Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
If you’re craving a dinner that’s both comforting and lightning-fast, Beef and Onion Stir Fry is your new weeknight hero. Tender strips of beef, sweet onions, and a savory sauce come together in one sizzling pan, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas. This classic Asian-inspired dish is all about bold flavors and simplicity, making it perfect for busy days or when you want something truly satisfying without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll love how easy and delicious this Beef and Onion Stir Fry turns out every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Beef and Onion Stir Fry lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in building flavor, texture, or that signature glossy sauce. Just gather everything before you start, and you’ll be amazed by how quickly this comes together!
- Flank steak or sirloin (1 pound, thinly sliced against the grain): Slicing against the grain ensures the beef stays tender and soaks up all the marinade.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): This classic brings salty, umami goodness to both the beef and the sauce.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a deep, slightly sweet savoriness that elevates the whole dish.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives a hint of sweetness and extra depth to the sauce—don’t skip it!
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the sauce and gives the beef a silky, restaurant-style coating.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): A drizzle adds nutty aroma and rounds out the flavors.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, for cooking): Neutral and perfect for high-heat stir-frying.
- Yellow onion (1 large, sliced): When cooked, the onions turn sweet and soak up all the saucy goodness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the whole stir fry with incredible fragrance.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Adds a gentle heat and brightness—grate it fresh for best results.
- Green onions (2, sliced, for garnish): A pop of color and freshness at the very end.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to wake up all the other flavors.
How to Make Beef and Onion Stir Fry
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by tossing your thinly sliced beef into a bowl with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper. This quick marinade works wonders, infusing the beef with rich flavors while the cornstarch helps lock in juiciness. Let the beef sit for at least 15 minutes—your patience will be rewarded with melt-in-your-mouth bites!
Step 2: Prepare Your Aromatics
While the beef marinates, slice your onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger. Having all your aromatics ready means you can work quickly once the pan gets hot—stir fry moves fast, and you’ll want everything within reach.
Step 3: Sear the Onions
Heat up your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. You’re looking for them to turn just tender and slightly golden, releasing that lovely sweetness that makes Beef and Onion Stir Fry so irresistible.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Ginger
Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds. This is where the kitchen starts to smell absolutely amazing! The aromatics should become fragrant, but don’t let them brown—just a quick hit of heat is enough.
Step 5: Cook the Beef
Push the onions to the side of your pan, then add the marinated beef in a single layer. Sear it for 1 to 2 minutes on each side without stirring—you want to get that beautiful caramelized crust. Once browned, toss everything together and stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the beef is cooked through and the onions are perfectly tender.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
Turn off the heat and scatter sliced green onions over your finished stir fry. This last touch adds freshness and color, making your Beef and Onion Stir Fry look as good as it tastes. Serve it piping hot over steamed rice or noodles.
How to Serve Beef and Onion Stir Fry
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions is a must, adding a burst of color and delicate crunch. For extra flair, try toasted sesame seeds or a dash of chili flakes if you love a little heat. A few fresh cilantro leaves can also brighten up each serving and make it truly restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Classic steamed jasmine rice soaks up all the savory sauce beautifully, but don’t stop there. This Beef and Onion Stir Fry also shines with simple stir-fried veggies, tender noodles, or even a crisp Asian slaw on the side. The goal is to balance textures and flavors for a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Beef and Onion Stir Fry in lettuce wraps for a fresh, hand-held version. Or, spoon it over a bed of sautéed zucchini noodles if you’re after something lighter. For gatherings, present it on a large platter, garnished with extra green onions and sesame seeds—it’s guaranteed to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store the cooled Beef and Onion Stir Fry in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a fabulous option for easy lunches or speedy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze Beef and Onion Stir Fry for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. For the best texture, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating—this helps the beef stay tender and the onions maintain their flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, simply toss the stir fry back into a hot skillet or wok for a few minutes, stirring until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid overcooking the beef.
FAQs
What cut of beef works best for Beef and Onion Stir Fry?
Flank steak and sirloin are both excellent choices because they’re tender and cook quickly. Just remember to slice the beef thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets are fantastic additions. Just add them to the pan with the onions so everything cooks evenly and stays crisp-tender.
Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?
If you can’t find oyster sauce or prefer to avoid it, a mix of extra soy sauce and a pinch of sugar will get you close. You can also try vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms.
How do I keep the beef from getting tough?
The secret is slicing the beef thinly across the grain and not overcooking it. A short marinade with cornstarch also keeps the beef juicy and tender, just like your favorite takeout.
Can I make Beef and Onion Stir Fry gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap in gluten-free tamari for the soy sauce, and make sure your oyster and hoisin sauces are also gluten-free. Check the labels, and you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about making Beef and Onion Stir Fry at home—it’s quick, full of flavor, and always hits the spot. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to dinner for busy nights or anytime you crave a cozy, delicious meal!
Print
Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender slices of beef marinated in savory sauces and stir-fried with sweet onions, garlic, and ginger. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it offers a delicious balance of rich umami flavors and tender textures, garnished with fresh green onions and served best over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Stir Fry
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors and tenderize the meat.
- Cook the Onions: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the sliced yellow onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften but remain slightly crisp.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them as they release their flavors quickly.
- Cook the Beef: Push the onions to one side of the pan and add the marinated beef in a single layer. Allow the beef to sear undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes per side to get a nice brown crust.
- Combine and Stir-Fry: Toss the seared beef with the onions and aromatics, continuing to stir-fry for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the onions are tender but not mushy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with the sliced green onions, and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking.
- Have all ingredients prepped before starting as this dish cooks quickly.
- Use thinly sliced beef to ensure tenderness and quick cooking.
- Adjust soy sauce amount to control sodium level as preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
