There is something truly irresistible about a classic stir-fry that marries tender beef with sweet, slightly caramelized onions, all coated in a savory, umami-packed sauce. This Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe brings together just the right balance of flavors and textures, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner that feels special without any fuss. If you crave a dish that’s quick to prepare but full of satisfying, bold tastes, this recipe will quickly become your go-to in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a vital role in building the flavor profile and texture of this Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe. From the tenderizing baking soda to the blend of soy sauces and ketchup, every component works together harmoniously to create a mouthwatering experience.
- Flank steak (1 pound, thinly sliced): Choosing flank steak ensures tender, flavorful beef when sliced correctly against the grain.
- Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): Helps tenderize the beef for a wonderfully soft bite.
- Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Gives the beef a light coating that locks in juices during cooking.
- Oil (1 teaspoon + 2 tablespoons, divided): Neutral oils like vegetable or canola provide a high smoke point perfect for stir-frying.
- Oyster sauce (3 teaspoons total): Adds deep, savory umami character to both the marinade and sauce.
- Water (1 tablespoon + 1/4 cup): Balances out the sauce consistency and marinade moisture.
- Light soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings salty, bright notes to the dish.
- Dark soy sauce (1 teaspoon): Enhances color and adds richness.
- Ketchup (2 teaspoons): Surprisingly, ketchup lends a subtle tangy sweetness that complements the beef and onions.
- Sugar (1/4 teaspoon): A tiny bit to balance the savory and tangy elements perfectly.
- Sesame oil (1/4 teaspoon): Infuses a delicate, nutty aroma that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- Small onions (10 ounces, sliced into wedges): Using small onions gives the dish a sweet and slightly crisp bite when stir-fried.
How to Make Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Begin by combining the thinly sliced flank steak with baking soda, cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of oil, oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of water in a medium-sized bowl. This marinade not only tenderizes the beef but also infuses it with savory goodness. Allow the beef to rest for at least 15 minutes; if you have a little extra time, 30 minutes works wonders for maximum tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Stir-fry Sauce
While the beef marinates, whisk together the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, ketchup, additional oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl. This sauce brings everything together with a deep, balanced flavor and a hint of sweetness, setting the stage for that signature Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe taste.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat your wok on high until it’s just starting to smoke—this is the key to that perfect sear. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and carefully place the beef slices in a single layer without overcrowding. Let them sear undisturbed for 30 seconds to a minute so you get a beautiful browned exterior, then stir-fry briefly for another 15 to 30 seconds until the beef is about 75% cooked. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-fry the Onions
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the hot wok, then toss in the onion wedges. Stir-fry them over high heat for 60 to 90 seconds until they develop slightly blistered, caramelized edges, giving the dish that wonderful texture and sweet aroma. Remove the onions and set aside with the beef.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour the prepared sauce into the hot wok and bring it to a simmer. Within about 15 seconds, it will start to bubble and thicken slightly. Return both the beef and onions to the wok, stirring everything together for 30 seconds to evenly coat the ingredients in sauce and heat through. Serve immediately, ideally over fluffy steamed rice to soak up all the savory juices.
How to Serve Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds elevates the dish with extra color and crunch. You can even add a light drizzle of chili oil if you want to introduce a gentle kick of heat, balancing the sweet and savory notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which soaks up every bit of the luscious sauce. For a lighter meal, serve alongside a crisp Asian-style cucumber salad or steamed bok choy to add fresh, vibrant textures to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just mix things up, serve the Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe over a bed of cauliflower rice or toss it with cooked noodles. Wrapping the stir-fry in lettuce leaves also transforms it into a fun, handheld delight perfect for casual dinners or parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Beef Onion Stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen a bit after sitting, making leftovers delicious, although the onions might soften more.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. To maintain the best texture, freeze the stir-fry before adding any fresh garnishes. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or soy sauce can help loosen the sauce and keep the beef tender. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to retain the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir-fry?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use skirt steak, sirloin, or even ribeye slices. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain to keep the beef tender.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce? Can I substitute it?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute with hoisin sauce for a slightly sweeter profile or a mix of soy sauce and a touch of fish sauce to mimic the umami depth. However, oyster sauce’s unique flavor does make the dish special.
How can I make this stir-fry spicy?
For some heat, add fresh sliced chili, a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce, or a drizzle of chili oil when cooking or as a garnish. This gives the dish a lively kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Are the onions supposed to be soft or crisp?
In this recipe, the onions are stir-fried just long enough to get a slight blister and caramelization while retaining some crispness. This contrast in texture pairs wonderfully with the tender beef.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy recipe to adapt.
Final Thoughts
This Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe is one of those dinners that feels like a warm hug on a plate — quick, packed with flavor, and totally satisfying. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it time and again whenever you want a delicious, fuss-free meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. Go ahead and give it a whirl; I promise you’ll love every bite!
Print
Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A quick and flavorful Beef Onion Stir-fry featuring tender flank steak marinated for extra softness, seared with sweet and savory onions, and coated in a rich soy-based sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon water
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water
Stir-fry
- 2 tablespoons oil, divided
- 10 ounces small onions, sliced into wedges (about 3 small onions)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with baking soda, cornstarch, oil, oyster sauce, and water. Mix until the beef absorbs the marinade and set aside for at least 15 minutes to tenderize (up to 30 minutes for extra tenderness).
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, ketchup, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and water. Set aside until ready to use.
- Sear the Beef: Heat a wok over high heat until smoking hot. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and arrange the beef in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for 30 seconds to 1 minute until browned, then stir-fry for another 15–30 seconds until about 75% cooked. Remove beef from wok and set aside.
- Stir-fry the Onions: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the wok along with the onion wedges. Stir-fry over high heat for 60–90 seconds until the onions are seared and slightly blistered. Remove and set aside.
- Combine and Finish: Pour the prepared sauce into the wok and bring it to a simmer. Let it bubble for 15 seconds, then return the beef and onions to the wok. Stir-fry everything together for about 30 seconds to coat with sauce and heat through. Serve hot over steamed rice if desired.
Notes
- For best tenderness, marinate the beef for the full 30 minutes if time allows.
- Use a very hot wok or skillet to achieve good searing and caramelization.
- Adjust soy sauce quantities to taste depending on salt preference.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- You can substitute flank steak with sirloin for a leaner cut.
