Beef & Onion Stir-Fry!

🥩 Beef & Onion Stir-Fry (Serves 2–3)

⏱ Time

• Prep: 15 minutes

• Cook: 10 minutes

• Total: ~25 minutes

🧾 Ingredients

Beef & Marinade

• 400 g (14 oz) beef sirloin, flank, or ribeye (thinly sliced against the grain)

• 1 tbsp soy sauce (light soy)

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp water

Vegetables

• 2 medium onions, sliced into wedges

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp ginger, minced (optional but recommended)

Stir-Fry Sauce

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

• ½ tsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)

• ¼ tsp white or black pepper

• 2 tbsp water or beef stock

Cooking

• 2 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable, peanut, or canola)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef

1. Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl.

2. Add beef and mix well.

3. Marinate for 10–15 minutes (no longer than 30 minutes).

2. Prepare the Sauce

• Mix all stir-fry sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.

3. Stir-Fry

1. Heat wok or pan over high heat until hot.

2. Add 1 tbsp oil.

3. Add beef in a single layer.

   • Sear for 30–40 seconds per side until just cooked.

   • Remove beef and set aside.

4. Add remaining oil.

5. Stir-fry onions for 1–2 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.

6. Add garlic and ginger; stir for 10 seconds.

7. Return beef to pan.

8. Pour in sauce and toss everything together.

9. Stir-fry 30–60 seconds until sauce coats the beef and thickens.

4. Serve

• Serve hot with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.

🍽 Tips for Best Results

• Slice beef thin and against the grain for tenderness.

• Keep heat high to avoid watery stir-fry.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook beef in batches if needed.

❓ Q & A

Q1: What’s the best cut of beef for stir-fry?

A: Sirloin, flank, ribeye, or skirt steak. They cook quickly and stay tender when sliced thin.

Q2: Why is my beef tough?

A:

• Beef sliced with the grain

• Overcooked beef

• Skipped cornstarch in marinade
  Cornstarch and quick cooking are key.

Q3: Can I make this without oyster sauce?

A: Yes. Substitute with:

• 1 tbsp soy sauce + ½ tsp sugar

• Or hoisin sauce (slightly sweeter)

Q4: Can I add vegetables?

A: Absolutely. Good additions:

• Bell peppers

• Snow peas

• Mushrooms

• Green onions

(Add them after onions.)

Q5: How do I make it spicy?

A:

• Add chili oil

• Fresh sliced chilies

• ½ tsp chili flakes or sambal oelek

Q6: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Best fresh, but you can:

• Marinate beef up to 24 hours ahead

• Reheat gently over medium heat

Q7: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce to make it fully gluten-free.

Q8: Why are my onions soggy?

A: Heat wasn’t high enough or onions cooked too long. They should stay slightly crisp.