The moment I bring out the wok, a sense of excitement fills the air. The sizzle of garlic and onion dancing in hot oil instantly awakens my senses, promising a delicious meal is on the way. This Onion Scallion Beef recipe is a delightful marriage of tender beef and vibrant scallions, making it the perfect antidote to those mundane fast-food nights.
On busy evenings or when you’re simply craving something delicious yet quick, this dish saves the day. With just a handful of accessible ingredients, you’ll create a vibrant stir-fry that tastes like it’s straight from your favorite Asian restaurant, without the fuss.
Picture this: vibrant green scallions mixed with juicy strips of beef, all enveloped in a savory sauce that sings of umami. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a meal that’s not only easy to prepare but also impressively flavorful. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure where homemade comfort meets the simplicity of a weeknight dinner!
Why Will You Love Onion Scallion Beef?
Quick and Easy: Whip up this dish in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights when you crave home-cooked goodness.
Flavor Explosion: Enjoy the savory blend of beef, garlic, and scallions, creating a taste sensation that rivals takeout.
Versatile Dish: Great with steamed rice or noodles, making it adaptable to suit your particular cravings.
Fresh Ingredients: Utilizing simple, fresh ingredients, this meal is a delightful contrast to fast food options.
Crowd-Pleaser: Impress family and friends with this vibrant dish that definitely steals the spotlight at any dinner table!
You can also explore other quick homemade delights to satisfy your hunger for flavor-packed meals!
Onion Scallion Beef Ingredients
• Here’s what you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish!
For the Beef
- Beef tenderloin – 10 oz (280g), thinly sliced for the tender, juicy bite that soaks up all the flavors.
For the Marinade
- Cornstarch – 1 teaspoon to tenderize the beef and create a velvety texture.
- Soy sauce – 1 teaspoon adds a savory depth to the marinade.
- Chinese Shaoxing wine – 1 teaspoon, or dry sherry to infuse a hint of complexity.
For the Sauce
- Oyster sauce – 2 teaspoons brings a rich umami flavor to the dish.
- Soy sauce – 2 tablespoons for an added layer of savory goodness.
- Dark soy sauce – 1/4 teaspoon to enhance color and provide a deeper flavor.
- White pepper powder – 3 dashes for a subtle kick and fragrant aroma.
- Sesame oil – 1/4 teaspoon adds a nutty richness that complements the dish beautifully.
- Sugar – 1 tablespoon balances the savory components, rounding out the flavors.
- Salt – 1 pinch just enough to elevate the overall taste.
For the Stir-Fry
- Cooking oil – 2 1/2 tablespoons vital for a perfect stir-fry that prevents sticking.
- Onion – 1/2, sliced to provide sweetness and aroma while sautéing.
- Garlic – 3 cloves, thinly sliced for an irresistible fragrance that brightens every bite.
- Scallion – 3 stalks, cut into 2-inch (5cm) strips for that fresh, vibrant crunch that pairs wonderfully with beef.
With these ingredients, you’re just a few easy steps away from enjoying your homemade Onion Scallion Beef!
How to Make Onion Scallion Beef
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Marinate the beef slices by mixing them with cornstarch, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb all the flavors and tenderize.
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Combine all the sauce ingredients—oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, white pepper, sesame oil, and sugar—in a small bowl. Stir well and set aside to meld the flavors.
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Heat a wok and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry the marinated beef until it’s half-cooked, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the wok and drain any excess liquid.
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Sauté the sliced garlic and onion in the remaining oil until they become fragrant and translucent, about 1-2 minutes.
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Return the beef to the wok and stir quickly to combine with the garlic and onion before adding the sauce.
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Cook until the beef is fully done, about 1-2 minutes more. Then, toss in the scallions for a quick stir, just until they soften slightly. Serve immediately over steamed rice.
Optional: Garnish with sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and elegance.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Onion Scallion Beef Variations
Customize your dish to suit your taste buds and dietary needs with these fun twists!
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Vegetarian Delight: Swap beef for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based variation that still offers a fantastic texture. Just marinate and stir-fry as usual!
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Spicy Kick: Add sliced chili peppers or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat. You’ll enjoy a zesty blend that perks up your palate!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute tamari for soy sauce and ensure all sauces are gluten-free. Enjoy a delicious dish that everyone can savor!
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Add Veggies: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a colorful and nutritious boost. This will create a medley of flavors and add visual delight.
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Citrus Twang: Incorporate a splash of lime juice or the zest of lemon into the sauce to add a refreshing tang. It brightens the flavors beautifully!
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Nutty Flavor: Drizzle sesame oil over the finished dish for an enhanced nuttiness. It adds an irresistible depth that keeps you coming back for more.
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Rich Flavor: Experiment with hoisin sauce in place of oyster sauce for added sweetness and complexity. It transforms every mouthful into a satisfying experience!
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Herbaceous Touch: Garnish with fresh cilantro or basil for a fragrant finish that uplifts the entire dish. The aromatic herbs will make your meal even more inviting!
How to Store and Freeze Onion Scallion Beef
Fridge: Store leftover Onion Scallion Beef in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its delicious flavors and texture.
Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 1 month. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a skillet over medium heat.
Reheating: For best results, reheat on the stovetop to retain moisture. Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep the beef tender and juicy.
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving cooked Onion Scallion Beef out for more than 2 hours to prevent any food safety issues.
Expert Tips for Onion Scallion Beef
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Quality Beef: Choose tenderloin for the best texture; it cooks quickly and remains juicy, enhancing the overall flavor of your Onion Scallion Beef.
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Marinate Wisely: Allow the beef to marinate for a full 10 minutes to absorb the flavors; rushing this step can result in less tender meat.
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Wok Heat: Preheat the wok thoroughly before adding oil; this ensures quick cooking and prevents the beef from steaming instead of stir-frying.
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Stir-Fry Speed: Stir-fry quickly over high heat to keep the beef succulent; overcooking can lead to tough, chewy meat.
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Sauce Timing: Add the sauce after returning the beef to the wok for maximum flavor; letting it cook too long can overwhelm the dish.
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Fresh Scallions: Add scallions at the end to maintain their vibrant flavor and crunch, contributing to the dish’s fresh taste.
What to Serve with Onion Scallion Beef?
Create a delightful and memorable meal to complement your vibrant dish!
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The perfect canvas for soaking up the savory sauce, enhancing every bite of the beef and scallions.
- Stir-Fried Bok Choy: This fresh vegetable adds a satisfying crunch and a hint of sweetness, balancing the rich flavors of the beef. A side of bok choy can make your meal feel complete and colorful.
- Chili Garlic Noodles: For those craving extra carbs, these noodles bring a kick and a delightful chewiness that pairs wonderfully with the tender beef. Enjoy a delightful contrast to the tender textures!
- Sesame Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans tossed with sesame oil and seeds add freshness and a nutty flavor that perfectly accentuates the dish.
- Cucumber Salad: A light salad with a tangy dressing refreshes the palate and contrasts beautifully with the richness of the beef. It’s a perfect way to bring in some crunch and brightness.
- Spring Rolls: Crispy spring rolls stuffed with fresh vegetables make for a delightful starter that adds a crunchy, satisfying element to your meal. Pairing them with a dipping sauce heightens the excitement!
- Peach Iced Tea: A refreshing drink that complements the savory aspects of the beef, with its fruity notes creating a harmonious balance in flavors.
- Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this sweet treat is an ideal finale, with its creamy coconut sauce echoing the delicious flavor of the meal and leaving everyone satisfied.
Make Ahead Options
These Onion Scallion Beef components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the beef up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully (just remember to refrigerate it). The sauce can also be prepared ahead of time; simply mix all the ingredients and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just stir-fry the garlic and onion, reheat the marinated beef, toss it all together, and finish by adding the scallions. This way, you can enjoy an effortlessly delicious meal that’s just as vibrant and satisfying on busy weeknights!
Onion Scallion Beef Recipe FAQs
What kind of beef should I use for Onion Scallion Beef?
Absolutely! For the best results, I recommend using beef tenderloin. Its tenderness cooks quickly and infuses the dish with juicy flavors. If tenderloin isn’t available, flank steak or sirloin are great alternatives, though they may require slightly longer marination for maximum flavor.
How should I store leftover Onion Scallion Beef?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the beef has cooled completely before sealing it to avoid condensation, which can affect texture.
Can I freeze Onion Scallion Beef?
Yes, you absolutely can! To freeze, place cooled portions in airtight containers or freezer bags, ensuring all air is removed to prevent freezer burn. It can last for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it tender.
How do I avoid overcooking the beef?
To keep your beef tender, I suggest stir-frying over high heat and cooking it for only 2-3 minutes during the first step until it’s half-cooked. Always remove it from the wok before adding it back with the sauce to ensure it doesn’t continue cooking for too long. Keep everything moving in the wok for the best results!
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
If you have allergies, note that this recipe contains soy sauce and oyster sauce, which can trigger reactions for some individuals. I often suggest using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari as an alternative for those with gluten sensitivities. For a vegan version, substitute the beef with tofu and replace the oyster sauce with mushroom sauce for that rich umami flavor!
How can I tell if my scallions are fresh enough?
Look for bright green tops without wilting and firm, crisp stalks. Avoid scallions with dark spots or wilting at the ends, as these indicate they may be past their prime. Fresh scallions enhance the dish’s flavor and provide that lovely crunch!
Savor Onion Scallion Beef: A Quick Homemade Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Marinate the beef slices by mixing them with cornstarch, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and a pinch of salt. Let it sit for 10 minutes to absorb all the flavors and tenderize.
- Combine all the sauce ingredients—oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, white pepper, sesame oil, and sugar—in a small bowl. Stir well and set aside to meld the flavors.
- Heat a wok and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry the marinated beef until it's half-cooked, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the wok and drain any excess liquid.
- Sauté the sliced garlic and onion in the remaining oil until they become fragrant and translucent, about 1-2 minutes.
- Return the beef to the wok and stir quickly to combine with the garlic and onion before adding the sauce.
- Cook until the beef is fully done, about 1-2 minutes more. Then, toss in the scallions for a quick stir, just until they soften slightly. Serve immediately over steamed rice.