If you are craving a dish that bursts with savory flavor and delightful texture, the Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe is a must-try that’s sure to become your new favorite. This recipe brings together tender strips of beef with sweet, caramelized onions and the warm punch of ginger and garlic. The sauce, a harmonious blend of soy, oyster, hoisin, and vinegar, adds layers of umami and tang with just the right hint of sweetness. It’s a quick, vibrant meal that feels both comforting and exciting—perfect for weeknights when you want something delicious yet fuss-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together beautifully to create a dish full of color, tender texture, and bold flavors. Each component has a purpose, ensuring this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe tastes authentic and satisfying every time.
- 300 g sirloin steak: Choose a tender cut like sirloin, rib-eye, flank, or blade steak, sliced thin against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- ½ white onion: Thinly sliced, it adds sweetness and a subtle crunch that balances the savory beef.
- 4-5 slices ginger: Fresh ginger infuses the dish with a fragrant warmth that livens every bite.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced or thinly sliced garlic deepens the flavor and provides a classic stir-fry aroma.
- 1 stalk green onion: Cut into 2-inch pieces, these brighten the dish with their freshness and mild sharpness.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: The salty backbone that adds rich umami.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Boosts the depth of flavor with its sweet and savory profile.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Offers a hint of sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides balance and a touch of acidity to brighten the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances out acidity and deepens caramelization.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): Use this to thicken the sauce into a luscious coating.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For stir-frying, ensuring even cooking and a slight crisp on the beef and onions.
How to Make Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by slicing your chosen steak into thin strips, cutting against the grain to ensure every slice tenderness shines through. Setting the beef aside for now lets you focus on building the sauce and prepping aromatics, the foundation of flavor in this stir fry.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar in a small bowl. This deliciously balanced sauce is what transforms simple ingredients into a dish bursting with rich, harmonious tastes.
Step 3: Sauté Ginger and Garlic
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in your wok or skillet. Add the ginger slices first and let them cook for about one minute until fragrant. Then toss in the garlic, cooking for just 30 seconds more; this releases their wonderful aromas without burning, setting the stage for the rest.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
Next, add the beef strips to the wok and stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes. Keep things moving so the beef cooks evenly and develops a beautiful brown sear, locking in juices and creating delicious texture.
Step 5: Add Onions
Push the beef to one side, add the remaining tablespoon of oil, and then your thinly sliced onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften just enough to become sweet and tender without losing their slight crunch.
Step 6: Incorporate Green Onions and Sauce
Throw in the green onion pieces, tossing them for one minute to release their fresh aroma. Pour your pre-mixed sauce over the meat and veggies, stirring everything together to coat each strip and slice with that irresistible savory glaze.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce to cling perfectly to your beef and onions, dissolve cornstarch in a bit of water and stir it into the pan. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce reaches a luscious consistency without becoming gummy.
Step 8: Serve While Hot
Your Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is ready to be enjoyed at its best when served hot alongside steamed rice or noodles, soaking up every last bit of that flavorful sauce.
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a few fresh cilantro leaves on top can elevate this dish instantly, introducing new textures and a pop of color. Thinly sliced red chili adds a gentle heat for those who like a little spirited kick.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice is a classic companion that balances the intense flavors wonderfully. Alternatively, egg noodles or even a simple stir-fried vegetable medley complements the dish by adding variety without competing with the star ingredients.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, serve this stir fry family-style in a large bowl straight from the wok. For a more elegant touch, plate the beef and onions over a neat mound of rice or noodles and garnish thoughtfully with green onion curls or microgreens for a restaurant-quality feel at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You’ll find that the beef and onions often taste even better the next day as the flavors meld, making for an easy and quick reheated meal.
Freezing
This stir fry doesn’t freeze particularly well because of the onions’ texture, which can become mushy. If you must freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month, but plan to use it in soups or stews rather than as a standalone dish.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the beef’s tenderness and avoid drying out the sauce. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during refrigeration.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While sirloin is ideal for its tenderness, flank steak, rib-eye, or blade steak all work well as long as you slice them thinly against the grain to keep the beef tender.
What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
Omitting the hoisin will slightly change the flavor but using a mix of soy and oyster sauces with a bit of honey or brown sugar can approximate some of the sweetness and depth.
Is this recipe spicy?
On its own, this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe isn’t spicy, but you can easily add heat by including sliced fresh chili or a dash of chili garlic sauce when cooking.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can substitute the beef with firm tofu or seitan and use vegetarian oyster sauce alternatives to keep a similar umami flavor for a delicious meat-free version.
What should I serve with it for a balanced meal?
Pair it with steamed vegetables or a simple cucumber salad for freshness and crunch, alongside rice or noodles for a hearty, balanced meal.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that never fails to deliver bold, layered flavors with surprisingly simple ingredients. Its quick prep and cook time make it perfect for any day you want a satisfying meal without the fuss. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Print
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
A quick and flavorful Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry featuring tender strips of sirloin steak cooked with aromatic ginger, garlic, and a savory sauce made from soy, oyster, hoisin, and rice vinegar. This dish is perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 300 g sirloin steak (or rib-eye, flank steak, or blade steak), sliced thinly against the grain
- 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 Ingredients
- 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 sirloin steak into thin strips against the grain to ensure tenderness. Set aside.
- Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar until well combined. Set 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 1 minute until fragrant, then add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
- Cook the beef: Add the beef strips to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Cook the onions: Push the beef to one side of the skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil, and add the sliced onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add green onions and sauce: Stir in the green onions and cook for another minute. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and onions, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If a thicker sauce is preferred, dissolve the cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until it thickens.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For tender beef, slice the meat thinly against the grain.
- If you prefer less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Vegetable oil is recommended for stir-frying due to its high smoke point.
- Cornstarch is optional but helps to thicken the sauce nicely.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the crisp texture of the onions.
