Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- Prepare the Beef: Thinly slice the beef against the grain. This ensures tenderness.
- Mix Marinade: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, sugar, and sesame oil. Mix well.
- Marinate Beef: Add the beef slices to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 1 hour for more flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce
- Mix Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), and beef broth or water. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
- Heat the Wok: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Stir Fry Beef: Add the marinated beef to the wok and stir fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is just cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Onions
- Add More Oil: In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Stir Fry Onions: Add the sliced onions and stir fry for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the onions and stir fry for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
- Return Beef to Wok: Return the cooked beef to the wok with the onions.
- Add Sauce: Pour the stir fry sauce over the beef and onions. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce.
- Thicken Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well coated.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the stir fry to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas for extra color and nutrition.
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers for some heat.
- Beef Substitutes: Use chicken or pork if you prefer, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and beef broth to control the salt content.
Conclusion
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a satisfying meal. The combination of tender beef, savory onions, and a rich stir-fry sauce creates a delicious and balanced dish. Enjoy this easy-to-make recipe with steamed rice or noodles for a complete and delicious meal.
Key Takeaway
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a classic and versatile dish that’s quick to prepare and full of flavor. The tender beef and savory onions coated in a delicious sauce make it a perfect weeknight meal. Customize it with your favorite vegetables and spices to suit your taste. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this stir-fry recipe!