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### Instructions
#### 1. **Marinate the Beef**
Start by preparing the beef. Thinly slice the flank steak (or sirloin) against the grain. This helps ensure that the beef stays tender when cooked.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper. Add the sliced beef and toss to coat evenly. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes, or if you have the time, you can let it sit in the fridge for up to an hour. This step helps the beef absorb the flavors and become more tender.
#### 2. **Caramelize the Onions**
While the beef is marinating, prepare the onions. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally. The goal is to soften the onions and let them slowly caramelize, which can take about 15-20 minutes. Stir the onions occasionally to ensure they don’t burn, and if they start to stick, you can add a little water or broth to loosen them up.
Once the onions are golden brown and caramelized, sprinkle the sugar over them. This will enhance the sweetness and help them turn a deep golden color. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove the caramelized onions from the skillet and set them aside.
#### 3. **Cook the Beef**
In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Next, add the marinated beef to the skillet in a single layer. Allow it to sear for 2-3 minutes without stirring, so that it gets a nice, browned exterior. Once the beef starts to brown, stir it and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it is cooked through and tender. If the beef begins to dry out, add a splash of beef broth or water.
#### 4. **Combine Beef and Caramelized Onions**
Once the beef is cooked through, return the caramelized onions to the skillet. Stir to combine the beef and onions. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and optional chili flakes if you like a bit of heat. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add a little more sugar, or for extra depth, add more soy sauce.
#### 5. **Garnish and Serve**
Transfer the Chinese-style beef and caramelized onions to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly sliced green onions for a burst of freshness and color. Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or a side of vegetables like bok choy or broccoli for a complete meal.
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### Why This Recipe Works
– **Marinating the Beef**: The marinade infuses the beef with a rich, savory flavor and helps tenderize it, resulting in a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
– **Caramelized Onions**: Slowly caramelizing the onions enhances their natural sweetness and adds a savory complexity that perfectly complements the beef. The sugar helps deepen the caramelization, giving the onions a rich, golden hue and full flavor.
– **Balanced Flavors**: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and rice vinegar creates a beautifully balanced sauce that is savory, tangy, and slightly sweet, tying everything together.
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### Tips for Perfect Chinese-Style Beef with Caramelized Onions
– **Slice the Beef Thinly**: For the best texture, slice the beef thinly against the grain. This helps the beef cook quickly and stay tender.
– **Low and Slow for Caramelized Onions**: Take your time when caramelizing the onions. Cooking them over medium-low heat allows them to soften and release their natural sugars, creating a rich, sweet flavor that elevates the dish.
– **Customize the Heat**: If you like things spicy, feel free to add more chili flakes or even a dash of chili paste to the stir-fry.
– **Make it a Complete Meal**: Serve this dish with steamed rice, fried rice, or stir-fried vegetables. You could also add some steamed bok choy or green beans for added texture and color.
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### Final Thoughts
**Chinese-Style Beef with Caramelized Onions** is a fantastic fusion of savory beef, sweet caramelized onions, and rich Chinese flavors. It’s a dish that is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners or even special occasions. The tender beef paired with the sweet, golden onions creates a mouthwatering combination that is hard to resist.
Whether you’re cooking for your loved ones or impressing guests with a flavorful, restaurant-quality dish, this recipe will deliver. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to enjoy a plate full of delicious, umami-packed goodness.
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