Description
A quick and flavorful Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry featuring tender marinated beef sirloin, sautéed onions, garlic, and ginger in a savory soy and oyster sauce mixture, thickened to a perfect consistency and garnished with fresh green onions. Ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner served over steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Marinade
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Stir Fry
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (to thicken sauce)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef sirloin with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Stir well to coat all pieces evenly and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to develop flavor and tenderize the beef.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned but still slightly undercooked. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Stir-fry Aromatics and Onions: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onions, minced garlic, and chopped ginger. Stir-fry this mixture for 2-3 minutes until the onions soften and become fragrant, which builds the base flavor for the dish.
- Combine Beef and Seasonings: Return the partially cooked beef to the skillet with the onions. Add sugar and 2 tablespoons of water to the pan. Stir all ingredients together and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is fully cooked through and tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: Pour in the cornstarch and water mixture while stirring continuously. Cook for a minute or so until the sauce thickens, coating the beef and onions nicely with a glossy finish.
- Finish the Dish: Drizzle sesame oil over the stir-fry and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with freshly sliced green onions and serve immediately, ideally with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Be sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Marinating the beef for longer than 15 minutes can enhance flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding sliced chili peppers or a splash of chili sauce during step 3.
- Use a well-seasoned wok or non-stick skillet to prevent sticking during stir-frying.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce and oyster sauce with gluten-free alternatives.
