Here’s a bold and satisfying dish: Wok-Seared Tender Beef with Sweet Onions in a Savory Soy-Garlic Sauce. This stir-fry is all about high-heat searing, deeply flavorful sauce, and tender textures — perfect for a quick dinner that tastes like takeout (but better).
🥢 Wok-Seared Tender Beef with Sweet Onions in Savory Soy-Garlic Sauce
🥩 Ingredients:
For the beef:
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1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tsp cornstarch (for velveting)
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1 tsp sesame oil
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1/2 tsp baking soda (optional, for extra tenderness)
For the sauce:
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3 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp oyster sauce
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1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color & richness)
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1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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2 tsp cornstarch
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1/4 cup water or beef broth
Stir-fry:
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1 large sweet onion, halved and thinly sliced
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3–4 cloves garlic, minced
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1–2 tsp fresh ginger, minced (optional)
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2 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or peanut)
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Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
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Optional: sliced scallions or sesame seeds for garnish
🔥 Instructions:
1. Marinate the beef (10–15 min):
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Combine sliced beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and baking soda (if using). Let rest while prepping sauce and veggies.
2. Mix the sauce:
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In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
3. Heat the wok:
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Preheat your wok (or large skillet) over high heat until smoking slightly. Add 1 tbsp oil and swirl.
4. Sear the beef:
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Add beef in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for 30–45 seconds, then stir-fry for 1–2 more minutes until mostly cooked. Remove and set aside.
5. Cook onions & aromatics:
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Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the wok. Toss in sliced onions and stir-fry until just softened and slightly charred (2–3 minutes).
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Add garlic (and ginger if using) and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Combine & sauce:
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Return beef to the wok. Pour in the sauce and toss to coat everything.
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Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and glaze the beef and onions.
7. Finish:
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Taste and adjust seasoning (add more soy sauce, vinegar, or a pinch of sugar if needed).
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Garnish with sliced scallions or sesame seeds if desired.
🍚 Serve with:
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Steamed jasmine or sticky rice
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Stir-fried noodles
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Lettuce cups or sautéed greens for a low-carb option
🔄 Variations:
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Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli for more color and texture.
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Swap beef for chicken, tofu, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Would you like this recipe adjusted for meal prep, lower sodium, or spicy lovers?
