Name: Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 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; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 large yellow onion (sliced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 2 green onions (sliced, optional); Salt and black pepper to taste

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If there’s one dish that perfectly blends juicy, savory beef with tender, caramelized onions and an irresistible glossy sauce, it has to be Beef and Onion Stir Fry. This classic recipe is lightning-fast yet bursting with flavor, making it a weeknight hero you’ll crave again and again. Whether it’s for a fuss-free family dinner or impressing friends with your stir fry skills, it always delivers a tender bite and restaurant-worthy taste—all with ingredients you’ll already have in your kitchen.

Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Beef and Onion Stir Fry lies in its uncomplicated list of staples. Each ingredient is chosen to bring out the beef’s rich umami, the onion’s subtle sweetness, or create that silky sauce and aromatic backdrop. Let’s break down why each component matters:

Flank steak or sirloin (1 pound, thinly sliced against the grain): Choose a tender cut and slice it thinly for melt-in-your-mouth results and to ensure quick, even cooking.
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a deeply savory and salty backbone to both the marinade and sauce.
Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a lush, slightly sweet umami hit that marries beautifully with the beef.
Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives the dish a glossy, sweet-savory richness—just a touch transforms the sauce.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps thicken the sauce and makes the beef ultra velvety.
Sesame oil (2 teaspoons): Infuses every bite with that signature nutty aroma—don’t skip this finishing touch!
Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, for cooking): Has a high smoke point, perfect for quick stir frying without burning.
Yellow onion (1 large, sliced): Softens into sweet, golden ribbons that balance the rich beef.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Blooms fast in the hot pan, providing a punchy, savory base note.
Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Adds a zesty warmth that brightens the entire dish.
Green onions (2, sliced, optional): Sprinkle over for color and a mild fresh crunch—it’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Adjust at the end for that perfect seasoning balance.

How to Make Beef and Onion Stir Fry

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by tossing your thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil in a medium bowl. Give it all a quick mix to coat every slice, then let it rest for 15 to 30 minutes. This short marinating step is key! It infuses the beef with flavor and helps keep every bite juicy and tender—one of the secrets to a perfect Beef and Onion Stir Fry.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Arrange the marinated beef in a single layer, making sure not to crowd the pan. Sear for just 1 to 2 minutes per side; you want the beef to brown beautifully but stay tender inside. Once all the beef is seared, promptly remove it from the pan and set it aside—it’ll finish cooking later with the onions.

Step 3: Cook the Onions and Aromatics

In the same pan (add a touch more oil if needed), scatter in the sliced yellow onion and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for soft, golden, slightly caramelized slices. Then, toss in your garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until they’re fragrant and release their aroma—this step lifts the whole dish out of the ordinary.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return the seared beef to the pan, including any juices that have collected. Toss everything together for another 1 to 2 minutes, letting the sauce coat each piece and the flavors meld. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. It’s that easy: in under half an hour, your Beef and Onion Stir Fry is ready to devour!

How to Serve Beef and Onion Stir Fry

Garnishes

A bright shower of sliced green onions does wonders for both flavor and presentation. For even more flair, sprinkle on a few toasted sesame seeds or a hint of chili flakes if you love a little heat. Each garnish adds its own fresh crunch or subtle pop that rounds out the dish.

Side Dishes

Beef and Onion Stir Fry absolutely shines when served over a bowl of steaming white jasmine rice—the rice soaks up all that luxurious sauce. As a lighter alternative, try pairing it with stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or a medley of quick sautéed vegetables for crunch and vibrant color. Noodles are also a hearty option, catching every drop of savory sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not tuck your stir fry into lettuce wraps for a fun, hand-held twist? Or pile it over sticky rice in a shallow bowl and top with extra scallions and sesame seeds for a cozy rice bowl. For something even more unexpected, serve it as part of a larger Asian-inspired spread with small sides and pickles for a DIY family-style feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow any leftover Beef and Onion Stir Fry to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making the next-day meal incredibly satisfying.

Freezing

To freeze, portion your cooled stir fry into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat Beef and Onion Stir Fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. If it seems a bit dry, splash in a teaspoon or two of water or broth to revive the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between intervals to keep everything tender.

FAQs

What is the best cut of beef for Beef and Onion Stir Fry?

Flank steak or sirloin are excellent choices thanks to their tenderness and flavor. Just remember to slice the beef thinly against the grain—this is what guarantees those delicious, tender bites in your stir fry.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, or baby bok choy all work well. Simply sauté the extra veggies along with the onions for added color and nutrition—feel free to make Beef and Onion Stir Fry your own.

How do I prevent the beef from getting tough?

A quick marinade and thin slicing are your best friends here. Also, cook over high heat and avoid overcooking—the beef just needs a rapid sear, no more than a few minutes total.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

With a few tweaks, yes! Use a certified gluten-free soy sauce and double-check your oyster and hoisin sauces for wheat content. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, making this an easy swap for dietary needs.

Can I make Beef and Onion Stir Fry ahead of time?

While it’s always best fresh, you can prep the sauce and slice your beef and onions a day in advance. Store everything separately in the fridge, then stir-fry just before serving for a fast, flavorful meal.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Beef and Onion Stir Fry, it’s sure to join your regular recipe rotation. It’s quick, rewarding, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for busy weeknights or treating yourself to a homemade takeout classic. Give it a go; I guarantee you’ll be hooked!

Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender slices of beef are marinated in a savory sauce and stir-fried with onions, garlic, and ginger for a delicious meal that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef:

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
2 teaspoons sesame oil

For Cooking:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For Stir Fry:

1 large yellow onion (sliced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
2 green onions (sliced, optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes.
Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Stir Fry: In the same pan, sauté the sliced yellow onion until softened. Add garlic and ginger, cook until fragrant. Return the beef to the pan, toss to combine and heat through. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve hot.