This savory beef and onion stir-fry is a delicious and quick meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender beef strips are marinated and then stir-fried with onions, creating a flavorful dish that’s great over rice or noodles. With a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin, cut into thin strips
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, sugar, black pepper, and minced garlic. Mix well to form a marinade.
- Marinate Beef: Add the beef strips to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Prepare the Stir-Fry
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook Beef: Add the marinated beef strips to the skillet in a single layer. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until the beef is browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Onions: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent.
- Combine Beef and Onions: Return the beef to the skillet with the onions. Add sesame oil if using, and stir to combine everything evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is heated through and the onions are tender.
Step 3: Serve
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the beef and onion stir-fry with chopped green onions. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles.
Cooking Notes
- Cutting Beef: To make slicing easier, partially freeze the beef for about 30 minutes before cutting. This helps achieve thinner, more uniform slices.
- High Heat: Ensure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the beef. This helps to sear the meat quickly, locking in juices and creating a nice caramelized exterior.
- Stir-Fry Quickly: Stir-frying is a fast cooking method. Keep the ingredients moving in the pan to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
Variations
Spicy Beef Stir-Fry:
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili paste or Sriracha to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Vegetable Beef Stir-Fry:
- Include other vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Add these to the skillet with the onions and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
Ginger Beef Stir-Fry:
- Add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger to the marinade for a warm, aromatic flavor.
Tips for Perfect Stir-Fry
- Even Slicing: Slice the beef as uniformly as possible for even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: If your skillet is small, cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of searing.
- Quick Cooking: Keep the heat high and the cooking time short to ensure the beef remains tender and the vegetables stay crisp.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your beef and onion stir-fry with:
- Steamed Rice: The classic accompaniment that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Noodles: Stir-fry some noodles with a bit of soy sauce and sesame oil to serve alongside.
- Side Vegetables: Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, or green beans complement this dish well.
This savory beef and onion stir-fry is a fantastic go-to recipe for a quick, satisfying meal. With its tender beef and flavorful sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this dish is easy to prepare and delivers delicious results every time. Enjoy this delightful stir-fry over rice or noodles, and savor the comforting flavors of a home-cooked meal.
Enjoy your Savory Beef and Onion Stir-Fry!
