– **Title**: Beef Onion Stir Fry
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/4 cup beef broth or water
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
– Cooked rice (for serving)
– **Instructions**:
1. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and beef broth or water. Set aside.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the sliced beef to the skillet and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the onions and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, until they are softened and slightly caramelized.
5. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the onions, stir-frying for an additional minute until fragrant.
6. Return the beef to the skillet, and pour the sauce mixture over the beef and onions. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Drizzle with sesame oil, and season with black pepper to taste.
8. Serve the beef onion stir fry hot over cooked rice, garnished with chopped green onions. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using sirloin or flank steak for tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken or turkey breast works well too. For a vegetarian option, tofu or seitan can mimic the texture and absorb the flavors nicely!
Onion: One large onion adds depth to the dish. You can swap in sweet onions for a milder taste or red onions for a pop of color. Shallots are also a great choice if you want something more subtle.
Sauces: Soy sauce is essential for saltiness and umami. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari instead. Oyster sauce adds richness but you can leave it out or use a mushroom-based sauce for a vegetarian option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a punch of flavor, but if you only have garlic powder, use about 1/4 teaspoon for a similar effect. Fresh ginger can be added for an extra kick!
How Can I Make Sure My Beef is Tender?
To keep your beef tender and flavorful, slicing it against the grain is key. This shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite easier to chew. Marinating for at least 15 minutes helps too. If you have more time, let it marinate for an hour to really soak in those flavors.
- When cooking, spread the beef in a single layer in a hot skillet to get a good sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—if necessary, cook in batches to avoid steaming.
How to Make Beef Onion Stir Fry?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped into 2-inch pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Marinade:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This beef onion stir fry takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of cooking time. So, in about 25 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal that’s full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
Start by placing your sliced beef in a large bowl. Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and black pepper. Mix everything well to coat the beef. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak up those yummy flavors. If you have a bit more time, you can let it sit for up to 1 hour for even better taste.
2. Heat the Skillet:
While the beef is marinating, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is nice and hot before adding the beef to get that perfect sear!
3. Cook the Beef:
Add the marinated beef to the hot skillet in a single layer. Let it sear for about 2-3 minutes without stirring. This helps to get a nice brown color. After that, stir-fry it for another 1-2 minutes until the beef is cooked through. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and minced garlic. Stir-fry these for about 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant. You’ll love the smell!
5. Add the Green Onions:
Now it’s time to toss in the green onions. Stir them with the sautéed onions for another minute until they’re slightly cooked but still crunchy.
6. Combine and Finalize:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet, mixing everything together. If it needs a little more flavor, you can adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt. Give it another quick stir-fry for 1 minute to blend all the delicious flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your beef onion stir fry is ready! Serve it hot over steamed rice or noodles for a delightful meal. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! You can use cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or even ground beef. Just remember that different cuts may require differing cook times and techniques. For example, if you use ground beef, cook it until browned and crumbly instead of searing.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce on hand, you can substitute it with soy sauce and a bit of sugar for sweetness. A mix of soy sauce with hoisin sauce can also work as a tasty alternative. Just adjust to your taste preference!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help retain moisture and prevent dryness.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added color and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure all veggies are cooked but still crisp!
