Pan-Seared Beef & Caramelized Onions (Skillet Style)
Serves: 2–3
Time: ~30 minutes
Vibe: savory, slightly sweet, deeply umami
Ingredients
Beef
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1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
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½ tsp garlic powder (optional but great)
Onions
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2 large yellow or sweet onions, thinly sliced
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2 tbsp olive oil or butter (or a mix)
Sauce
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ cup beef broth (or water in a pinch)
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1 tbsp soy sauce (or Worcestershire)
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1 tsp balsamic vinegar or brown sugar (for depth)
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½ tsp crushed black pepper
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Optional: ½ tsp sesame seeds (like in the photo)
Finish
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1 tbsp butter
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Fresh parsley or green onions, finely chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Beef
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Pat the beef very dry with paper towels (this is key for browning).
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Slice into bite-sized chunks or thin strips against the grain.
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Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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Let it sit at room temp for 10 minutes.
2. Caramelize the Onions (Flavor Base)
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Heat 1 tbsp oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add onions with a small pinch of salt.
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Cook 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until:
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Soft
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Golden brown
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Slightly jammy
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👉 If they start sticking, add a splash of water and scrape the pan.
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Remove onions from the pan and set aside.
3. Sear the Beef
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Turn heat to medium-high.
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Add remaining oil to the same pan.
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Add beef in a single layer (do this in batches if needed).
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Don’t stir for 2 minutes — let it brown.
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Flip and cook another 1–2 minutes until nicely seared but still juicy.
4. Build the Sauce
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Lower heat to medium.
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Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Pour in beef broth, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar.
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Scrape up all the browned bits from the pan (that’s pure flavor).
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Let simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced and glossy.
5. Bring It All Together
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Return onions to the pan.
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Toss everything together until coated in sauce.
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Add butter and let it melt in.
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Sprinkle sesame seeds if using.
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Taste and adjust salt or pepper.
6. Finish & Serve
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Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.
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Serve hot.
Serving Ideas
🔥 Over steamed rice or garlic rice
🥔 With mashed potatoes
🥖 On crusty bread like a steak sandwich
🥗 On top of a simple salad for balance
Pro Tips (This Makes It 🔥)
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High heat = flavor. Don’t crowd the pan.
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Cut against the grain for tenderness.
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Want extra sauce? Double the broth + soy.
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Like heat? Add chili flakes or sliced chili at the end
