Here’s a simple and delicious stir-fry with beef and onion recipe that’s quick, savory, and full of flavor:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef (flank steak, sirloin, or any tender cut), thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra umami, use a vegan version if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for stir-frying)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (yellow or red onion works)
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef:
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain into bite-sized strips. This helps ensure the beef stays tender while cooking.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Toss the beef slices in this marinade and let sit for about 10-15 minutes.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
- If using bell pepper, add it to the pan and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened but still crisp. If using ginger, add it now and stir-fry for another 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Cook the Beef:
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add a bit more oil if needed. Add the marinated beef to the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is cooked through and browned on the edges.
- Combine and Add Sauce:
- Once the beef is browned and cooked, stir everything together. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce (optional), and 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (optional) to the pan. Stir everything together to coat the beef and vegetables in the sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve the stir-fry hot over steamed rice, noodles, or just on its own for a light meal.
Tips:
- Add more vegetables: You can easily add other vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas to the stir-fry to make it even more colorful and nutritious.
- For more heat: If you like a little spice, add some red pepper flakes or a small sliced chili pepper along with the garlic.
- Quick marinade: For extra flavor, let the beef marinate in the soy sauce and vinegar mixture for up to 30 minutes, but even 10 minutes will make a difference.
This stir-fry is quick, flavorful, and a great weeknight meal option. Enjoy!