This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight is a fantastic choice for a quick, satisfying dinner. With tender beef, sweet caramelized onions, and a rich sauce, this dish is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any night of the week. Whether it’s a busy workday or a casual family gathering, this stir fry will impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This dish can be made in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of ginger, garlic, and savory sauces elevates the simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the beef with chicken or turkey based on your preference, ensuring that it suits everyone’s taste.
- Healthy Meal Option: Packed with protein from the beef and nutrients from the onions and green onions, this stir fry is both filling and nutritious.
- Perfectly Served Over Rice: It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, making it an ideal complete meal.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smoother, having the right tools on hand is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Wok or large skillet: A wok distributes heat evenly, allowing for quick cooking while retaining flavors.
- Sharp knife: Ensures smooth slicing of vegetables and meat for even cooking.
- Mixing bowls: Useful for marinating meat and combining sauces without mess.
Ingredients
This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender beef, caramelized onions, and a savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal served over steamed rice.
For the Beef
- 300 grams sirloin steak (or rib eye, flank steak, or blade steak)
For the Vegetables
- 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)
For the Marinade
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp Shaoxing cooking apple vinegar (or dry apple juice/rice apple vinegar)
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Sauce
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tbsp Shaoxing cooking apple vinegar (or rice apple vinegar)
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce (substitute with regular soy sauce if needed)
- 1/2 cup water
How to Make Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by preparing all your ingredients so that cooking goes smoothly.
1. Slice the onion thinly.
2. Peel and mince or slice garlic.
3. Slice ginger into thin pieces.
4. Cut green onions into 2-inch segments.
Step 2: Marinate the Beef
In this step, you’ll infuse flavor into the beef.
1. Thinly slice beef against the grain.
2. In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, Shaoxing apple vinegar, water, and sesame oil.
3. Add sliced beef to the marinade and let it sit for 15 minutes.
4. After marinating, mix in cornstarch until well-coated.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Creating a flavorful sauce is key to this dish’s success.
1. In a small bowl, combine low-sodium soy sauce with cornstarch until smooth.
2. Add sugar, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, Shaoxing apple vinegar, dark soy sauce, and water. Mix well until combined.
Step 4: Cook Everything Together
Now it’s time to bring all your efforts together in one delicious stir fry!
1. Heat oil in your wok over high heat.
2. Sear marinated beef for about 2-4 minutes until it’s about 90% cooked; then remove it from heat and set aside.
3. In the same wok, sauté ginger first until fragrant; then add garlic followed by onions until they soften.
4. Pour in your prepared sauce mixture; cook until thickened before returning beef along with green onions to combine everything thoroughly.
Step 5: Serve Your Dish
Finally! It’s time to enjoy your creation!
Transfer your stir fry onto a serving plate and serve hot alongside steamed rice for an unforgettable meal.
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight
Serving your Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry creatively can elevate this delicious dish. Here are some suggestions to enjoy it to the fullest.
Pair with Steamed Rice
- Steamed white rice is a classic choice, providing a neutral base that absorbs the flavorful sauce perfectly.
Add Fresh Vegetables
- Serve alongside a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy for added texture and nutrition, enhancing the meal’s overall health benefits.
Garnish with Sesame Seeds
- Toasted sesame seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor when sprinkled on top just before serving.
Include a Tangy Cucumber Salad
- A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar complements the savory notes of the stir fry, balancing the flavors nicely.
Offer Soy Sauce on the Side
- Providing soy sauce allows guests to customize their dish, adding extra saltiness if desired.
Serve with Warm Naan or Flatbread
- For a unique twist, pair your stir fry with warm naan or flatbread, perfect for scooping up beef and onions.
How to Perfect Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight
Achieving perfection in your stir fry is all about technique and timing. Here are some tips to help you master this dish.
Use high heat – Cooking at a high temperature helps to sear the beef quickly, keeping it tender and juicy.
Cut against the grain – Slicing beef against the grain ensures tenderness in each bite, making it easier to chew.
Don’t overcrowd the pan – Give enough space for each piece of beef; this prevents steaming and helps achieve that desired sear.
Prep ingredients ahead – Having everything ready before cooking streamlines the process, allowing you to focus on timing.
Adjust seasonings – Feel free to modify soy sauce or oyster sauce levels based on your taste preferences for a personalized flavor.
Let it rest – Allowing the stir fry to sit for a minute before serving lets flavors meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight
Enhancing your meal with complementary side dishes can make it even more satisfying. Here are some great options:
Steamed Jasmine Rice – This fragrant rice pairs perfectly with stir fry, absorbing sauces beautifully.
Garlic Broccoli – Sautéed broccoli in garlic adds crunch and nutrition while matching well with Asian flavors.
Egg Fried Rice – A delicious twist that incorporates scrambled eggs for added protein and flavor depth.
Sesame Green Beans – Crisp-tender green beans tossed in sesame oil create a delightful side that balances sweetness with savoriness.
Asian Slaw – A crunchy mix of cabbage, carrots, and cilantro dressed in sesame dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup rounds out your meal while offering comforting umami flavors.
Stir-Fried Bok Choy – Lightly sautéed bok choy adds an extra layer of greens that’s quick to prepare.
Crispy Spring Rolls – These provide a fun textural component, serving as an appetizer or snack alongside your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes to avoid:
Skipping the marinade: Marinating the beef enhances its flavor and tenderness. Always allow at least 15 minutes for marinating.
Overcooking the beef: Cooking the beef too long can make it tough. Sear it just until 90% cooked before adding other ingredients.
Not slicing against the grain: Slicing beef against the grain ensures a tender bite. Always check the grain direction before slicing.
Using too much sauce: A little sauce goes a long way in stir fry. Balance flavors by starting with less and adding more as needed.
Neglecting fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger elevate your dish’s flavor. Using dried versions will not give you the same aromatic depth.
Cooking on low heat: Stir fry requires high heat for optimal results. Always preheat your wok or pan to quickly sear ingredients.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight
- Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry:
Can I use other vegetables in my stir fry?
Yes! You can add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for more variety and nutrition.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this stir fry gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
What can I serve with Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles, providing a hearty meal option.
How do I store leftovers of Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for later use.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace beef with tofu or tempeh and adjust cooking times accordingly for a delicious vegetarian version.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is not only quick to prepare but also full of vibrant flavors that make it an excellent choice for any weeknight dinner. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or sauces to suit your taste preferences!
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight
Indulge in the deliciousness of this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry, where tender beef meets sweet caramelized onions in a savory sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This quick and satisfying dish can be on your table in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal choice for those evenings when you want something flavorful yet easy to prepare. With the option to swap beef for chicken or turkey, this recipe is versatile enough to cater to everyone’s palate. Serve it over steamed rice for a complete meal that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
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
- 1/2 tbsp apple vinegar (or rice apple vinegar)
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tbsp apple vinegar (or rice apple vinegar)
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce (substitute with regular soy sauce if needed)
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Slice onions thinly and prepare ginger and garlic.
- Thinly slice beef against the grain and marinate with soy sauce, apple vinegar, water, and sesame oil for 15 minutes. Coat with cornstarch.
- Mix together the sauce ingredients until well combined.
- Heat oil in a wok; sear beef until 90% cooked then set aside.
- Sauté ginger and garlic before adding onions; pour in the sauce and cook until thickened.
- Add beef and green onions; stir to combine then serve hot over steamed rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (400g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg