Onion & Cumin Beef Recipe

Slice & measure

Thinly slice the onion into half-moons until you have about 1 1/2 cups. Mince the garlic. If using stew beef, slice into thin bite-sized strips. Measure out spices and broth.

Pat the beef dry with paper towels. Combine beef, ground cumin, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika in a bowl and mix until just combined. Let rest 5–10 minutes at room temperature while you heat the pan.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil. When oil shimmers, add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions soften and begin to caramelize, about 8–12 minutes. If they brown too quickly, lower the heat and add 1–2 tablespoons of the beef broth to deglaze the pan.

When onions are deeply softened and slightly golden, push them to the side of the pan or remove to a plate, leaving residual oil in the skillet.

Increase heat to medium-high. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet. Add the seasoned beef in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding). Let the beef sear for 1–2 minutes without moving to develop browning, then break up (if ground) or flip pieces (if sliced).

Cook until beef is browned and no longer pink, about 4–6 minutes total for ground beef or 6–8 minutes for sliced beef. Add minced garlic during the last 30–60 seconds and stir to combine.

Pour in the 1/4 cup beef broth (or water) and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir to incorporate and let the liquid reduce slightly, about 1–2 minutes.

Return the cooked onions to the skillet and stir to combine with the beef. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a pinch more cumin if desired.

Remove from heat, stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley if using. Allow to rest 2 minutes so flavors meld.

Serve the onion & cumin beef hot with warm flatbreads, rice or couscous. Offer plain yogurt or labneh on the side to mellow spices. Leftovers keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.