Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that brings the bold tastes of Asian cuisine to your table. This easy recipe combines tender beef with aromatic vegetables in a savory sauce, making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
Thinly slice the beef against the grain. Slice the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. If using, slice the bell pepper. - Sear the Beef:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over high heat. Add the beef slices and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef and set it aside. - Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion (and bell pepper, if using) and stir-fry until the onion is tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for an additional 1 minute. - Combine and Simmer:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and water or beef broth. Bring to a simmer. - Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes. - Finish and Serve:
Stir in the chopped green onions. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 4 people. The total preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, with an additional cooking time of 10 minutes, making the total time around 20 minutes.
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Include other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for added color and nutrition.
- Protein Options: Substitute the beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a different protein choice.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or sliced chilies for a spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
10 FAQs
- Can I use frozen beef?
Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed and pat it dry before cooking. - What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
You can substitute it with a mix of soy sauce and a little honey for sweetness. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can prepare the beef and vegetables ahead and stir-fry them just before serving. - Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce to make it gluten-free. - What type of beef is best?
Sirloin and flank steak are ideal due to their tenderness when cooked quickly. - How can I make it healthier?
Use less oil and increase the amount of vegetables for a healthier dish. - Can I add more sauce?
Yes, feel free to double the sauce ingredients if you prefer a saucier dish. - What should I serve with this stir fry?
Serve with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles for a complete meal. - Can I freeze this stir fry?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to a month. Thaw and reheat thoroughly. - How can I ensure the beef stays tender?
Slice the beef against the grain and don’t overcook it during the stir-frying process.
Conclusion
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a versatile and delicious dish that is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether served over rice or noodles, it’s a satisfying meal that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this quick and tasty recipe any night of the week!
Print
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
Enjoy this quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender beef, crisp onions, and a savory sauce, perfect over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Serving:
- Cooked rice or noodles
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Thinly slice the beef against the grain, slice the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Slice the bell pepper if using.
- Sear the Beef:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over high heat. Add the beef slices and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion (and bell pepper, if using) and stir-fry until the onion is tender, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional 1 minute.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Stir in soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and water or beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Finish and Serve:
- Stir in chopped green onions. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve over cooked rice or noodles.
Notes
For added flavor, marinate the beef in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking. Adjust the sauce ingredients to taste for a more savory or sweet flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes