Ingredients
- Beef (1 lb): I prefer flank steak or sirloin for their tenderness and flavor. Thinly slice the beef against the grain for the best texture.
- Onions (2 medium): Yellow onions are perfect for this dish, adding sweetness and depth when caramelized in the stir fry.
- Soy Sauce (¼ cup): This is the base of the sauce, giving the dish its rich umami flavor.
- Brown Sugar (1 tbsp): Adds a slight sweetness that balances the savory elements of the soy sauce.
- Ginger (1 tbsp, grated): Fresh ginger adds a kick of flavor and a little heat to the stir fry.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic is essential for that aromatic, savory foundation.
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp): This helps thicken the sauce, making it stick to the beef and onions.
- Sesame Oil (2 tsp): Adds a nutty, fragrant flavor.
- Vegetable Oil (for stir-frying): A high smoke point oil is best for stir frying—vegetable oil works well, but you can also use canola or peanut oil.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Start by slicing your beef thinly against the grain. This helps the meat stay tender and cook quickly. Once sliced, place it in a bowl and season it with a pinch of salt, pepper, and half of the soy sauce. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
- Prep the Onions: Peel the onions and slice them thinly. You want them to cook quickly and caramelize nicely, so thin slices work best.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and ginger. Set this aside—this is the magic sauce that’ll bring all the flavors together.
- Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the beef in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if necessary, cook the beef in batches. Let the beef sear for 2-3 minutes, flipping it occasionally until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
- Caramelize the Onions: In the same pan, add the sesame oil. Toss in the sliced onions and cook them over medium heat. Stir occasionally, allowing them to soften and turn golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The onions will release their natural sugars and become deliciously sweet and tender.
- Combine the Beef and Sauce: Once the onions are caramelized, add the beef back to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together. The cornstarch will thicken the sauce, creating a glossy, savory coating over the beef and onions. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Taste and Adjust: Now, taste your stir fry and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like it sweeter, add a little more brown sugar. If you prefer it saltier, a splash more soy sauce does the trick. Add a pinch of pepper for extra flavor.
- Serve: Once the stir fry is well-mixed and the sauce is thickened, it’s time to serve! Spoon the beef and onion stir fry over a bowl of steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 25g