Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful dish featuring tender beef and aromatic onions cooked in a savory sauce. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice, ideal for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 large onion, sliced into thin strips
- 1 red bell pepper (optional), sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef:
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain into strips. This helps ensure the beef stays tender while cooking.
- Season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Make the Stir Fry Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and beef broth (or water). Set aside.
3. Cook the Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced beef to the pan in a single layer. Let it sear for 1-2 minutes before stirring, allowing it to brown slightly.
- Once the beef is nearly cooked through (about 4-5 minutes), remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Stir Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the sliced onions (and bell pepper, if using), cooking for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but still have a slight crunch.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Combine the Beef and Sauce:
- Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Pour the prepared stir fry sauce over the beef and onions. Stir to coat everything evenly.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- If the sauce isn’t thick enough, add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the pan, stirring to combine. Cook for another minute until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
6. Serve:
- Serve the Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry hot, with steamed rice or noodles if desired.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture (optional).
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a side of sautéed vegetables like bok choy or snap peas for a complete meal.
- Add a drizzle of sesame oil over the finished dish for a nutty aroma.
Enjoy this savory and satisfying Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry!