This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a perfect weeknight dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Tender strips of beef are cooked with savory seasonings and combined with sweet, aromatic onions, garlic, and ginger. The result is a simple, flavorful meal that packs a punch of bold, savory flavors. This dish pairs perfectly with a side of steamed rice or noodles and is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how quick and easy this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is to make. In just about 20 minutes, you can create a delicious, restaurant-quality meal. The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce creates a savory base, while the ginger and garlic add depth and fragrance. The tender beef strips are complemented perfectly by the sweet and savory onions. It’s a comforting and flavorful stir-fry that’s satisfying without being too heavy. Plus, the recipe is highly customizable, so it’s easy to adjust based on what I have in my kitchen.
Ingredients
300 g sirloin steak (or rib-eye, flank steak, or blade steak)
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
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Slice the beef into thin strips against the grain and set it aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Set the sauce mixture aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Then Add the ginger slices and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring to avoid burning.
Add the beef strips to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through.
Push the beef to one side of the pan and add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
Add the green onions and cook for another minute, then pour the sauce mixture over the beef and onions. Stir to coat evenly.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Variations
Vegetarian Version: You can replace the beef with tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chili paste to the sauce for a spicy version of this dish.
Alternative Protein: Instead of beef, chicken breast, or pork can also work wonderfully in this stir-fry.
Storage/Reheating
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
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FAQs
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add a spicy kick, you can include red pepper flakes in the sauce, or add chili paste or fresh chopped chili peppers during the stir-frying process.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! While sirloin is a great choice for tenderness, other cuts like rib-eye, flank steak, or blade steak will work just as well. Just be sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain.
Can I substitute the cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can omit it, but the sauce will be thinner. Alternatively, you could use arrowroot powder or potato starch as a thickening agent.
What can I serve with this stir-fry?
This dish goes perfectly with steamed rice, noodles, or even quinoa. If you want to add more vegetables, consider serving it with a side of sautéed greens or a simple cucumber salad.
How do I make the beef more tender?
To ensure the beef stays tender, make sure to slice it thinly against the grain, which helps break down the muscle fibers. Marinating the beef for 20-30 minutes in a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of cornstarch can also help tenderize it.
Conclusion
This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s packed with savory flavors from the beef, soy sauce, and aromatic ingredients like ginger and garlic. With minimal prep and cook time, this stir-fry is an easy and satisfying meal that I can make in no time. Whether I’m serving it over rice or noodles, it’s always a hit at the dinner table!
📖 Recipe:
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Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful weeknight meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Tender beef strips are stir-fried with aromatic ginger, garlic, and onions, creating a savory dish with deep, satisfying flavors. Paired with rice or noodles, this easy stir-fry is a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s perfect for busy nights!
Ingredients
300 g sirloin steak (or rib-eye, flank steak, or blade steak)
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
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef into thin strips against the grain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Set aside.
- Cook Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Cook the Beef: Add the beef strips to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Onions: Push the beef to one side and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add sliced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Combine and Cook: Add the green onions and cook for another minute. Pour the sauce over the beef and onions, stirring to coat evenly.
- Optional Thickening: If a thicker sauce is desired, dissolve cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water and stir into the sauce. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve: Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
Variations: You can use tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Add more vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas for extra nutrition.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or chopped fresh chilies for heat.
Substitute Protein: Try using chicken or pork instead of beef for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Stir-Fry, Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 servings
- Calories: 300 kcal
