This Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful dish made with tender beef strips, sweet onions, and a savory sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, coming together in just 30 minutes! Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Restaurant-style flavor – A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami.
- Versatile – Pair it with rice, noodles, or veggies for a complete meal.
- Budget-friendly – Uses affordable ingredients without compromising taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
For the Stir Fry Sauce:
- ¼ cup light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- ½ tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- ½ tbsp cornstarch
- White pepper powder, to taste
For the Stir Fry:
- 3 tbsp neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or sunflower)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 medium white onion, sliced
- 4 scallions, cut into 3-inch pieces (separate white and green parts)
Directions
1. Marinate the Beef:
- In a large bowl, combine sliced beef, cornstarch, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine.
- Mix well and let marinate for 15-30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until well combined.
- Set aside.
3. Cook the Aromatics:
- Heat 3 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add garlic, ginger, sliced onions, and the white parts of the scallions.
- Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the onions soften slightly.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Cook the Beef:
- In the same skillet, add the marinated beef in a single layer.
- Stir-fry for 2 minutes over medium-high heat, until browned and slightly crispy.
5. Add the Sauce:
- Pour the stir fry sauce into the skillet with the beef.
- Stir and cook for 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
6. Combine Everything & Serve:
- Return the cooked onions and scallions to the skillet.
- Add the green parts of the scallions and stir-fry for 1 more minute.
- Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: ~400 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy version – Add red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha.
- Vegetable boost – Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra crunch.
- Gluten-free option – Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- No alcohol? – Substitute Shaoxing wine with apple cider vinegar or chicken broth.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
What’s the best beef cut for stir fry?
Flank steak and sirloin are top choices because they’re tender and cook quickly.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Swap the beef for thinly sliced chicken breast and follow the same steps.
How do I prevent the beef from getting tough?
- Slice the beef against the grain to keep it tender.
- Marinate it with cornstarch to create a velvety texture.
- Quick cooking over high heat prevents overcooking.
Can I make this stir fry ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the sauce and marinate the beef ahead of time. Stir-fry everything just before serving for the best texture.
What’s the difference between light and dark soy sauce?
- Light soy sauce adds saltiness.
- Dark soy sauce is thicker and gives a richer color and depth.
Conclusion
This Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quick and easy one-pan meal that’s better than takeout! With tender beef, caramelized onions, and a savory sauce, this dish is perfect for weeknights or meal prep. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy a restaurant-style dinner at home!
Print
Beef and Onion Stir Fry
This Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful dish featuring tender beef strips, sweet onions, and a savory, umami-packed sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights! Serve over rice or noodles for a restaurant-style meal at home.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
For the Stir Fry Sauce:
- ¼ cup light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- ½ tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- ½ tbsp cornstarch
- White pepper powder, to taste
For the Stir Fry:
- 3 tbsp neutral oil (canola, vegetable, or sunflower)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 medium white onion, sliced
- 4 scallions, cut into 3-inch pieces (separate white and green parts)
Instructions
-
Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, combine sliced beef, cornstarch, soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine.
- Mix well and let marinate for 15-30 minutes.
-
Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until well combined.
- Set aside.
-
Cook the Aromatics:
- Heat 3 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add garlic, ginger, onions, and the white parts of the scallions.
- Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until onions soften slightly. Remove and set aside.
-
Cook the Beef:
- In the same skillet, add the marinated beef in a single layer.
- Stir-fry for 2 minutes over medium-high heat until browned.
-
Add the Sauce:
- Pour the stir fry sauce into the skillet with the beef.
- Stir and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
-
Combine & Serve:
- Return the onions and scallions to the skillet.
- Add the green parts of the scallions and stir-fry for 1 more minute.
- Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
Notes
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- More Veggies: Try bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese, Asian-inspired
