Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry

Introduction:
Experience the savory flavors of a classic Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry! This quick and easy dish features tender strips of beef and crisp onions sautéed in a flavorful sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal or a delicious weekend treat. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality dish ready in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick and Simple: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
• Family Favorite: A dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
• One-Pan Meal: Easy cleanup with everything cooked in a single pan.
• Customizable: Adjust the heat and ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• 1/2 cup beef broth or water
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

• Slice the beef thinly against the grain. This helps ensure the beef stays tender after cooking.

1. Heat the Pan:

• In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.

1. Cook the Beef:

• Add the sliced beef to the pan in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

1. Sauté Onions:

• In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, and sauté the onions until they are soft and slightly caramelized, about 4-5 minutes.

1. Add Aromatics:

• Add the minced garlic and ginger to the onions, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

1. Combine Sauce Ingredients:

• In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and beef broth or water.

1. Thicken Sauce:

• Pour the sauce mixture into the pan and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for a few more minutes until the sauce has thickened.

1. Return Beef to Pan:

• Add the cooked beef back into the pan, stirring to coat the beef with the sauce and heat through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

1. Finish with Sesame Oil (Optional):

• Stir in the sesame oil for added flavor if desired.

1. Serve:
   • Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.

Tips for Success:

• Beef: For the most tender beef, slice it thinly and against the grain.
• Onions: If you like your onions more caramelized, cook them a bit longer until they’re deeply golden.
• Sauce: Adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce to your preference by modifying the amount of brown sugar or soy sauce.

Recipe Variations:

• Vegetable Additions: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra veggies.
• Spicy Version: Add a chopped red chili or a splash of chili sauce to the stir fry for some heat.
• Alternative Proteins: Substitute beef with chicken, pork, or tofu for different protein options.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles for a complete meal.
• Pair with a simple side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked stir fry in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Special Equipment:

• Skillet or Wok: For stir-frying the beef and onions.

FAQ:

• Can I use a different cut of beef?
  Yes, other cuts like ribeye or chuck can also work. Just be sure to slice them thinly.
• Can I make this stir fry ahead of time?
  Yes, the stir fry can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Just reheat before serving.
• Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?
  Absolutely! Low-sodium soy sauce can be used to reduce the sodium content of the dish.

Preparation Time:

• 10 minutes for slicing and preparing ingredients.

Cook Time:

• 15 minutes for cooking and assembling the stir fry.

Total Time:

• 25 minutes (including prep and cook time).

Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g

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Closing Notes:
Have you tried this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag us on social media with your delicious creations and check back for more easy and tasty recipes.