Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a delicious and simple dish that perfectly blends tender, juicy beef with the sweet and savory flavor of caramelized onions. It’s a quick, restaurant-quality meal you can whip up in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

This dish features thinly sliced beef marinated in a savory sauce, quickly stir-fried with aromatic onions, garlic, and ginger. The combination of flavors hits all the right notes—salty, slightly sweet, and umami-packed—reminiscent of your favorite Chinese takeout but fresher and healthier when made at home.

Whether you serve it over steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or alongside stir-fried greens, this Beef and Onion Stir Fry is sure to become a family favorite. With its bold flavors, tender meat, and ease of preparation, it’s a go-to recipe for home cooks who love Chinese cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you need a fast and flavorful dinner.

Budget-Friendly: With simple, affordable ingredients like beef, onions, soy sauce, and garlic, this dish delivers big flavor without breaking the bank.

Restaurant-Quality Flavor: You can achieve the taste of your favorite Chinese takeout at home, with tender beef and savory onions cooked to perfection.

Customizable: You can easily add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas to make this dish even more filling and colorful.

Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the flavorful, tender beef and the rich, savory sauce that complements the sweetness of the onions.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

Ingredients

For the Beef Marinade:

• 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper

For the Stir Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
• 2 large onions, sliced into thin wedges
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

Optional Serving:

• Steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or stir-fried greens

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef Marinade

• Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tender results. Place the sliced beef into a bowl.
• Add the soy sauce, cornstarch, sugar, sesame oil, and ground white pepper. Mix well to coat the beef evenly. Let the beef marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and water. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and stir until smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Heat the Pan and Cook the Beef

• Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes without stirring to allow it to brown. Flip and stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes until the beef is browned and nearly cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Onions

• Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same pan.
• Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften and caramelize. Add the garlic and grated ginger and stir for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine the Beef and Sauce

• Return the beef to the pan and pour the prepared sauce over the beef and onions. Stir everything together to coat evenly. Let it cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beef is heated through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Remove the pan from heat and garnish the stir fry with sliced green onions.
• Serve the Beef and Onion Stir Fry hot over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside stir-fried greens for a complete meal.

Ingredient Background

Flank Steak or Sirloin: These cuts of beef are ideal for stir-frying because they are lean, tender, and cook quickly. Slicing them thinly against the grain helps achieve the perfect bite.

Soy Sauce: Soy sauce provides the umami-rich, salty foundation for the marinade and sauce. Low-sodium soy sauce allows you to control the saltiness.

Oyster Sauce: This thick, savory sauce adds depth and a slight sweetness to the stir fry, balancing the overall flavor.

Onions: Onions become tender and slightly caramelized when cooked, offering a natural sweetness that complements the beef.

Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma to the marinade, enhancing the Asian-inspired flavors.

Technique Tips

Thin Slicing: Always slice the beef thinly against the grain. This breaks down the muscle fibers, ensuring tender and juicy meat.

High Heat Cooking: Stir-frying over high heat allows the beef to sear quickly, locking in its juices and developing flavor.

Caramelize the Onions: Cook the onions until they’re slightly golden and caramelized. This enhances their natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with the savory beef.

Don’t Overcook the Beef: Overcooking beef can make it tough. Sear the beef until just browned and remove it from the pan to avoid overcooking.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Beef Stir Fry: Add sliced chili peppers or a teaspoon of chili paste to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Extra Vegetables: Add bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli to the stir fry for added color and nutrients.

Teriyaki Style: Replace the sauce with a homemade teriyaki sauce for a sweet and tangy variation.

Ginger Garlic Beef: Increase the amount of fresh ginger and garlic for a more aromatic flavor.

Freezing and Storing

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the texture.

Freezing: Allow the stir fry to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Tip: Add a splash of water or soy sauce when reheating to refresh the sauce and prevent the beef from drying out.

Serving Suggestions for Events

Family Dinner: Pair with steamed jasmine rice or egg noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

Dinner Party: Serve on an elegant platter garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-style presentation.

Potluck Favorite: Transport in a covered casserole dish and serve warm. Add a garnish station with chili flakes, green onions, and soy sauce for customization.

Meal Prep: Divide into meal prep containers with rice and a side of steamed broccoli for quick and easy lunches throughout the week.

Special Equipment

Wok or Large Skillet: Ensures quick, even cooking with enough space for the beef and onions to toss without overcrowding.

Sharp Knife: Essential for slicing the beef thinly and evenly.

Tongs: Helps you stir-fry the beef and onions efficiently while maintaining their texture.

Mixing Bowls: Use to marinate the beef and mix the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
   Yes! You can use skirt steak, ribeye, or even ground beef as an alternative to flank steak or sirloin.
2. What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
   Hoisin sauce or a combination of soy sauce and a pinch of sugar can work as a substitute for oyster sauce.
3. Can I add vegetables to this stir fry?
   Absolutely! Bell peppers, broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas are excellent additions to this dish.
4. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce. Ensure the oyster sauce is gluten-free as well.
5. Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
   Yes! You can slice and marinate the beef and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
6. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
   Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the flavors and moisture.
7. Can I freeze Beef and Onion Stir Fry?
   Yes! Cool the stir fry completely before freezing in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
8. What type of rice pairs best with this dish?
   Steamed jasmine rice or fried rice pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the stir fry.

Conclusion

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that brings the rich, savory flavors of Chinese cuisine to your dinner table. With tender beef, caramelized onions, and a perfectly balanced sauce, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without the takeout wait.

Whether you’re preparing a weeknight family dinner, hosting a dinner party, or planning your weekly meal prep, this stir fry fits seamlessly into any occasion. Its ease of preparation and customizable nature make it a go-to recipe for home cooks who want something delicious and fuss-free.

Give this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry a try, and it will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. With its simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and classic taste.

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