Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe

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If you are craving a quick, flavorful meal that packs a punch with tender meat and vibrant veggies, look no further than this Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe. It’s a celebration of juicy, thinly sliced beef perfectly marinated and tossed with fragrant onions and scallions, all coated in a luscious sauce that’s savory, sweet, and slightly smoky. This dish is not only a comfort food favorite but also a beautiful example of how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or a casual weeknight treat, this Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe is bound to become one of your go-to meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from creating tender beef slices to layering rich and complex flavors with the sauces and aromatics. The balance between the sharpness of onions and the sweetness of the brown sugar makes this dish a delicious harmony of taste and texture.

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain: Choosing the right cut ensures tenderness and easy cooking.
• 2 tsp cornstarch: Helps to create a velvety texture on the beef when it marinates and cooks.
• 2 tsp light soy sauce: Adds subtle saltiness and umami during the beef marination.
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry): Enhances depth of flavor and tenderizes the beef.
• ¼ cup light soy sauce: Forms the salty base of the stir fry sauce.
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce: Contributes rich color and a slightly sweet undertone.
• ⅓ cup water: Balances the sauce, preventing it from becoming too thick.
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce: Brings a sweet and tangy complexity to the stir fry.
• ½ tbsp oyster sauce: Adds a savory, briny richness.
• 1 tbsp brown sugar: Creates a perfect sweetness to counter the savory elements.
• ½ tsp sesame oil: Infuses the dish with a nutty aroma.
• ½ tbsp cornstarch: Used to thicken the stir fry sauce to a glossy finish.
• White pepper powder, to taste: Enhances warmth and subtle spice without overpowering.
• 3 tbsp neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or sunflower): Ideal for high-heat stir frying without smoke.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds pungency and depth.
• 1 tsp ginger, minced: Brings warmth and brightness.
• 1 medium white onion, sliced: Provides sweetness and crunch.
• 4 scallions, cut into 3-inch pieces (separate white and green parts): White parts flavor the base; green parts add fresh bite at the end.

How to Make Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by combining the thinly sliced beef with cornstarch, light soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine in a bowl. This simple marinade not only tenderizes the meat but also ensures every slice is packed with flavor. Letting the beef soak in these ingredients for 15 to 30 minutes gives it time to absorb the salty, savory notes that will shine through after cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce

While the beef marinates, whisk together the remaining sauce ingredients—light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, water, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and white pepper powder. This sauce is the heart of your dish, balancing savory, sweet, and umami flavors to coat the beef and vegetables beautifully. Set it aside so it’s ready when your beef hits the pan.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics

Heat your neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat, then add the minced garlic, ginger, the sliced white onion, and the white parts of the scallions. Stir-frying these ingredients for 2 to 3 minutes allows their flavors to awaken and mingle, softening the onions just enough to maintain a gentle crunch and a hint of sweetness.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

Next, push the aromatics to the side and add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes, allowing the edges to brown nicely without overcrowding the pan. This searing step locks in the juices, creating tender, mouthwatering beef pieces that are a delight to bite into.

Step 5: Add the Sauce

Pour the prepared stir fry sauce over the seared beef and stir well. Cook continuously for 2 minutes as the sauce thickens and transforms into a glossy coating that clings to each piece of beef and onion. This step is crucial for melding all the flavors together into a harmonious, delicious bite.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked onions and white scallion parts to the skillet, add the fresh green scallion segments, and give everything one last stir-fry for about a minute. This final step brightens the dish with a fresh crunch and vibrancy before you serve it piping hot.

How to Serve Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

To add a little extra flair to your Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe, try sprinkling toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped fresh cilantro on top. These garnishes offer a lovely contrast both visually and flavor-wise, enhancing the dish’s smoky and sweet qualities beautifully.

Side Dishes

This stir fry is a star that deserves simple but complementary side dishes. Steamed jasmine rice is a classic choice that lets the rich sauce soak in perfectly, while soft noodles or even lightly sautéed greens add variety and an extra boost of texture to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Beef and Onion Stir Fry over crispy fried rice cakes or wrap it in warmed lettuce leaves for a fresh, handheld delight. You can even turn it into a filling for steamed bao buns or crispy spring rolls, making the dish versatile enough to wow any crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing to maintain the best texture and flavor when reheated.

Freezing

If you want to save the stir fry for later, it freezes well. Transfer leftovers into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the succulent texture of the beef. Adding a splash of water or broth can help recreate the saucy consistency and prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it can toughen the beef.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef in this stir fry?

Absolutely! Flank steak and sirloin are ideal because they’re tender and cook quickly, but you can also use ribeye or skirt steak. Just be sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain to keep it tender after cooking.

What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?

If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry is a great substitute, providing similar depth and mild sweetness. For a non-alcoholic option, try using extra broth with a splash of rice vinegar.

How can I make this stir fry spicier?

You can easily add heat to your Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe by tossing in some sliced fresh chili, a dash of chili flakes, or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce when cooking the aromatics. Adjust it to your spice tolerance for the perfect kick.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your hoisin and oyster sauces are gluten-free brands. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so the sauce will still thicken beautifully.

Can the marinade be made ahead?

Definitely. Marinate the beef a few hours or even the night before to deepen the flavors. Just cover and refrigerate, but avoid marinating for more than 24 hours to prevent the texture from becoming overly mushy.

Final Thoughts

This Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe has all the hallmarks of a weeknight hero: quick, easy, deeply flavorful, and totally satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll see why this dish is such a beloved classic. Don’t hesitate to make it your own with your favorite tweaks, but above all, enjoy every warm, delicious bite.

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