If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances savory, tender beef with sweet, slightly caramelized onions, you’ve got to try this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe. It’s a vibrant celebration of bold flavors and quick, satisfying cooking that brings the heart of Chinese home cooking right to your kitchen. Every bite bursts with the perfect marriage of marinated, juicy beef and the gentle bite of fresh onions, all tossed in a luscious sauce that’s both rich and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing friends, this recipe hits the spot every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and color that make this dish irresistible. Fresh aromatics like ginger and garlic bring brightness, while sauces create the deep umami backbone. Together, they work magic in a wok or skillet.
- Beef sirloin or flank steak (1 lb): Thinly sliced against the grain to ensure tenderness in every bite.
- Onions (2 medium): Sliced to bring natural sweetness and a bit of crunch as they soften.
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Adds salty, savory depth—split between marinade and sauce.
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Contributes a rich, velvety taste that enhances the beef.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for stir-frying without overpowering the flavors.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps tenderize the beef and create a glossy finish.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Provides a toasty aroma that elevates the entire dish.
- Shaoxing wine or dry sherry (1 tablespoon): Adds complexity and mild sweetness to the marinade.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances the savory notes with a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Minced to infuse the dish with unmistakable fragrance.
- Fresh ginger (1-inch piece): Minced for a subtle spicy warmth.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds gentle heat and depth.
- Green onions (2): Sliced into chunks for a fresh, bright finish.
- Cooked rice or noodles: To serve your stir fry as a complete comforting meal.
How to Make Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by combining your thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil in a large bowl. This marinade is not just about seasoning—the cornstarch locks moisture in, making every bite irresistibly tender, while the wine adds that subtle depth you’ll sense with each chew. Set it aside for 15-20 minutes, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce
While the beef marinates, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and black pepper in a small bowl. This sauce is the soul of the dish, bringing in savory, sweet, and spicy layers that complement both the beef and the onions perfectly.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in your wok or skillet over high heat. Toss in the marinated beef and stir-fry swiftly for 2-3 minutes, just until the meat gets a gorgeous brown color but isn’t fully cooked yet. Quickly remove it to prevent overcooking—this step locks in juiciness and keeps the beef tender.
Step 4: Build the Aromatic Base
In the same wok, add the second tablespoon of vegetable oil and toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until the kitchen fills with that warm, inviting scent that hints at something delicious on the way.
Step 5: Cook the Onions
Now add your sliced onions and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. You want them to soften and start releasing their natural sweetness but still hold a tiny bit of crunch to balance out the tender beef.
Step 6: Combine Beef and Sauce
Return the beef and any accumulated juices to the wok. Pour your prepared sauce over the top and stir everything together thoroughly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the beef to finish cooking and the onions to become tender and juicy with the sauce thickening slightly.
Step 7: Final Touch with Green Onions
Toss in the sliced green onions and give it one last quick stir. Those green bits add a fresh splash of color and a crisp burst that brightens the whole dish.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your piping hot Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe over steamed rice or noodles. The layers of flavor and contrasting textures make each bite a delight and an easy favorite for family dinners.
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or extra chopped green onions for a bit of crunch and fresh brightness. A drizzle of chili oil can also amp things up if you love a little heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed jasmine rice or egg noodles to soak up every drop of that glorious sauce. For a veggie boost, steamed bok choy or stir-fried snow peas complement it perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your stir fry in lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held option. Or plate it alongside crispy fried wontons for extra texture contrast at your dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This helps keep the beef juicy while the onions retain their tenderness.
Freezing
You can freeze this stir fry for up to 1 month. Cool completely before freezing in a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as the beef can become tough or dry.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! Flank steak and sirloin are great for tenderness, but other thinly sliced cuts like skirt steak will also work well, just make sure to slice against the grain for best results.
What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?
If you can’t find Shaoxing wine, dry sherry is an excellent substitute. If neither is available, a splash of dry white wine or even a bit of broth combined with a teaspoon of rice vinegar can work in a pinch.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Definitely! Add sliced fresh chili peppers when stir-frying garlic and ginger or drizzle some chili oil over the finished stir fry to give it an extra kick that suits your taste.
How can I make the beef more tender?
Marinating the beef with cornstarch and the sesame oil mixture is key for tenderness. Also, avoid overcooking by quickly stir-frying on high heat and removing the beef once browned but not fully cooked before adding it back later.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, so for a gluten-free version of this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative and ensure oyster sauce is also gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe is honestly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s quick, flavorful, and just downright satisfying every time you make it. Whether you’re new to stir-frying or a seasoned pro, this recipe invites you to enjoy authentic flavors with simple ingredients and fuss-free steps. Give it a go—you might just discover a new favorite to add to your meal rotation!
Print
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A quick and flavorful Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry featuring tender slices of marinated sirloin cooked with onions, garlic, and ginger in a savory soy and oyster sauce. Perfectly cooked over high heat for a tender, juicy finish, served hot over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced into 1-inch pieces
Other
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a large bowl, combine the beef slices with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly to coat the beef evenly and let it marinate for 15-20 minutes to tenderize and enhance flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Set aside until needed.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry quickly for 2-3 minutes until browned but still slightly undercooked. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Add minced garlic and ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant and aromatic, releasing their flavors.
- Cook the Onions: Add the sliced onions to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the beef along with any juices to the wok. Pour in the prepared sauce, stirring well to combine. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the beef is fully cooked through and onions are tender but still crisp.
- Add Green Onions: Toss in the sliced green onions and stir briefly to incorporate, adding fresh color and mild sharpness to the dish.
- Serve: Serve the hot stir-fried beef and onions immediately over cooked rice or noodles for a hearty and savory meal.
Notes
- For best results, slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Using a very hot wok or skillet is key to quickly searing the beef and locking in juices.
- Substitute Shaoxing wine with dry sherry if unavailable, or omit for a non-alcoholic version.
- Serve with steamed rice or your favorite noodles to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Adjust soy sauce and oyster sauce quantities based on your preferred saltiness.
