Ingredients:
For the Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 large onion, cut into chunks
- 1 bunch green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons black bean sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Marinate the Beef:
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, and sugar. Mix well.
- Marinate the Beef: Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for better flavor.
Stir-Fry the Dish:
- Heat the Wok: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until hot.
- Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the wok in a single layer. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
- Cook the Aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the onion chunks to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add the green onions and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Combine and Serve:
- Add the Sauces: Return the cooked beef to the wok. Add the black bean sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add the cornstarch mixture to the wok, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Season to Taste: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve:
- Plate the Dish: Transfer the stir-fried beef with green onions and black bean sauce to a serving platter.
- Accompany with Rice: Serve hot, accompanied by steamed white rice or your choice of noodles.
Tips for Perfect Stir-Fry:
- Slice the Beef Thinly: Ensure the beef is sliced thinly and against the grain for tender bites.
- High Heat is Key: Stir-frying over high heat ensures the beef cooks quickly and remains tender.
- Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as stir-frying is a fast process.
Conclusion
This beef with green onions and black bean sauce is a delightful combination of tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and a savory sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying texture. Enjoy your homemade Chinese-style stir-fry!