Sticky Beef with Caramelized Onions!

Sticky Beef with Caramelized Onions Recipe

This Sticky Beef with Caramelized Onions is a mouthwatering dish featuring tender beef cooked in a rich, sweet-savory sauce, paired with beautifully caramelized onions. The sauce has a deep umami flavor with a hint of sweetness, creating the perfect balance of tastes.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs beef sirloin or flank steak, cut into 1-inch strips (or use beef stew meat)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for searing)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 large onions, thinly sliced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated (optional, for extra depth)

• 1/3 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)

• 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)

• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken)

• 1/2 cup water (or beef broth, for a richer flavor)

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil (optional, for an added fragrance)

• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

   • Pat the beef strips dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Sear the Beef:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

   • Add the beef strips in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the beef for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and crispy on the edges. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

3. Caramelize the Onions:

   • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil.

   • Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, until the onions are soft and caramelized, and golden brown. Stir in the garlic and ginger (if using) for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.

4. Make the Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, and water (or broth). If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry and set it aside.

5. Combine Beef and Sauce:

   • Add the cooked beef back into the skillet with the caramelized onions. Pour the sauce over the beef and onions and bring to a simmer.

   • Let it cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky. If you’re using cornstarch, add the slurry during this step and cook until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

6. Finish the Dish:

   • Stir in the sesame oil (if using) for extra flavor and aroma. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more soy sauce or vinegar if needed.

7. Serve:

   • Serve the sticky beef with caramelized onions over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.

Q&A

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?

• Yes! While sirloin or flank steak works best because it’s tender and cooks quickly, you can use other cuts like skirt steak or even beef stew meat. Just keep in mind that tougher cuts will need longer cooking times to become tender.

Q: What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

• You can substitute rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or even balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the sweetness if needed.

Q: Can I make this dish spicier?

• Absolutely! You can add some crushed red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers when caramelizing the onions or mix in some sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for an extra kick.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• Yes! This dish keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge. In fact, the flavors may deepen after sitting for a while. Just reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

• Yes, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli. Stir them in after the onions have caramelized, and cook them until tender before adding the beef and sauce.

Q: Is this dish gluten-free?

• To make this dish gluten-free, use a gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari) and ensure that your cornstarch is gluten-free (most are, but it’s always good to double-check).

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

• Yes! You can substitute the beef with tofu, tempeh, or seitan for a vegetarian version. Make sure to press the tofu before cooking to remove excess moisture.