Umami Glazed Beef & Onion

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A quick and flavorful dish featuring tender beef slices, caramelized onions, and a rich umami-packed oyster sauce glaze. Perfect for serving over rice or noodles!


Ingredients

For the Beef:

  • 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • ½ tsp baking soda (optional, for extra tenderness)
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or sesame)
  • 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Umami Glaze:

  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for color, optional)
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • ½ tbsp sugar or honey
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tsp cornstarch (to thicken)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

  1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, cornstarch, baking soda, sugar, and sesame oil.
  2. Add the sliced beef and toss to coat. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Umami Glaze

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, water, and cornstarch.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef & Onion

  1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
  2. Add the marinated beef and sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then stir-fry the onions for 2-3 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
  4. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine & Glaze

  1. Return the beef to the pan and pour in the umami glaze sauce.
  2. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and onions evenly.
  3. Sprinkle with black pepper and chopped green onions.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  • Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds or extra green onions for added flavor.