Looking for a quick, savory stir-fry recipe that brings the comfort and flavors of homemade Chinese food to your kitchen? My Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a delightful blend of tender beef, sweet onions, and a rich, umami-packed sauce.
This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re craving Asian dishes but want something homemade and wholesome. It’s incredibly versatile and reminds me of classic Chinese cooking recipes.
The flavors are bold, yet balanced, and best of all, it’s easy to prepare! Whether you’re a fan of easy Chinese recipes or love experimenting with Asian flavors, this one is sure to hit the spot. Let’s dive in!
Servings and Cooking Time
- Servings: 4
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 medium white onion, sliced and separated into layers
- 4 scallions, cut into 2-inch segments (whites and greens separated)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
Beef Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine (or rice vinegar)
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or rice vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce (or substitute with regular soy sauce)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
How to Make Beef and Onion Stir Fry
- Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, baking soda, and vegetable oil. Add the sliced beef, coating evenly, and let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes. This marinade will tenderize the beef and infuse it with flavor. - Prepare the Sauce
In a separate small bowl, combine the Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, cornstarch, black pepper, cold water, and sugar. Stir until smooth, then set aside. This will be the savory glaze that coats the beef and onions. - Stir-Fry the Ingredients
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the oil. Once hot, add the marinated beef, spreading it into a single layer. Allow it to sear for 1-2 minutes on each side until it browns. Remove the beef and set aside. - Cook the Aromatics
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, and add the white parts of the scallions, onion slices, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the onions soften and begin to caramelize. - Combine and Finish
Return the beef to the pan, adding the sauce. Stir everything together, letting the sauce thicken and coat all the ingredients, about 1-2 minutes. Add the green parts of the scallions in the final 30 seconds. - Serve
Transfer the beef and onion stir-fry to a serving platter and enjoy it hot! It’s perfect over steamed rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Tips and Notes
- Beef Tips: Use flank steak or skirt steak for the best texture. Slicing against the grain ensures tenderness.
- Pairing Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or a side of sautéed greens.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust the sauce thickness by adding a bit more water if it gets too thick while cooking.
- Extra Flavor: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an added kick.
Whether you’re new to homemade Chinese food or a seasoned fan of Asian dishes, this beef and onion stir-fry will bring bold, comforting flavors to your table.
Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
This Beef and Onion Stir Fry brings the essence of Chinese cooking to your kitchen in minutes! Tender beef and caramelized onions combine with a rich, savory sauce for an easy, flavorful dish. Ideal for weeknight dinners or Asian food lovers!
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 medium white onion, sliced and separated into layers
- 4 scallions, cut into 2-inch segments (whites and greens separated)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
Beef Marinade:
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1.5 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine (or rice vinegar)
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or rice vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce (or substitute with regular soy sauce)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Marinate the BeefIn a bowl, mix the soy sauce, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, baking soda, and vegetable oil. Add the sliced beef, coating evenly, and let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes. This marinade will tenderize the beef and infuse it with flavor.
- Prepare the SauceIn a separate small bowl, combine the Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, cornstarch, black pepper, cold water, and sugar. Stir until smooth, then set aside. This will be the savory glaze that coats the beef and onions.
- Stir-Fry the IngredientsHeat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the oil. Once hot, add the marinated beef, spreading it into a single layer. Allow it to sear for 1-2 minutes on each side until it browns. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Cook the AromaticsIn the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, and add the white parts of the scallions, onion slices, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the onions soften and begin to caramelize.
- Combine and FinishReturn the beef to the pan, adding the sauce. Stir everything together, letting the sauce thicken and coat all the ingredients, about 1-2 minutes. Add the green parts of the scallions in the final 30 seconds.
- ServeTransfer the beef and onion stir-fry to a serving platter and enjoy it hot! It’s perfect over steamed rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Notes
- Beef Tips: Use flank steak or skirt steak for the best texture. Slicing against the grain ensures tenderness.
- Pairing Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or a side of sautéed greens.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust the sauce thickness by adding a bit more water if it gets too thick while cooking.
- Extra Flavor: Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an added kick.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 346Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 90mgSodium 677mgCarbohydrates 10gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 33g