Description
Chinese-inspired beef and onion stir fry brings together tender meat and caramelized onions in a savory sauce. Home cooks can quickly prepare this delicious meal that delivers complex flavors with minimal kitchen effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.1 lb (500 g) tender beef (sirloin, flank, or ribeye), thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 medium yellow or white onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tbsps low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsps sesame oil
- Assorted vegetables (optional): bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas
- Steamed rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
- Marination: Whisk soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch in a bowl. Thoroughly coat sliced beef, allowing flavors to infuse for 30 minutes.
- Onion Preparation: Heat sesame oil in a wok over high temperature. Sauté onions until softened and translucent, releasing their aromatic sweetness.
- Beef Searing: Push onions to one side of the wok. Add marinated beef to the empty space, stirring vigorously to achieve a golden-brown crust on each piece.
- Vegetable Integration: Toss additional vegetables into the wok, maintaining rapid movement to preserve their crisp texture and nutritional value.
- Sauce Creation: Blend remaining soy sauce with water and pour into the sizzling pan. Continuously stir to allow the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Final Presentation: Transfer the stir fry to a serving platter. Garnish with green onions or toasted sesame seeds for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.
- Serving Suggestion: Plate the steaming stir fry over steamed rice or delicate noodles, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Marinate Wisely: Let beef soak in marinade for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize meat effectively.
- High Heat Matters: Use intense, consistent heat to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent beef from becoming tough or rubbery.
- Ingredient Sequencing: Cook onions first, then beef to develop layered flavors and maintain optimal texture for each ingredient.
- Sauce Control: Stir sauce continuously to prevent burning and ensure even coating, creating a glossy, flavorful finish for the entire dish.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg