Chinese Beef And Onion Stir-fry Recipe

If you're looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that captures the essence of Chinese cooking, this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry is the perfect recipe for you! Packed with tender slices of beef, sweet onions, and a savory sauce that brings everything together, this dish is a delicious way to bring a taste of Chinese cuisine to your table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and customizable for your taste preferences. Keep reading to learn how to prepare this mouthwatering stir-fry at home!

What is Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry?

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry is a popular dish made from thinly sliced beef, usually marinated and stir-fried with onions and other vegetables in a savory sauce. It’s a classic in Chinese cuisine, loved for its simplicity, speed of preparation, and bold flavors. The dish is often served with steamed rice or noodles and can be adjusted based on personal tastes by adding vegetables, spice, or even different cuts of meat.

Ingredients List for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry

To make this flavorful dish, you'll need a variety of fresh ingredients that come together to create the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. Here's the list of ingredients for the stir-fry:

• Beef: 300 grams of flank steak, sirloin, or any tender beef cut, thinly sliced.
• Onions: 1 large onion, sliced thinly.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
• Ginger: 1-inch piece, finely chopped or grated.
• Green onions (scallions): 2, cut into 2-inch pieces.
• Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons (light soy sauce for flavor).
• Oyster sauce: 2 tablespoons for added umami.
• Shaoxing wine: 1 tablespoon (or dry sherry as a substitute).
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon.
• Cornstarch: 2 teaspoons, mixed with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry.
• Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon for finishing the dish.
• Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons for stir-frying.
• Red chili pepper (optional): 1 small, chopped for heat.
• Water: ¼ cup, to thin the sauce if necessary.

Additional Ingredients for Variations

If you'd like to experiment or add extra textures and flavors to your stir-fry, here are a few additional ingredients you can include:

• Bell peppers: Thinly sliced red or green bell peppers for added color and sweetness.
• Carrots: Julienne or thinly sliced carrots for some crunch.
• Broccoli florets: Blanched briefly to maintain their bright green color and crispness.
• Mushrooms: Shiitake or button mushrooms add an earthy flavor to the stir-fry.
• Sesame seeds: Lightly toasted for garnish and added texture.

Substitutions and Variations

This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry recipe is versatile and can easily be adapted to suit your dietary preferences or ingredient availability. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

• Beef substitutes: If you prefer a leaner option, you can use chicken breast or pork tenderloin in place of beef. For a vegetarian version, tofu or tempeh can be used as a protein alternative.
• Soy sauce substitute: For a gluten-free version, you can swap regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
• Vegetable variations: Feel free to swap or add vegetables like snow peas, zucchini, or bok choy.
• Spicy version: If you enjoy heat, increase the amount of chili or add a dash of chili oil or Szechuan peppercorns.
• Lower sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content without compromising flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, it's time to get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry:

1. Prepare the beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tender pieces. If you're having trouble slicing thinly, place the beef in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm it up before cutting.
2. Marinate the beef: In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine, and 1 teaspoon of cornstarch. Add the beef to the marinade and let it sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Prepare the vegetables: While the beef marinates, slice the onion, chop the garlic and ginger, and prepare any additional vegetables you'd like to include.
4. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and cornstarch slurry (2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water). Set aside.
5. Stir-fry the beef: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. When the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in batches to prevent overcrowding. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the beef is browned but not fully cooked. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
6. Stir-fry the aromatics and vegetables: Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok, then add the garlic, ginger, and onions. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. Add any other vegetables you're using at this point.
7. Combine everything: Return the beef to the wok, pour in the sauce mixture, and toss everything together. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of water to reach your desired consistency.
8. Finish the dish: Drizzle with sesame oil for extra flavor and toss in the green onions. Stir for another 30 seconds, then remove from heat.

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

• Step 1: Start by slicing the beef thinly against the grain. This ensures your meat remains tender and easy to chew.
• Step 2: Marinate the beef to infuse it with flavor. A simple combination of soy sauce, wine, and cornstarch helps tenderize and season the meat.
• Step 3: Prepare your vegetables, focusing on cutting them into uniform sizes for even cooking.
• Step 4: Stir-fry the beef over high heat, quickly browning it to lock in the juices.
• Step 5: Remove the beef and stir-fry the aromatics like garlic and ginger before adding onions and any additional vegetables.
• Step 6: Return the beef to the wok, pour in the sauce, and stir-fry until the dish is fully cooked and coated in the sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the beef: Thinly sliced beef cooks very quickly. Overcooking it will result in tough, chewy meat, so make sure to stir-fry on high heat for just a couple of minutes.
• Crowding the pan: Stir-frying works best when the ingredients are spread out in the wok or skillet. If you overcrowd the pan, the beef and vegetables will steam instead of sear, leading to a soggy texture.
• Not marinating the beef: Skipping the marinating step will result in less flavorful beef. The marinade helps tenderize the meat while adding depth of flavor.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serving your Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry properly can elevate the dish from a quick dinner to a gourmet meal. Here are some tips to help you present and serve it beautifully:

• Serve with steamed rice: The rich, savory sauce pairs perfectly with plain white rice, jasmine rice, or even fried rice.
• Noodle option: This dish can also be served over lo mein noodles or alongside stir-fried rice noodles.
• Garnish generously: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added color and texture.
• Family-style: Serve the dish on a large platter in the center of the table, allowing everyone to help themselves.

Presentation Ideas for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry

For a visually appealing dish, focus on bright, vibrant colors and textures. Here's how to present your stir-fry like a pro:

• Plate it on a large serving dish and arrange the beef and vegetables neatly. You can also place the stir-fry in a shallow bowl with rice on the side for a classic look.
• Use a garnish like fresh cilantro or parsley sprigs for a pop of green.
• Add some crunch by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top.

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry Recipe Tips

• Slice beef thinly: A sharp knife and a semi-frozen cut of beef will help you achieve thin, even slices.
• High heat is key: Stir-frying should be done on high heat to sear the meat quickly without drying it out.
• Prep everything before cooking: Since stir-frying happens quickly, it's important to have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish in advance?
A: It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients in advance and stir-fry right before serving.

Q: What’s the best cut of beef for stir-fry?
A: Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye are all excellent choices for their tenderness and flavor.

Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze this stir-fry, but the texture of the vegetables may soften after thawing.

Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and make sure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.

Conclusion

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry is a flavorful, quick, and easy dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. With simple ingredients and a few cooking tips, you can recreate this delicious restaurant-style meal at home. Experiment with different vegetables, spices, or sauces to make the dish your own. Don’t forget to serve it hot with a side of steamed rice or noodles to soak up all that savory sauce. Happy cooking!

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