Description
A quick and flavorful Beef Onion Stir-fry featuring tender flank steak marinated for extra softness, seared with sweet and savory onions, and coated in a rich soy-based sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon water
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water
Stir-fry
- 2 tablespoons oil, divided
- 10 ounces small onions, sliced into wedges (about 3 small onions)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with baking soda, cornstarch, oil, oyster sauce, and water. Mix until the beef absorbs the marinade and set aside for at least 15 minutes to tenderize (up to 30 minutes for extra tenderness).
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, ketchup, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and water. Set aside until ready to use.
- Sear the Beef: Heat a wok over high heat until smoking hot. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and arrange the beef in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for 30 seconds to 1 minute until browned, then stir-fry for another 15–30 seconds until about 75% cooked. Remove beef from wok and set aside.
- Stir-fry the Onions: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the wok along with the onion wedges. Stir-fry over high heat for 60–90 seconds until the onions are seared and slightly blistered. Remove and set aside.
- Combine and Finish: Pour the prepared sauce into the wok and bring it to a simmer. Let it bubble for 15 seconds, then return the beef and onions to the wok. Stir-fry everything together for about 30 seconds to coat with sauce and heat through. Serve hot over steamed rice if desired.
Notes
- For best tenderness, marinate the beef for the full 30 minutes if time allows.
- Use a very hot wok or skillet to achieve good searing and caramelization.
- Adjust soy sauce quantities to taste depending on salt preference.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- You can substitute flank steak with sirloin for a leaner cut.
