Hello, dear food enthusiasts! Welcome to another delicious journey into the world of home cooking. Today, we’re uncovering the secret to making super tender beef and onion stir fry. This classic dish, with its succulent beef and flavorful onions, is a favorite in many households. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe will elevate your culinary skills and impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create this mouth-watering stir fry.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
- 380g beef chuck tender
- 0.5 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp premium soy sauce
- 0.5 tsp sugar
- A few dashes of white pepper
- 1/3 tsp baking soda
- 60ml (2.03 fl oz) water
- 1 tbsp cornflour
- Some cooking oil
For the Sauce:
- 60ml (2.03 fl oz) water
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 0.5 tbsp light soy sauce
- 0.5 tbsp premium dark soy sauce
- 0.5 tsp sugar
- A few dashes of white pepper
- 1 tbsp cornflour
Other Ingredients:
- 4 stalks spring onions
- 1 large yellow onion, cut into wedges
- 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing Huatiao wine)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Wok or large frying pan
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
Instructions
Preparing the Beef
- Slice the Beef: Thinly slice the beef chuck tender against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Marinate the Beef: In a mixing bowl, combine 0.5 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp premium soy sauce, 0.5 tsp sugar, a few dashes of white pepper, and 1/3 tsp baking soda. Add 60ml (2.03 fl oz) water and mix well. Add 1 tbsp cornflour and mix again until the beef is evenly coated. Add a small amount of cooking oil to help with the marinating process. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to tenderize the meat.
Preparing the Sauce
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine 60ml (2.03 fl oz) water, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 0.5 tbsp light soy sauce, 0.5 tbsp premium dark soy sauce, 0.5 tsp sugar, a few dashes of white pepper, and 1 tbsp cornflour. Stir until well combined and set aside.
Cooking the Stir Fry
- Prepare the Vegetables: Cut the large yellow onion into wedges and chop the spring onions into 2-inch lengths.
- Heat the Wok: Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Add some cooking oil and swirl to coat.
- Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the hot wok and stir-fry until it’s about 70-80% cooked. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same wok, add a bit more oil if needed and stir-fry the yellow onion wedges until they start to soften. Add the spring onions and continue to stir-fry for another minute.
- Combine and Finish: Return the beef to the wok along with the prepared sauce. Stir-fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened. Add 1 tbsp of Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing Huatiao wine) and give it a final stir.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve: Transfer the stir fry to a serving dish and enjoy it hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or noodles.
Tips and Variations
- Meat Substitutes: You can substitute the beef with chicken or pork if desired.
- Vegetable Variations: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through before serving.
FAQ
How do I make sure the beef is tender?
Marinating the beef with baking soda and cornstarch helps break down the fibers and retain moisture, ensuring tender meat.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the beef up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator.
Can I use different types of onions?
Yes, red onions or shallots can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This super tender beef and onion stir fry is a game-changer for weeknight dinners. With simple ingredients and a few key techniques, you can create a dish that’s not only flavorful but also incredibly tender. The balance of savory sauces and the aromatic touch of Chinese cooking wine make this stir fry a standout. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your household!