Description
This Oyster Sauce Beef & Onion Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender beef slices and caramelized onions tossed in a savory oyster sauce blend. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this stir-fry combines the richness of oyster sauce with the sweetness of onions and a hint of ginger and garlic for depth. Served over steamed rice, it offers a satisfying meal with balanced flavors and minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced (optional)
- 1-2 tbsp green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sauces and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp water or beef broth (to adjust sauce consistency)
Serving
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips. If the beef is too thick, place it in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm up, making it easier to slice thinly.
- Cook the onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until they start to soften and caramelize. Remove the onions from the pan and set them aside.
- Cook the beef: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is just cooked through. Make sure the beef gets a nice sear.
- Add garlic and ginger: Add the minced garlic (and ginger, if using) to the pan and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.
- Prepare the sauce: Add the oyster sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper to the pan. Stir well to combine, then add 2 tablespoons of water or beef broth to adjust the sauce consistency. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the chili flakes.
- Combine and serve: Return the cooked onions to the pan and stir everything together, ensuring the beef is well coated with the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with sliced green onions and serve the stir-fry over steamed rice.
Notes
- For easier slicing, partially freeze the beef before cutting.
- You can substitute beef broth with water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Oyster sauce adds a rich umami flavor; use a vegetarian oyster sauce for a vegetarian variation.
- Adjust chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
