Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry!

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry

This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines tender strips of beef with sweet and savory onions, all coated in a delicious stir-fry sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, and it pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.

Ingredients:

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 lb (450 g) flank steak, sirloin, or rib-eye, thinly sliced against the grain

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced (yellow or white onion works best)

• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional but recommended for extra flavor)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or sesame oil)

• 2-3 green onions (scallions), chopped (optional, for garnish)

• 1-2 teaspoons sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

For the Stir Fry Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey)

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)

• 1/2 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha (optional, for a little heat)

• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • Slice the beef into thin strips (about 1/4-inch thick) against the grain. This helps to make the beef more tender. You can freeze the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut thin slices.

2. Make the Stir Fry Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, cornstarch, chili paste (if using), and water. Set the sauce aside.

3. Cook the Beef:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (or sesame oil) in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.

   • Add the beef strips in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is just browned but not overcooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

4. Cook the Onions and Aromatics:

   • In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the sliced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.

   • Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Combine Everything:

   • Return the beef to the pan with the onions. Pour the stir fry sauce over the beef and onions, and toss to coat everything evenly.

   • Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and the beef is coated with the sauce.

6. Serve:

   • Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

   • Serve immediately with steamed white rice or noodles.

Q&A

Q: Can I use a different type of beef?

• A: Yes, you can use any tender cut of beef, such as sirloin, rib-eye, or even skirt steak. Just be sure to slice it thinly against the grain for the best texture. For a leaner option, you could also use chicken breast or pork tenderloin.

Q: Can I make this dish spicy?

• A: Absolutely! Add chili paste, sriracha, or fresh chopped chilies to the sauce. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce when serving for extra heat.

Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?

• A: To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce) instead of regular soy sauce. Double-check the oyster sauce and hoisin sauce for any gluten-containing ingredients or use gluten-free versions of these sauces.

Q: Can I add more vegetables to the stir fry?

• A: Yes, this stir fry is very versatile! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, snow peas, or broccoli. Just make sure to slice them thinly to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.

Q: What kind of rice should I serve with this?

• A: This stir fry pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You could also serve it over noodles, like chow mein or rice noodles, for a different take.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• A: Stir fry dishes are best when fresh, but you can prep the ingredients (slice the beef, chop the vegetables, make the sauce) ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and cook the stir fry just before serving.

Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?

• A: You can substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option. Make sure to press and cube the tofu before stir-frying it, and use vegetable broth or extra soy sauce in place of oyster sauce.