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▢1 tablespoon light soy sauce Recipe

Beef Onion Stir-fry

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4.7 from 89 reviews

This Beef and Onion Stir-fry features tender slices of marinated flank steak and sweet, blistered onions tossed in a savory, slightly tangy sauce. Fast and easy, this classic dish is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers bold, comforting flavors everyone will love. Serve over steamed rice for a satisfying dinner ready in just 30 minutes.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Beef & Marinade

  • 1 pound flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon oil (any neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola)
  • 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon water

For the Sauce

  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup water

For Stir-frying

  • 2 tablespoons oil (divided)
  • 10 ounces small onions (sliced into wedges; about 3 small onions)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with baking soda, cornstarch, oil, oyster sauce, and water. Mix until the beef absorbs the marinade and set aside for at least 15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes for extra tenderness).
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, ketchup, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and water. Set the sauce aside—you’ll add it later.
  3. Sear the Beef: Heat a wok over high heat until smoking. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and arrange the beef in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for 30 seconds to 1 minute until browned, then stir-fry for another 15–30 seconds until about 75% cooked. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
  4. Cook the Onions: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the wok along with the onion wedges. Stir-fry over high heat for 60–90 seconds until the onions are seared and slightly blistered. Remove the onions and set aside.
  5. Combine and Finish: Pour the prepared sauce into the wok and bring it to a simmer. Let it bubble for 15 seconds, then return the beef and onions to the wok. Stir-fry everything together for about 30 seconds to coat with sauce and heat through. Serve hot over steamed rice if desired.

Notes

  • Slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
  • Don’t overcook the beef—remove it when it’s about 75% done and finish it in the sauce for juicy results.
  • Yellow, white, or red onions all work well in this dish.
  • This stir-fry comes together quickly; have all your ingredients prepped before cooking.
  • For extra vegetables, add bell peppers or snow peas along with the onions.
  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Halal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
  • Calories: 268 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 613 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 68 mg