Name: Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 300 grams sirloin steak (or rib eye, flank steak, or blade steak); 1/2 white onion (or yellow onion, thinly sliced); 4-5 slices ginger; 3 cloves garlic (minced or thinly sliced); 1 stalk green onion (cut into 2-inch pieces); 1 tbsp soy sauce (for marinade); 1/2 tbsp Shaoxing cooking wine (or dry sherry/rice wine for marinade); 2 tbsp water (for marinade); 1 tsp sesame oil (for marinade); 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (for sauce); 1 tbsp cornstarch (for sauce); 1 tsp sugar (for sauce); 1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1/2 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil (for sauce); 1/2 tbsp Shaoxing cooking wine (or rice wine for sauce); 1 tsp dark soy sauce (for color; substitute with regular soy sauce if needed); 1/2 cup water (for sauce)

This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Tender slices of marinated beef are paired with caramelized onions, fragrant ginger, and garlic, all coated in a rich, savory sauce. Served over steamed rice, it’s a classic meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in the comfort of your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Tender Beef: Marinating with cornstarch and oil locks in moisture, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth beef.
Bold Flavors: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin creates a savory, umami-packed sauce that elevates every bite.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this stir fry is perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Swap out beef for chicken or tofu, or add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.
Restaurant Quality at Home: Save time and money by recreating this classic Chinese dish in your own kitchen.

Key Ingredients:

Sirloin Steak: The foundation of this dish, sirloin steak is tender, flavorful, and quick-cooking. Slice it thinly against the grain for the best results.

White Onion: Sweet and aromatic, white onion adds a slightly caramelized flavor that complements the savory beef.

Ginger and Garlic: These aromatics bring warmth and depth, infusing the dish with traditional Chinese flavor.

Soy Sauce: Used in both the marinade and sauce, soy sauce provides salty, umami goodness that defines the dish.

Oyster Sauce and Hoisin Sauce: These sauces bring sweetness, richness, and complexity, making the stir fry taste like it’s straight out of a restaurant.

Shaoxing Wine: A key ingredient in Chinese cooking, it adds a subtle tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the marinade and sauce.

Cornstarch: Used in the marinade and sauce, cornstarch helps tenderize the beef and gives the sauce its glossy thickness.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

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Instructions:

Preparation

Prepare the Vegetables:
Peel and thinly slice the onion.
Peel and thinly slice or mince the garlic.
Slice the ginger into thin pieces.
Cut the green onion into 2-inch segments, slicing the thicker white parts lengthwise.

Marinate the Beef

Slice the Beef:
Thinly slice the beef against the grain for tenderness. (Tip: Freezing the beef for 15 minutes makes slicing easier.)

Combine Marinade Ingredients:
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, water, and sesame oil with the sliced beef.
Let the beef marinate for 15 minutes.

Add Cornstarch and Oil:
After marinating, mix in the cornstarch to coat the beef, locking in moisture.
Add the oil and mix well.

Prepare the Sauce

Mix Sauce Ingredients:
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce and cornstarch until smooth.
Add sugar, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, dark soy sauce, and water.
Stir well and set aside.

Stir Fry

Heat the Pan:
Heat a large frying pan or wok on high heat.
Add oil once the pan is hot.

Cook the Beef:
Spread the marinated beef in the pan, searing it for 2-4 minutes until 90% cooked.
Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

Cook the Aromatics:
Add a little more oil to the pan.
Sauté the ginger slices until slightly browned.
Add the garlic and onions, stir-frying until softened and golden.

Combine Ingredients:
Push the cooked aromatics to the side of the pan.
Stir the prepared sauce to ensure the cornstarch is fully mixed, then pour it into the pan.
Cook the sauce, stirring, until it thickens and darkens.

Finish the Dish:
Mix the onions into the sauce.
Return the beef to the pan.
Add the green onions and stir-fry everything for 1 minute, ensuring it’s well combined and heated through.

Serve

Plate:
Transfer the stir fry to a serving plate.

Serve Hot:
Pair with steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Serving Suggestions:

This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry shines best when served alongside:

Steamed Rice: Jasmine or short-grain white rice soaks up the delicious sauce perfectly.
Fried Rice: Pair with a simple egg fried rice for a complete Chinese-inspired meal.
Vegetable Side Dish: Serve with stir-fried bok choy, snow peas, or steamed broccoli for a wholesome touch.
Noodles: Toss the stir fry with cooked rice noodles or lo mein for a hearty twist.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating also works for smaller portions.
Freeze: Allow the stir fry to cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Meal Prep: Slice the beef and prepare the sauce in advance to save time during busy weeknights. Store them separately in the fridge and cook fresh when ready.

Variations to Try:

Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with tofu or seitan, and use vegetable broth in the sauce.
Spicy Kick: Add dried chili flakes or sliced fresh chilies for a fiery twist.
Extra Veggies: Incorporate sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added color and crunch.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce to adapt the recipe for gluten-sensitive diners.
Different Protein: Try chicken, pork, or shrimp in place of beef for a new take on this classic stir fry.

Conclusion:

This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful dish that brings the taste of your favorite Chinese restaurant straight to your table. The tender beef, savory sauce, and sweet onions make it a perfect pairing with steamed rice or noodles. Whip it up for a fast weeknight dinner, and enjoy every savory, satisfying bite!