Here’s a recipe for Savory Chinese Stir-Fried Beef with Caramelized Onions. This dish is rich, savory, and slightly sweet from the onions, perfect over steamed rice or noodles.
🥢 Savory Chinese Stir-Fried Beef with Caramelized Onions
🔪 Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Cook Time: 15 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 2–4
🧾 Ingredients:
For the Beef:
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300g (10 oz) beef sirloin or flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
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1 tbsp light soy sauce
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1 tsp dark soy sauce
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1 tsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
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1/2 tsp sugar
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1/2 tsp baking soda (optional – tenderizes the meat)
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1 tsp cornstarch
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1 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut)
For the Sauce:
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1.5 tbsp light soy sauce
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1 tbsp oyster sauce
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1 tsp dark soy sauce
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1 tsp sugar (adjust to taste)
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1/2 tsp sesame oil
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2 tbsp water or low-sodium chicken stock
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1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken)
For the Stir-Fry:
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2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1-inch piece of ginger, minced or julienned
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2 tbsp neutral oil
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Optional: sliced green onions or chili for garnish
🍳 Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef (15–30 mins)
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In a bowl, combine the beef with:
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1 tbsp light soy sauce
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1 tsp dark soy sauce
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1 tsp Shaoxing wine
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1/2 tsp sugar
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1/2 tsp baking soda (optional, makes it very tender)
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1 tsp cornstarch
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1 tbsp oil
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Mix well, cover, and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Make the Sauce
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In a small bowl, mix together:
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1.5 tbsp light soy sauce
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1 tbsp oyster sauce
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1 tsp dark soy sauce
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1 tsp sugar
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1/2 tsp sesame oil
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2 tbsp water or stock
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1 tsp cornstarch
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Stir until smooth. Set aside.
3. Caramelize the Onions
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Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat.
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Add the sliced onions and a small pinch of salt.
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Stir occasionally for about 6–8 minutes, until onions are golden, soft, and sweet. Don’t rush—this step adds a rich depth of flavor.
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Remove and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Beef
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Increase heat to high.
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Add 1 tbsp oil to the same wok/skillet.
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Add ginger and garlic, stir-fry for 10–15 seconds until fragrant.
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Add marinated beef in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for 30 seconds, then stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes until mostly cooked through.
5. Combine & Finish
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Add the caramelized onions back to the pan.
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Give the sauce a quick stir and pour it into the pan.
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Stir-fry everything together for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the beef and onions.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed (more soy for salt, sugar for sweetness, or splash of vinegar for brightness).
6. Serve
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Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles.
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Garnish with green onions or sliced chili if desired.
🔥 Tips:
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Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
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For extra umami, add a few drops of fish sauce or a dab of fermented bean paste.
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Add sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms if you like a veggie boost.