Beef & Caramelized Onions (Skillet Style)
🕒 Time
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Prep: 15 minutes
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Cook: 15–20 minutes
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Total: ~35 minutes
🍽 Serves
2–3 people
Ingredients
For the beef
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1 lb (450 g) beef steak, thinly sliced
(sirloin, flank steak, skirt steak, or chuck all work) -
2 large onions, sliced into rings
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3 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp black pepper
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½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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½ tsp paprika (optional, but great)
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½ tsp ground cumin (optional)
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¼ tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
Optional extras (but tasty):
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1 tbsp butter (for richness)
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1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice (balances the fat)
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Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Slice the beef properly
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Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips (this keeps it tender).
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Pat dry with paper towels—this helps it brown instead of steaming.
2. Marinate (quick but important)
In a bowl, combine:
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Beef
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Soy sauce
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Worcestershire sauce
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Garlic
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Black pepper
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Paprika and cumin (if using)
Mix well and let sit for 10–15 minutes.
(Even a short marinade makes a big difference.)
3. Caramelize the onions
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Heat 1½ tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add onions and a small pinch of salt.
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Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until:
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Soft
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Golden
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Slightly sweet
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👉 Remove onions from the pan and set aside.
4. Sear the beef
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Increase heat to medium-high.
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Add remaining oil.
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Add beef in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
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Don’t stir for the first 1–2 minutes—let it brown.
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Cook total 3–5 minutes, just until beef is cooked and slightly crispy on edges.
5. Bring it together
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Return onions to the pan.
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Add butter (if using).
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Splash in vinegar or lemon juice.
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Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes until glossy and well combined.
Taste and adjust salt or pepper.
How to Serve 🍽
This dish is insanely versatile:
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Over white rice
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With mashed potatoes
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Inside sandwiches or wraps
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Alongside fried plantains
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With a simple salad or crusty bread
Pro Tips 🔥
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Don’t overcrowd the pan—that’s how you get browning instead of gray meat.
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If beef feels tough, add 2 tbsp water or beef broth, cover for 2–3 minutes, and let it steam slightly.
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Want it saucier? Add ¼ cup beef broth at the end and simmer briefly.
