If you are craving a quick, flavorful dish that combines tender slices of beef with aromatic onions, you are in for a real treat with this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe. This dish brings together the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, all coated in a luscious, glossy sauce that clings to every tender bite. Whether you’re new to stir-frying or a seasoned home cook, this recipe delivers an irresistible taste of authentic Chinese home cooking in under 20 minutes, making it a fantastic go-to dinner for busy weeknights that never sacrifices flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a vital role in building the harmonious layers of flavor and texture. From the tender beef to the sharp bite of fresh ginger and mellow sweetness of onions, every component enriches the dish’s overall appeal.
- 300 g sirloin steak (or rib-eye, flank steak, or blade steak): Using tender cuts sliced thin against the grain ensures juicy, easy-to-chew beef in every mouthful.
- ½ white onion (or yellow onion), thinly sliced: Adds a natural sweetness and crunch that balances the richness of the meat.
- 4-5 slices ginger: Brings warmth and a distinctive zest that awakens your taste buds.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or sliced thinly: Provides a deep, savory aroma critical to authentic stir fry flavor.
- 1 stalk green onion, cut into 2-inch pieces: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of vibrant green color.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: The salty backbone that deepens the dish’s umami profile.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a luxurious, slightly sweet depth to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Introduces a subtle tangy sweetness that rounds out the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Balances the dish with mild acidity to lift the rich ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Perfect to mellow the savory notes and enhance caramelization.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening): Used if you want a thicker, more clingy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying): Neutral oil that’s perfect for high-heat cooking and helping ingredients develop flavor without overpowering.
How to Make Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by slicing your beef into thin strips against the grain. This technique ensures the meat stays tender and cooks quickly, which is essential for a stir fry. Set these strips aside while you prepare your sauce and aromatics.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. This combination creates a beautifully balanced sauce that is savory, slightly sweet, and tangy, harmonizing all of the flavors in the stir fry.
Step 3: Cook Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ginger slices and let them cook for about one minute until fragrant. Then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it. These aromatics release flavors that are foundational to a truly irresistible stir fry.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
Next, add your beef strips to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3 to 5 minutes until the beef is nicely browned and cooked through. The high heat helps seal in the juices, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Sauté Onions
Push the beef to one side of the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Then add the thinly sliced onions and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes. You want them to soften just a bit but still have some bite, which adds fantastic texture contrast to the dish.
Step 6: Combine and Cook
Add the green onions and cook for another minute, letting their fresh flavor blend in. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and onions, stirring continuously to coat everything evenly. This step infuses the stir fry with that signature glossy, flavorful coating.
Step 7: Optional Thickening
If you prefer a thicker, more luscious sauce, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the pan. Let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking and clings beautifully to the beef and onions.
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped fresh cilantro over the top. These garnishes add a lovely crunch or fresh herbal note that brightens the rich flavors.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed white or jasmine rice, which soaks up every bit of that delicious sauce. For a bit of variety, serve it alongside noodles or even a simple vegetable stir fry to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Present this dish family-style in a large, colorful serving bowl to encourage gathering around the table. Alternatively, serve it in individual bowls topped with a wedge of lime or a drizzle of chili oil for a hint of heat and zest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 2 days and tastes great reheated, making it a fantastic lunch option for the following day.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers, although the texture of the onions may soften slightly after thawing. Place the stir fry in a freezer-safe container and it will stay good for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method preserves the tenderness of the beef and prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this stir fry?
Absolutely! Sirloin, rib-eye, flank, or blade steak all work well as long as they are sliced thin against the grain to ensure tenderness. Choose cuts with some marbling for more flavor.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe?
You can swap beef for firm tofu or seitan. Press tofu to remove excess water and cook in the same way as the beef, allowing the sauce to soak in for a delicious vegetarian-friendly version.
What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
If hoisin sauce is not available, you can substitute with an extra splash of oyster sauce and a little honey or brown sugar to mimic its sweet and tangy profile.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir fry?
Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets all complement the flavors and add nutritional value. Add them after the aromatics and cook until just tender.
How important is slicing the beef against the grain?
Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the meat much more tender and easier to chew. It’s a simple trick that makes a huge difference in the final dish texture.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorites to whip up when I want something fast, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. The combination of tender beef, sweet onions, and that incredible sauce is so comforting and delightful every single time. I hope you give it a try and enjoy sharing this little slice of joy with your family or friends just 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 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A quick and flavorful Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry featuring tender sirloin steak, aromatic ginger and garlic, and a savory sauce made with soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces. This easy-to-make stir fry is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner served over steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 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
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef into thin strips against the grain to ensure tenderness. Set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar until well combined. Set this 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 they release their fragrance. Then add the garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the Beef: Add the beef strips to the skillet and stir-fry for 3 to 5 minutes or until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Onions: Push the cooked beef to one side of the skillet and add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Combine and Cook: Add the green onions and cook for another minute. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and onions, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
- Optional Thickening: If a thicker sauce is preferred, dissolve the cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry, then stir this into the skillet. Let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Serve: Serve the beef and onion stir fry hot over steamed rice or noodles for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, marinate the beef strips in a tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of cornstarch for 10 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust the sugar amount to your taste preference if you prefer more or less sweetness.
- Substitute vegetable oil with peanut oil or sesame oil for a nuttier flavor.
- This recipe can be doubled to serve more people, just increase the ingredient quantities accordingly.
- Use freshly minced garlic and fresh ginger slices for the best aroma and flavor.
- If you want to make the dish gluten free, ensure to use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives.
