If you’re craving a dish that combines tender, flavorful beef with the sweet sharpness of onions in a sizzling, saucy embrace, this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe is your new go-to. It’s a vibrant mix of simple ingredients that come alive in a quick stir fry, delivering mouthwatering results in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re a stir fry novice or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is that perfect weeknight companion that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. With every bite, you’ll taste the perfect harmony between juicy beef, fragrant garlic and ginger, and a luscious savory sauce that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe keeps things straightforward yet wonderfully tasty thanks to its thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one adds a specific touch, from flavor to texture and color, ensuring every bite feels balanced and satisfying.
- 300 g sirloin steak (or rib-eye, flank steak, or blade steak): Choose a cut with good marbling for tender, juicy strips that cook quickly.
- ½ white onion (or yellow onion), thinly sliced: Adds natural sweetness and a great crunch that complements the beef.
- 4-5 slices ginger: Gives the stir fry a fresh, zesty warmth that wakes up the palate.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or sliced thinly: Brings that beloved aromatic depth to every savory bite.
- 1 stalk green onion, cut into 2-inch pieces: Adds a pop of color and a sharp, fresh flavor.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides salty, umami richness essential to Chinese cooking.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a slightly sweet, savory complexity.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Brings subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Balances flavors with a mild tanginess that brightens the dish.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Enhances sweetness and rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening): Helps the sauce cling perfectly to every piece of beef and onion.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying): Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get that perfect sear.
How to Make Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by slicing your beef thinly against the grain. This is key to getting tender strips that cook evenly and quickly. Set the beef aside so it’s ready when the pan is hot and waiting.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. This fabulous sauce is where the magic happens, blending sweet, salty, and tangy notes into a perfect stir fry glaze.
Step 3: Cook Aromatics
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ginger slices and cook until their fragrance fills the kitchen, about one minute, then add the garlic for an additional 30 seconds. This layer of flavor sets a delicious base for your stir fry.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
Add the beef strips to the pan, stirring frequently. Cook them until they are browned and just cooked through, about 3 to 5 minutes. Getting a nice sear on the meat adds incredible texture and flavor.
Step 5: Sauté Onions
Push the beef to one side of the pan, pour in the remaining tablespoon of oil, then add your sliced onions. Let them soften gently for 2 to 3 minutes, releasing their natural sweetness without losing their bite.
Step 6: Combine and Cook
Throw in the green onions and cook for another minute. Then, pour the sauce over everything in the pan, stirring quickly to coat the beef and onions evenly. This glaze wraps all the ingredients in a glossy, irresistible finish.
Step 7: Optional Thickening
If you prefer a richer, thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and stir it into the pan. Simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens up beautifully and clings to every piece.
Step 8: Serve
Enjoy your Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe piping hot, paired with steamed rice or your favorite noodles to soak up all that lovely sauce.
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped fresh cilantro can elevate the dish, adding a burst of aroma and subtle crunch that brightens each bite.
Side Dishes
Complement this stir fry with simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to absorb the juices. For a lower-carb option, try cauliflower rice or light egg noodles, which are great carriers for the sumptuous sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the stir fry in lettuce cups to add a refreshing crisp contrast. Alternatively, pile it onto warm steamed bao buns for an irresistible handheld meal that’s both modern and comforting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this stir fry, though some texture changes in the onions might occur. Pack in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave them until warmed through, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce heats evenly without drying out the beef.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Sirloin, rib-eye, flank, or blade steak all work wonderfully. Just remember to slice thinly against the grain to keep the beef tender.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce or hoisin sauce?
While they add great flavor depth, you can substitute oyster sauce with a bit more soy sauce and a touch of honey, and replace hoisin sauce with a mix of soy sauce and a bit of peanut butter or plum sauce.
Is cornstarch necessary for the sauce?
Not at all. Cornstarch is optional and only used if you want to thicken the sauce. The recipe tastes fantastic even without it, just with a slightly thinner consistency.
Can I add vegetables to this stir fry?
Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms make great additions. Add them after cooking the onions, giving them a quick toss to maintain a nice crispness.
How spicy is this dish?
This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe is mild by nature but feel free to add fresh chili slices or a dash of chili oil if you love some heat.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe has such a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that it quickly becomes a favorite in any home kitchen. The simplicity of ingredients combined with quick cooking time makes it perfect for busy days when you want something delicious and comforting without the fuss. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and enjoy every juicy, savory bite as much as I do!
Print
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender strips of sirloin steak stir-fried with aromatic ginger, garlic, and onions, coated in a savory sauce made from soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces with a hint of sweetness and tang from rice vinegar. Perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner, it comes together in just 20 minutes and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 300 g sirloin steak (or rib-eye, flank steak, or blade steak), thinly sliced against the grain
- ½ white onion (or yellow onion), thinly sliced
- 4–5 slices ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or sliced thinly
- 1 stalk green onion, cut into 2-inch pieces
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Other
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 1 tablespoon water (for dissolving cornstarch)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef into thin strips against the grain and set aside to ensure tenderness and quick cooking.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Set the sauce mixture aside.
- Cook Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ginger slices and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Cook the Beef: Add the sliced beef strips to the skillet and stir-fry for 3 to 5 minutes until the beef is browned on the outside and cooked through.
- Sauté Onions: Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Combine and Cook: Add the green onion pieces to the skillet and cook for another minute. Pour the pre-mixed sauce over the beef and onions, stirring well to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Optional Thickening: If a thicker sauce is preferred, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water, then stir into the sauce. Let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables nicely.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the stir fry hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles to enjoy the full flavors of the dish.
Notes
- Slicing the beef against the grain ensures the meat remains tender after stir-frying.
- You can substitute sirloin with rib-eye, flank steak, or blade steak depending on availability and preference.
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the sauce to taste depending on your preferred sweetness level.
- The cornstarch thickening step is optional but helps create a glossy sauce that adheres well to the beef and onions.
- For added heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the aromatics.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor; leftovers can be reheated but might lose some crispness in the vegetables.
