🥡 Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry
🥢 What It Is:
Thinly sliced beef stir-fried with onions in a rich, soy-based sauce. It’s a classic Chinese takeout favorite, simple enough to make at home in under 30 minutes.
🧾 Ingredients:
For the Beef & Marinade:
-
1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
-
1 tbsp soy sauce
-
1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
-
1 tsp cornstarch
-
½ tsp baking soda (optional — for super tender beef)
-
1 tsp oil (to coat)
For the Stir-Fry:
-
1 large onion, sliced into wedges or half-moons
-
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1-inch piece of ginger, sliced or julienned
-
2 tbsp oil (for frying)
For the Sauce:
-
2 tbsp light soy sauce
-
1 tbsp oyster sauce
-
1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
-
1 tsp sugar
-
¼ cup beef broth or water
-
1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (slurry)
-
Black pepper to taste
👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
-
Mix sliced beef with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, baking soda (if using), and oil.
-
Let sit for 15–30 minutes.
2. Make the Sauce:
-
In a small bowl, mix all sauce ingredients except the cornstarch slurry.
-
Set aside.
3. Stir-Fry:
-
Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tbsp oil.
-
Sear the beef in batches for 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
-
In the same pan, add remaining oil. Sauté onion until soft and slightly caramelized (2–3 minutes).
-
Add garlic and ginger; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Combine:
-
Return beef to the pan.
-
Pour in the sauce mixture. Bring to a simmer.
-
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes, until thickened and glossy.
-
Season with black pepper and taste for salt.
🍚 Serve With:
-
Steamed jasmine rice or fried rice
-
Stir-fried bok choy or broccoli
-
A fried egg on top (optional but awesome)
🔁 Variations:
-
Add bell peppers or green onions for color and crunch.
-
Use chicken or tofu instead of beef for a twist.
-
Add a touch of sesame oil at the end for extra aroma.
Want a version without oyster sauce, or tips to make it low-sodium or gluten-free?