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Beef & Onion Stir-fry

洋葱炒牛肉 · Yáng cōng chǎo niú ròu

Beef and onion cooked separately, then combined in a light sauce. Slicing onion into similar widths helps it soften evenly.

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Prep12 min
Cook12 min
Serves2
DifficultyEasy
Beef & Onion Stir-fry — AI-generated dish reference, not a photo
AI-generated dish reference · not a photograph · China Table · AI-generated · Original AI illustration
Recipe guide · not yet kitchen-testedAI-assisted editorial draft. Timing depends on your stove, pan, and ingredient size. Use the doneness checks below.

Let’s get cooking

  1. 01

    Slice and prepare

    Cut meat across its grain into 3 mm slices or small even cubes as specified. Prepare vegetables. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, starch, measured sauce water, and all additional seasonings.

  2. 02

    Cook the meat

    Heat oil over medium-high heat. Spread meat in one layer, working in batches if needed. Turn and stir for 3–5 minutes, checking doneness. Whole-cut beef or lamb must reach 63°C and rest at least 3 minutes. Transfer to a clean plate.

  3. 03

    Soften onion

    Stir garlic and ginger briefly, add onion, and cook 4–5 minutes over medium heat until translucent at the edges. Keep a little bite in the centre.

  4. 04

    Combine and glaze

    Stir the sauce again so starch lifts from the bottom. Pour into the vegetables and simmer 1–2 minutes until glossy. Return cooked meat and toss for 30–60 seconds, until hot throughout.

A little kitchen wisdom

Use a wide pan and cook the meat in batches when necessary. Crowding makes the food simmer in its own liquid.

Can’t find an ingredient?

Light soy sauce: Use a labelled gluten-free tamari if needed; check every other sauce label too.

Cook safely

Whole cuts of beef must reach 63°C / 145°F and rest at least 3 minutes.

FoodSafety.gov guidance ↗