Beef With Onions

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Chinese

Tender beef stir-fried with sweet onions and savory soy sauce creates a flavorful dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef (flank or top sirloin steak), julienne
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 egg white
  • 1 Tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 to 4 cups oil for deep frying
  • 3 or 4 onions, sliced
  • 1 Tbsp wine or dry sherry
  • 1 Tbsp sugar
  • 4 Tbsp dark soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Combine beef, salt, egg white, and cornstarch in a bowl.
  2. Mix well with hands until ingredients are evenly coated.
  3. Heat oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
  4. Deep-fry the beef until it is seared and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
  5. Reheat 2 tablespoons of oil in the wok.
  6. Add sliced onions to the hot oil.
  7. Stir-fry the onions until they are soft and well-browned, about 20 minutes.
  8. Add the cooked beef to the wok with the onions.
  9. Add sherry, sugar, and dark soy sauce to the mixture.
  10. Stir-fry everything together for 1 minute until the beef is glazed and browned.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, marinate the beef in the soy sauce and sherry for at least 15 minutes before cooking. If you prefer a healthier option, consider using less oil by stir-frying instead of deep-frying the beef. You can also substitute flank steak with other beef cuts, such as sirloin or even chicken for a lighter version. Explore other beef recipes to find your favorite.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chinese Ground Beef or String Beans And Beef. For an authentic touch, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This dish makes a great addition to any Asian-inspired dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry in a hot pan for a few minutes until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the dish moist. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it may make the beef tough.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Beef With Onions contains roughly 1439 calories, with 4g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 126g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2286mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).

1439 kcal 72% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.2g 8% DV
Total Fat 126.2g 100% DV
Carbs 74.9g 27% DV
Fiber 2.7g 10% DV
Sugar 3.9g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2286.2mg 99% DV
Potassium 149.9mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 4.1mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 1.7mcg
Vitamin C 5.7mg 6% DV
Calcium 30.9mg 2% DV
Iron 1.3mg 7% DV
Contains Egg Soy

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking times accordingly, as different proteins may require different cooking durations to ensure they're fully cooked.

What can I serve with Beef With Onions?

This dish goes well with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables, such as bell peppers or bok choy, to balance the flavors and add more nutrition to your meal.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, consider incorporating sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of chili oil when stir-frying the onions. Alternatively, you can serve the dish with a side of spicy chili sauce for those who enjoy a kick in their meals.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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