If you are craving a dish that bursts with savory flavor and a perfect balance of tender beef and sweet onions, you will absolutely love this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe. It is a simple yet incredibly satisfying stir fry that comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or anytime you want a delicious, homemade meal. The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger creates a sauce that clings to every slice of beef and caramelized onion, resulting in a comforting dish packed with umami and texture. Trust me, once you try this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe, it will become one of your favorite go-to dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish both flavorful and authentic. Each component, from the fresh ginger to the silky oyster sauce, plays an essential role in building layers of taste and giving the stir fry its signature texture and color.
- Beef sirloin or flank steak: Thinly slicing against the grain ensures tenderness and quick cooking.
- Onions: Their natural sweetness balances the savory sauce and adds a slight crunch.
- Soy sauce: Provides a salty and umami base for the marinade and sauce.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet depth of flavor that’s classic in Chinese cooking.
- Vegetable oil: Ideal for stir-frying because of its high smoke point.
- Cornstarch: Helps create a velvety coating on the beef and thickens the sauce.
- Sesame oil: Infuses a warm, nutty aroma that enhances every bite.
- Shaoxing wine or dry sherry: Brings mild acidity and complexity to the marinade.
- Sugar: Balances flavors and highlights the caramelization of onions.
- Garlic and fresh ginger: Essential for that vibrant, fragrant stir-fry essence.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and spice.
- Green onions: Provide freshness and a pop of color at the end.
- Cooked rice or noodles: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce when serving.
How to Make Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by marinating the thinly sliced beef in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil. This step is crucial because it tenderizes the meat and ensures every piece is evenly coated with flavor. Letting it rest for 15 to 20 minutes allows the beef to soak up the marinade, resulting in a juicy and tender bite after cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the beef marinates, combine the remaining soy sauce with oyster sauce, sugar, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. This sauce will add the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes, elevating your dish from tasty to irresistible.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat, then quickly stir-fry the marinated beef for 2 to 3 minutes. Browning the beef without fully cooking it at this stage helps lock in juices and prevents it from becoming tough later. Once beautifully seared, remove the beef and set it aside to rest.
Step 4: Build Aromatics
In the same wok, add a little more vegetable oil followed by minced garlic and fresh ginger. Stir-frying these aromatics for half a minute releases their fragrant oils, creating the mouthwatering base for the onions and beef to come.
Step 5: Cook the Onions
Add the sliced onions to the wok and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften and turn translucent. This step enhances their natural sweetness and brings a gentle crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender beef.
Step 6: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the beef to the wok along with any accumulated juices. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything together, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken, coat the beef and onions beautifully, and meld all the flavors into a harmonious stir fry.
Step 7: Add Green Onions
Finally, toss in the sliced green onions and give the stir fry one last quick toss. These green onions add a fresh flavor and vibrant color that’s the perfect finishing touch for your Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe.
Step 8: Serve Immediately
Serve the stir fry piping hot on a bed of fluffy rice or noodles. The sauce will naturally seep into the grains, making every bite delicious and satisfying.
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or extra sliced green onions can add delightful texture and brighten the dish’s presentation. For a hint of spice, a few chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil wakes up the palate beautifully.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or lo mein noodles to soak up all the sauce. Pair with a simple cucumber salad or sautéed bok choy for a fresh and balanced meal that complements the rich flavors of the beef.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve the stir fry family-style in a large, colorful serving dish so everyone can help themselves. Alternatively, present it over crispy fried rice cakes or inside lettuce wraps for fun textures and a modern twist on this classic recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be cooled promptly and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep their best quality for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this flavorful dish all week long.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the onions might soften more after freezing, but the flavors will remain delicious and well-preserved.
Reheating
When ready to eat, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to prevent the beef from overcooking. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce and keep everything moist and tasty. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may dry out the texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir fry?
Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak are ideal because they are tender and quick-cooking, you can also use ribeye or even tenderloin slices if you prefer a richer flavor. Just remember to slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and make sure your oyster sauce is certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy all the amazing flavors without worries.
Can I prepare the marinade and sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. You can marinate the beef up to a day in advance and keep the sauce ready in the fridge. Just combine and cook everything fresh when you are ready to enjoy your Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe for the best flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine if I don’t have it?
Dry sherry is the perfect substitute for Shaoxing wine because it has a similar flavor profile. If you don’t have sherry, a dry white wine or even a splash of rice vinegar mixed with a little sugar can work in a pinch.
How do I achieve that restaurant-quality caramelization on the onions?
High heat and a little patience are key! Stir-fry the onions quickly to soften but then let them sit briefly without stirring to develop a golden color before tossing again. The sugar in the sauce also helps create that lovely caramelized glaze.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe is a delicious celebration of bold, balanced flavors and simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. It’s a dish that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough to share with family and friends. I hope you enjoy cooking and savoring every bite as much as I do. Happy stir-frying!
Print
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A quick and flavorful Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry featuring tender beef slices marinated in a savory sauce, stir-fried with onions, garlic, and ginger, finished with green onions. Perfect served hot over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced into 1-inch pieces
Cooking Oils
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Serving Suggestion
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil. Mix well to coat all pieces evenly and allow the beef to marinate for 15-20 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderize.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and freshly ground black pepper. Set this savory sauce aside for later use.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry quickly for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same wok, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add minced garlic and ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant, which builds the flavor base of the dish.
- Cook the Onions: Add the sliced onions to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but still retain some crispness, adding a sweet crunch to the stir fry.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the browned beef to the wok along with any juices that have accumulated. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together well. Continue to stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the beef is cooked through and onions are tender.
- Add Green Onions: Stir in the sliced green onions and give the mixture a final toss to distribute the fresh onion pieces evenly throughout the dish.
- Serve: Serve the hot Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry over cooked rice or noodles for a complete and delicious meal.
Notes
- Be sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Marinating the beef allows it to absorb more flavor and stay tender during cooking.
- High heat is essential during stir-frying to ensure quick cooking and to retain crisp textures.
- You can substitute Shaoxing wine with dry sherry or omit it if unavailable.
- Adjust the sugar amount to balance the savory and slightly sweet flavor to your liking.
- Serve immediately after cooking for the best texture and taste.
