Description
This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful dish featuring tender slices of beef, sweet caramelized onions, and a savory, umami-rich sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, this stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights and tastes better than takeout! Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain)
- 2 medium onions (sliced into wedges)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1-inch fresh ginger (grated)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Marinade:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp baking soda (optional, helps tenderize beef)
- 1 tbsp water
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce (for color and deeper flavor)
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¼ cup water
For Garnish:
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Beef
- Slice the Beef: Cut against the grain for extra tenderness.
- Marinate: Mix soy sauce, cornstarch, baking soda, and water. Add the beef and let sit for 15 minutes.
2️⃣ Prepare the Sauce
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and water. Stir until well combined.
3️⃣ Stir-Frying
- Cook the Beef: Heat a wok or skillet over high heat. Add 1 tbsp oil, sear beef for 1-2 minutes, then set aside.
- Cook the Onions: Add more oil if needed, then stir-fry onions until translucent and slightly caramelized (about 2 minutes).
- Add Garlic & Ginger: Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine Everything: Return beef to the wok, pour in the sauce, and stir well. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Finish with Sesame Oil: Drizzle sesame oil for an authentic flavor boost.
Notes
- Tenderize the Beef: The combination of baking soda & cornstarch creates an ultra-tender texture.
- Use High Heat: Stir-frying works best when the pan is hot enough to sear the beef quickly.
- Prep Before Cooking: Since stir-frying is fast-paced, have all your ingredients ready before you start.
- Customize the Vegetables: Add bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Adjust the Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes or chili oil if you like it spicy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry, Beef and Onion Stir Fry, Easy Beef Stir Fry, Quick Beef Stir Fry, Beef and Onion Recipe