Oyster Sauce Beef Onion Stir-Fry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stir-fry is full of bold flavors and textures, making it a standout meal. The beef sirloin is marinated to perfection, tenderized with cornstarch, and stir-fried with the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors from the oyster sauce and soy sauce. The addition of garlic, ginger, and sesame oil gives it a fragrant boost, while the onions add a delicious sweetness and crunch. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

Marinade

• 450 g beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 30 ml soy sauce
• 8 g cornstarch

Stir-Fry

• 30 ml vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 45 ml oyster sauce
• 15 ml soy sauce
• 12 g granulated sugar
• 60 ml beef broth
• 5 ml sesame oil
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked rice, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Marinate the beef: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef sirloin, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Toss to coat and let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Prepare the stir-fry sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, granulated sugar, beef broth, and sesame oil. Set aside.
3. Cook the beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Stir-fry the onions and aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining vegetable oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become tender and lightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Combine and cook: Return the cooked beef to the skillet and pour in the prepared stir-fry sauce. Stir everything together, ensuring the beef and onions are coated with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld.
6. Serve: Serve the stir-fry over a bed of steamed rice and garnish with chopped green onions. Enjoy!

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Option: Add sliced chili peppers or a drizzle of chili oil to bring some heat to the dish.
• Add Vegetables: Include bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas for added color and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover stir-fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute beef sirloin with flank steak, ribeye, or any tender cut of beef. Just make sure to slice it thinly for the best texture.

Can I make this stir-fry ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the beef and prepare the stir-fry sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then cook the dish when ready to serve.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the beef broth is gluten-free to make this stir-fry suitable for gluten-free diets.

How do I make the beef more tender?

Marinating the beef in soy sauce and cornstarch helps tenderize it, but you can also try adding a pinch of baking soda to the marinade to make it even more tender.

Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh beef, but if you must use frozen, make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating.

Can I substitute the oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a little bit of sugar for a similar sweet and savory flavor.

How do I prevent the beef from overcooking?

Be sure to cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Also, don’t cook it too long—just a few minutes on each side until it’s browned and cooked through.

Can I add more vegetables to this stir-fry?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn are all great additions that complement the beef and enhance the dish.

Is this dish spicy?

The dish itself is not spicy, but you can add some heat with chili peppers, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Can I make the stir-fry with other proteins?

Yes, you can use chicken, shrimp, or even tofu in place of the beef for a different protein option.

Conclusion

This Oyster Sauce Beef Onion Stir-Fry is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors. The tender beef, caramelized onions, and fragrant garlic and ginger come together with a rich, umami-packed sauce that is perfect for pairing with rice. It’s a quick, easy, and customizable dish that will be a hit at your dinner table every time. Whether you’re cooking for one or serving a crowd, this stir-fry is sure to satisfy!

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