Print

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe

4 from 47 reviews

This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry recipe combines tender, marinated beef with caramelized onions and a savory sauce made from soy and oyster sauces. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a quick and flavorful stir-fried dish perfect for weeknight dinners, garnished with fresh green onions and served over steamed rice or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Marinade

  • 1 lb (450 g) beef (thinly sliced, e.g., flank steak or sirloin)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

Sauce and Aromatics

  • 1 large onion (sliced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Green onions (sliced, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Marinate it with soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Let it rest for 15–20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Heat the Pan: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat to get it hot enough for stir-frying.
  3. Stir-fry the Beef: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, stir-fry the marinated beef for 1–2 minutes until it is browned but not overcooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
  4. Cook the Onions: In the same pan, add the sliced onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until they become caramelized and soft, releasing their sweetness.
  5. Add Garlic and Combine: Add minced garlic to the onions and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the cooked beef to the pan. Add the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats all the ingredients evenly.
  6. Final Touches: Garnish the stir fry with sliced green onions for a fresh burst of flavor. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Slice the beef thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
  • Marinating the beef helps infuse more flavor and keeps it juicy.
  • Stir-fry the beef in batches to ensure even cooking and browning.
  • Cornstarch slurry is key to thickening the sauce nicely.
  • This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or your favorite noodles.
  • Adjust the soy sauce and oyster sauce quantities based on your salt preference.

Keywords: Chinese beef stir fry, beef and onion stir fry, quick beef recipe, easy stir fry, Asian beef recipe