Savory Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry

For those who crave the bold and vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine, this Savory Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a must-try. This dish features tender, juicy slices of marinated beef stir-fried with fragrant onions, garlic, and ginger, all enveloped in a rich, umami-packed sauce. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your family and friends with a delicious homemade takeout-style dish. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete, comforting meal that will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Ingredients:

For the Stir Fry:

• 300 grams of sirloin steak (alternatively, you can use ribeye, flank, or blade steak).
• ½ white onion (or yellow onion), thinly sliced
• 4-5 slices ginger
• 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped or sliced thinly
• 1 green onion, chopped into 2-inch segments

For the Marinade:

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ tablespoon Shaoxing cooking wine
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon of cornstarch (to be mixed in post-marination)
• 1 tablespoon oil (to be added after marinating)

For the Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1½ tablespoons oyster sauce
• ½ tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ tablespoon Shaoxing cooking wine (or dry sherry/rice wine)
• 1 teaspoon of dark soy sauce (for a deeper color; regular soy sauce can be used as a substitute)
• ½ cup water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef: Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips, about ¼ inch thick. This helps to keep the meat tender and easy to chew.
2. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, Shaoxing cooking wine, and water. Add the sliced beef and mix well. After marinating, add the sesame oil and cornstarch to the beef, and mix well again. Lastly, add the oil and give it one final toss to coat the beef evenly.
3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the low-sodium soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, Shaoxing cooking wine, dark soy sauce, and water. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set the sauce aside.
4. Sear the Beef: Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat. When the pan is heated, pour in a tablespoon of oil and tilt the pan to ensure even coverage. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the beef is browned but not fully cooked through.
5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the ginger slices and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the sliced onions and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they become slightly translucent. Add the minced garlic and the green onion pieces, and continue to stir-fry for another minute.
6. Combine and Cook: Return the seared beef to the wok. Give the prepared sauce a quick stir to ensure everything is well-mixed, and then pour it over the beef and onions. Stir everything together, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and onions evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through and the sauce has reached your desired consistency.
7. Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Top with extra green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor, if you like. Enjoy this flavorful, savory beef stir-fry that’s bursting with classic Chinese flavors!

Conclusion:

This Savory Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a fantastic way to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home. The tender marinated beef, combined with the aromatic onions and a rich, savory sauce, makes for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly satisfying. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for special occasions. Serve it with a side of rice or noodles, and enjoy a deliciously comforting meal that brings the best of Chinese cuisine right to your table!