Description: This Savory Beef and Onion Stir-Fry, inspired by the classic French-named Chinese dish, “Bœuf Sauté aux Oignons,” is a quick, easy, and comforting meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Thinly sliced beef is stir-fried with tender onions and garlic in a flavorful sauce of sesame oil, soy sauce, and a touch of sweetness. It’s a delightful combination of savory and slightly sweet, offering a satisfying and balanced taste.
Ingredients:
- 250g (approximately 9 ounces) beef (sirloin, flank steak, or rump steak), thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium is preferred)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional garnish: Chopped chives or cilantro
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Preparation:
This recipe requires minimal prep work, making it ideal for busy individuals.
Step 1: Preparing the Beef
Begin by ensuring the beef is thinly sliced. Partially freezing the beef for about 30 minutes makes slicing much easier. Cut against the grain for maximum tenderness. Place the sliced beef in a bowl.
Step 2: Preparing the Aromatics
Thinly slice the yellow onion. Mince the garlic cloves. Ensure the garlic is finely minced to release its flavor evenly during cooking. Set aside.
Step 3: Preparing the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. This ensures the sauce is evenly distributed when added to the stir-fry. Set aside.
Step 4: Heating the Wok
Heat the sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. The wok should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles and evaporates almost immediately.
Step 5: Stir-Frying the Beef
Add the sliced beef to the hot wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is browned and just cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the wok, as this will lower the temperature and cause the beef to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the beef in batches. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
Step 6: Cooking the Onions and Garlic
Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the same wok. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are softened and translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic, as it will become bitter.
Step 7: Combining and Finishing
Return the cooked beef to the wok with the onions and garlic. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and onions. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and all ingredients are well combined.
Step 8: Garnishing and Serving
Remove the stir-fry from the heat. Garnish with chopped chives or cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately over cooked rice or noodles.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Savory Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a culinary delight for several compelling reasons:
- Simplicity: The recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it accessible to both novice and experienced cooks. The straightforward preparation ensures a delicious meal can be on the table in under 20 minutes.
- Flavor: The combination of savory beef, sweet onions, and fragrant garlic creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile. The sesame oil adds a nutty aroma, while the soy sauce provides umami depth. The touch of sugar balances the savory elements, resulting in a harmonious blend of tastes.
- Versatility: This dish is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to suit your preferences. You can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms, to enhance the nutritional value and flavor. Different cuts of beef can also be used, depending on your budget and preference.
- Comfort Food: The comforting and familiar flavors of this stir-fry make it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying meal. It evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia, reminiscent of classic home-cooked dishes.
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in minutes.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over steamed white rice or brown rice for a classic and complete meal.
- Pair with stir-fried noodles, such as egg noodles or udon noodles, for a heartier dish.
- Serve with a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, bok choy, or green beans, to add extra nutrients and fiber.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of chili oil for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables for a tangy and refreshing contrast to the savory stir-fry.
Tips:
- To make slicing the beef easier, partially freeze it for about 30 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness.
- Do not overcrowd the wok when stir-frying the beef, as this will lower the temperature and cause the beef to steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Use a high-quality soy sauce for the best flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the salt content.
- Adjust the amount of sugar and pepper to your liking.
- For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving, may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)
- Calories: 350-450
- Protein: 30-40g
- Sodium: 500-700mg
Conclusion:
This Savory Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Its simple ingredients, quick preparation, and satisfying flavor make it a perfect choice for a weeknight meal or a casual weekend dinner. With its versatility and customizable nature, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy this comforting and delicious stir-fry with your favorite sides and garnishes.
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A: Absolutely! While the recipe recommends sirloin, flank steak, or rump steak, you can use other cuts of beef based on your preference and budget. Look for tender cuts that are suitable for quick cooking, such as ribeye, New York strip, or even pre-sliced stir-fry beef. Remember that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut of beef used. Ensure the beef is cooked to a safe internal temperature for consumption.
Q2: Can I add vegetables to this stir-fry?
A: Yes, indeed! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of this dish. Some excellent additions include bell peppers (any color), broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, snap peas, sliced carrots, and bok choy. Add the vegetables to the wok after cooking the onions and garlic, and stir-fry them until they are tender-crisp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of vegetables you use. Heartier vegetables like carrots may need a longer cooking time than softer vegetables like snap peas.
Q3: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply replace the regular soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Ensure that all other ingredients used are also gluten-free, such as the cooking oil and any added garnishes. With this simple substitution, you can enjoy the same delicious flavors without any gluten.
Q4: Can I use a different type of oil instead of sesame oil?
A: While sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty flavor to the dish, you can substitute it with another type of cooking oil if needed. Good alternatives include canola oil, vegetable oil, peanut oil, or avocado oil. Keep in mind that the flavor of the dish will be slightly different without the sesame oil, but it will still be delicious. For a similar flavor profile, you can add a small amount of toasted sesame seeds to the stir-fry at the end of cooking.
Q5: How can I adjust the sweetness of the sauce?
A: The sweetness of the sauce can be easily adjusted to suit your preference. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. Alternatively, if you like a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of sugar slightly. You can also use other sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar, to add different flavor notes to the sauce. Start with small adjustments and taste the sauce before adding it to the stir-fry to ensure it reaches your desired level of sweetness.
