Chinese Beef And Onion Stir-fry Recipe

If you're craving a simple, delicious Chinese dish packed with savory flavors, this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a fantastic option. Tender slices of beef are stir-fried with onions in a flavorful soy-based sauce, creating a quick and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality dish ready in minutes!

Let’s dive into this easy stir-fry recipe, along with ingredient substitutions, tips, and serving ideas.

What is Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry?

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine where thin slices of marinated beef are stir-fried with onions and tossed in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger. The result is a flavorful, tender beef dish with perfectly caramelized onions that’s simple to make but tastes like something you'd get at a Chinese restaurant. This dish can be served over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

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Ingredients List for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry

For the Beef and Marinade:

• 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon water or beef broth (to thin the sauce, if needed)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
• White or black sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

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Substitutions and Variations

This stir-fry is highly customizable, allowing you to tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences. Here are a few options:

1. Beef Substitutes:
   You can use different cuts of beef such as ribeye, skirt steak, or even ground beef for a different texture. If you prefer a leaner protein, chicken breast, pork, or shrimp can also be used in place of beef.
2. Vegetarian Version:
   For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess water before marinating and stir-frying.
3. Add Vegetables:
   Feel free to add other vegetables to the stir-fry for added flavor and nutrition. Bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli work well in this dish. Add them after the onions are partially cooked to ensure even cooking.
4. Gluten-Free Option:
   To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and ensure that the oyster sauce is gluten-free (some brands contain wheat).
5. Spice it Up:
   If you like heat, add some chili flakes, Sriracha, or sliced fresh chili peppers to the stir-fry for a spicy kick.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

1. Slice the Beef:
   Thinly slice the beef against the grain to ensure tenderness. For easier slicing, you can freeze the beef for 20 minutes before cutting.
2. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, sugar, and sesame oil (if using). Add the beef slices and mix until well coated. Let the beef marinate for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to 1 hour for more flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Mix the Stir-Fry Sauce:
   In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of water or beef broth. Set aside. If you like a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with the water before adding it to the sauce.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef and Onions

1. Heat the Oil:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef slices in a single layer. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Onions:
   In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Combine the Beef and Onions:
   Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the onions. Pour in the stir-fry sauce and toss everything together, allowing the sauce to coat the beef and onions evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or beef broth.

Step 4: Serve

1. Serve Hot:
   Transfer the beef and onion stir-fry to a serving plate. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.

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How to Cook Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Marinate the Beef: Marinate the beef slices in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch for at least 20 minutes.
2. Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce: Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, and water or beef broth to make a flavorful stir-fry sauce.
3. Stir-Fry the Beef: Sear the beef over high heat until browned, then set it aside.
4. Cook the Onions: Stir-fry the onions until caramelized, then add garlic and ginger.
5. Combine and Serve: Return the beef to the skillet, add the stir-fry sauce, and toss until well combined. Serve over rice or noodles.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcrowding the Pan:
   To get a nice sear on the beef, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the beef in batches if necessary, allowing it to brown evenly rather than steam.
2. Undercooking or Overcooking the Beef:
   Thin slices of beef cook quickly, so keep an eye on them. Stir-fry the beef just until it's browned and no longer pink, then remove it from the skillet to prevent overcooking.
3. Not Prepping Ingredients Ahead of Time:
   Stir-frying is a fast cooking method, so make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This ensures the dish comes together quickly and nothing burns.
4. Using Too Much Cornstarch in the Marinade:
   While cornstarch helps tenderize the beef, using too much can create a gummy texture. Stick to 1 tablespoon for 1 lb of beef.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

This flavorful Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is best served hot and fresh, paired with simple sides that let the dish shine. Here are a few ideas for serving and presenting the dish:

1. Serve Over Steamed Rice:
   Serve the stir-fry over a bed of steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
2. With Noodles:
   Toss the stir-fry with lo mein or rice noodles for a heartier meal. The sauce will coat the noodles beautifully, adding extra flavor.
3. Top with Fresh Herbs:
   Garnish with fresh green onions or cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
4. Add Sesame Seeds:
   Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top for added texture and a nutty flavor.

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How to Serve Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry

• Over Rice: Serve this stir-fry over steamed white or brown rice to soak up the savory sauce.
• With Noodles: Toss the beef and onions with stir-fried noodles or serve over rice noodles for a satisfying meal.
• As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside other Chinese dishes like dumplings, egg rolls, or stir-fried vegetables for a full Chinese-style meal.

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Presentation Ideas for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry

1. Garnish with Green Onions: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions on top to give the dish a vibrant look and fresh taste.
2. Use a Serving Platter: Serve the stir-fry on a large serving platter, surrounded by bowls of rice or noodles for a family-style meal.
3. Sprinkle with Sesame Seeds: Garnish the dish with black or white sesame seeds for a decorative touch and a bit of extra crunch.

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Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry Recipe Tips

• Slice the Beef Thin: To ensure tender beef, slice it thinly against the grain. You can place the beef in the freezer for about 20 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut.
• Preheat the Pan: Make sure your skillet or wok is very hot before adding the beef to get a good sear. This helps lock in the juices and enhances the flavor.
• Make Extra Sauce: If you love extra sauce with your stir-fry, double the sauce recipe to ensure there's plenty to coat the rice or noodles.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can marinate the beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. The stir-fry itself is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.

Q: Can I freeze Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry?
A: You can freeze the cooked beef and onion stir-fry in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then heat it up in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.

Q: Can I use frozen onions?
A: While fresh onions are best for this recipe, you can use frozen onions if necessary. Be sure to cook off any excess moisture they release during cooking to avoid making the stir-fry soggy.

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Conclusion

This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a quick and easy dish that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort. With tender beef, sweet onions, and a savory sauce, it’s a fantastic weeknight meal that can be served with rice or noodles for a complete dish. Whether you're preparing it for your family or just want a simple, satisfying meal, this stir-fry is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy the delicious flavors of Chinese cuisine at home!

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