If you’re craving a flavorful, quick, and satisfying meal, then this Chinese Beef & Onion Stir Fry is exactly what you need! With tender slices of beef sizzling in a savory sauce, paired with crisp, sweet onions and fresh vegetables, this dish brings all the bold flavors of Chinese cuisine straight to your kitchen. It’s a one-pan wonder that cooks in just minutes and is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re simply in the mood for something tasty and homemade. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Why You’ll Love Chinese Beef & Onion Stir Fry
Versatile You can easily add other veggies, like bell peppers or broccoli, to suit your preferences. This stir fry is all about customization!
Budget-Friendly Simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy Ready in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. No complicated steps—just fast, easy, and delicious!
Customizable Want to make it spicier? Add some chili flakes! Want it sweeter? A splash of honey does wonders.
Crowd-Pleasing Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this stir fry is always a hit. It’s got that perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and just a hint of spice that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Chinese Beef & Onion Stir Fry
Here’s what you’ll need for this flavorful stir fry:
Beef (Flank or Sirloin) Thinly sliced beef is key for that melt-in-your-mouth texture. You’ll be searing it to perfection, giving it that irresistible charred flavor.
Onions Sweet onions bring a lovely crunch and depth of flavor. They caramelize slightly in the pan, adding a natural sweetness that complements the beef.
Soy Sauce The base of your stir fry sauce. It’s salty, savory, and gives the dish that delicious umami punch.
Ginger & Garlic The perfect duo! They give this stir fry its aromatic base, adding warmth and richness to every bite.
Oyster Sauce For a deeper, richer flavor that makes the sauce irresistible.
Cornstarch Used to thicken the sauce, making it smooth and glossy.
Sesame Oil Adds a nutty, aromatic finish that takes this stir fry from good to great.
Vegetable Oil For stir frying—helps sear the beef and cook the vegetables perfectly.
Scallions Garnish for that fresh, slightly peppery bite.
Instructions
Let’s Make Chinese Beef & Onion Stir Fry!
Prep the Ingredients Start by slicing your beef against the grain into thin strips. Slice the onions and chop the garlic and ginger finely.
Prepare the Sauce In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. This will create a thick, savory sauce that coats the beef beautifully.
Cook the Beef Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the beef and set it aside.
Cook the Onions In the same pan, add the onions and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and become slightly caramelized.
Add Garlic & Ginger Toss in the garlic and ginger, stir-frying for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine Beef & Sauce Return the beef to the pan, pour in the sauce, and toss everything together. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beef is well-coated.
Garnish & Serve Sprinkle with chopped scallions for a fresh, crunchy finish. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 kcal
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Chinese Beef & Onion Stir Fry
This dish is fantastic on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it a complete meal:
- With Steamed Rice A bowl of fluffy rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- With Noodles Stir-fry noodles or rice noodles are perfect for a more filling option.
- With Steamed Vegetables Add some broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy on the side for extra veggies.
- With a Side of Dumplings For a true Chinese feast, serve this stir fry alongside some crispy dumplings or spring rolls.
Additional Tips
- Tenderize the Beef To make your beef extra tender, you can lightly marinate it with a bit of soy sauce and cornstarch before cooking.
- Customize the Veggies Feel free to add any vegetables you like—bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby corn all work wonderfully in this stir fry.
- Control the Spice If you prefer a spicier dish, add some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the sauce.
- Cook in Batches To ensure the beef gets that perfect sear, cook it in batches rather than overcrowding the pan.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! You can use ribeye or skirt steak if you prefer, just make sure to slice it thinly.
2. Can I use a different sauce instead of oyster sauce?
You can try hoisin sauce as an alternative, or use a vegetarian oyster sauce for a plant-based version.
3. How do I prevent the beef from being tough?
Slicing the beef thinly and cooking it quickly at high heat helps keep it tender.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stir fry and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in a pan or microwave.
5. Is this dish gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free soy sauce, this stir fry can be made gluten-free.
6. Can I use frozen beef?
Fresh beef is best, but if you use frozen, make sure to thaw it properly and slice it thinly before cooking.
7. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or any of your favorite stir-fry vegetables.
8. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
9. Can I make this spicy?
Yes! Add chili garlic sauce or sriracha for an extra kick.
10. How do I make this dish saucier?
If you like a saucier stir fry, just add a bit more soy sauce and oyster sauce, or increase the cornstarch slightly to thicken the sauce.
Conclusion
Chinese Beef & Onion Stir Fry is the ultimate quick and flavorful meal—perfectly tender beef, savory sauce, and a satisfying crunch from the onions. It’s versatile, easy to make, and customizable to your taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress your guests, this dish is sure to hit the spot every time! Enjoy and happy cooking!
Print
Chinese Beef & Onion Stir Fry
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chinese Beef & Onion Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender strips of beef, caramelized onions, and a savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
– 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
– 3 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp oyster sauce
– 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tbsp cornstarch
– 1/4 cup beef broth or water
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, beef broth, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and cook for 2–3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef and set it aside.
3. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced onions and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and slightly caramelized.
4. Add the garlic and ginger to the onions and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
5. Return the beef to the pan and pour the sauce over the beef and onions. Stir to coat evenly.
6. Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and everything is well-coated.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with rice or noodles. Enjoy!
Notes
– For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil.
– You can substitute the beef with chicken or tofu for a different variation.
– Make sure not to overcook the beef to keep it tender.
– This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg