorporating some fresh grated ginger with the garlic can enhance the flavor with a bit of extra zing.
5. Sesame Oil: For a deeper, toasted flavor, try adding a few drops of sesame oil at the end of cooking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Although stir-fries can be frozen, the texture of the vegetables might change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Reheat the stir-fry in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

10 FAQs

1. What cut of beef is best for stir-fry?
   For stir-fry, use a tender cut of beef such as flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye. These cuts are easy to slice thinly and cook quickly.
2. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
   Yes, low-sodium soy sauce works fine in this recipe if you prefer to control the salt content.
3. How can I make the beef more tender?
   Marinating the beef for 30 minutes helps tenderize it. You can also add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the marinade to help create a velvety texture.
4. Can I use other sauces instead of oyster sauce?
   If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce as a substitute, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
5. What should I serve this dish with?
   Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is best served with steamed rice or noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
6. Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use frozen beef, but make sure it is fully thawed and drained of excess water before marinating and cooking.
7. How can I add more flavor to the sauce?
   For additional depth, you can add a tablespoon of soy sauce or a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce mixture.
8. Can I make this ahead of time?
   You can prepare the marinade and slice the beef in advance to save time. However, it’s best to cook the dish fresh for the best flavor and texture.
9. Can I make this dish spicier?
   Absolutely! You can add chili peppers, sriracha sauce, or even a pinch of chili flakes to spice things up.
10. Can I use a different type of oil?
    While vegetable oil works well, you can use canola oil or peanut oil for stir-frying, as they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor.

Conclusion

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a fast and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a quick lunch. With its savory sauce, tender beef, and sweet caramelized onions, this stir-fry offers an ideal balance of flavors. Customizable with additional vegetables or spice, it’s a versatile recipe that can be adjusted to suit your preferences. Pair it with rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare.

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