Description
Spicy Stir-Fried Beef with Onions
Ingredients:
1 lb beef sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 large onion, chopped
4 dried red chilies
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tsp sugar
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions:
1. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and dried red chilies. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add beef and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in onions and cook until they are slightly caramelized.
5. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sugar. Stir well and simmer for 2 minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Everything First: Slice the beef against the grain into thin, bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and have your sauces measured and ready. This dish cooks quickly.
2. Heat the Wok: Place your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the surface.
3. Infuse the Oil: Add the minced garlic and whole dried chilies. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until very fragrant but not burnt.
4. Cook the Beef: Increase heat to high. Add the beef in a single layer if possible. Let it sear for 1 minute undisturbed, then stir-fry for 2-3 more minutes until mostly browned.
5. Add the Onion: Push the beef to the sides and add the chopped onion to the center. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the onions are tender and beginning to caramelize at the edges.
6. Combine and Sauce: Mix everything together. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sugar. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the beef and onions.
7. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat immediately. Toss with fresh cilantro and serve right away.
Serving Suggestions
This robust stir-fry is best served over a bed of steamed jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a lighter option, try it with cauliflower rice. A simple side of steamed broccoli or bok choy balances the spice. For a complete meal, add a refreshing cucumber salad with a rice vinegar dressing.
How-to Summary
Quickly stir-fry garlic and chilies in hot oil. Add beef and sear until browned. Incorporate onions until tender-crisp. Finish by tossing with a mix of soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces plus a pinch of sugar until glazed. Garnish with cilantro and serve immediately over rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, flank steak or skirt steak are excellent, affordable alternatives. Just remember to slice very thinly against the grain for tenderness.
How can I make it less spicy? Remove the seeds from the dried chilies before adding them, or use only 1-2 chilies. You can also substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for more controlled heat.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce? You can substitute with additional soy sauce and a small teaspoon of brown sugar or honey to mimic oyster sauce’s sweet, savory depth.
Can I prepare this in advance? You can prep the ingredients (slice beef, chop veggies, mix sauce) ahead of time. However, for best texture, stir-fry just before serving.
Is hoisin sauce essential? It adds a unique sweet, tangy flavor, but in a pinch, you can use an extra teaspoon of sugar mixed with a tablespoon of soy sauce and a dash of five-spice powder.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too much meat at once steams it instead of searing it. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Cutting With the Grain: Slicing the beef with, not against, the grain results in a chewy, tough texture.
- Burning the Garlic and Chilies: They cook very fast. Have your next ingredient ready to go in immediately after they become fragrant.
- Overcooking the Onions: They should retain a slight crunch. Add them after the beef is mostly cooked to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Conclusion
This Spicy Stir-Fried Beef with Onions is a testament to how a few simple, high-quality ingredients can create a restaurant-worthy meal at home in minutes. The key lies in proper preparation, high heat, and the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. Mastering this fundamental stir-fry technique opens the door to endless variations, making it a valuable and delicious addition to your weekly dinner rotation.