Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal
Looking for a quick, tasty, and healthy dinner that can be made in just minutes? Look no further than this delicious Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry! Packed with savory flavors, tender beef, and crunchy onions, this dish is perfect for satisfying your cravings. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is simple and can easily be adapted to your taste preferences. Read on for the full recipe, cooking tips, and helpful variations to make this dish your own.

What is Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry?
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry is a classic dish found in many Asian cuisines, particularly Cantonese cooking. The dish combines thinly sliced beef with onions and a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other seasonings. The beef is typically stir-fried quickly over high heat, ensuring it's tender and juicy, while the onions add a slight sweetness and crunch to balance the savory flavors of the sauce. Stir-frying is a popular cooking technique in Chinese cuisine, allowing ingredients to retain their freshness, color, and flavor while cooking quickly.
Ingredients List for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry
Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this savory and satisfying stir-fry:
- Beef: 12 oz (350g) of flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain.
- Onions: 1 large onion, sliced into thin wedges.
- Garlic: 2-3 cloves, minced.
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, freshly grated or finely minced.
- Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons, low-sodium soy sauce preferred.
- Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons, for depth and umami flavor.
- Shaoxing Wine or Dry Sherry: 1 tablespoon, for added fragrance and flavor.
- Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon, for marinating the beef and thickening the sauce.
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon, to balance the savory flavors.
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon, for added nuttiness and aroma.
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons, for stir-frying.
- Water or Beef Broth: ¼ cup, for the sauce.
- Scallions (optional): 2 stalks, chopped for garnish.
- White Pepper (optional): A pinch, to season the beef.
- Cooked Rice: To serve as a side.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry is how versatile it is. You can easily substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand or to fit your dietary preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Beef Substitutes: If you don’t have flank steak, you can use other cuts of beef such as ribeye or tenderloin. Alternatively, chicken breast or thighs work just as well for a lighter version.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, or snow peas to bulk up the stir-fry. These vegetables bring additional texture and flavor.
- Soy Sauce Alternatives: For a gluten-free option, you can use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.
- Oyster Sauce Alternatives: If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan option, mushroom sauce can be used instead of oyster sauce for a similar umami effect.
- Low-Carb Option: Instead of serving over rice, you can pair the stir-fry with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients and any substitutions ready, it’s time to cook! Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the perfect Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry:
How to Cook Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of Shaoxing wine, and a pinch of white pepper (if using).
- Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade and mix well to coat the beef evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and ¼ cup of water or beef broth. Stir until the sugar dissolves, and set the sauce aside.
Step 3: Heat the Wok
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the marinated beef in a single layer.
- Stir-fry the beef for 1-2 minutes until it’s just browned but still slightly pink in the center. Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside.
Step 4: Stir-fry the Onions
- Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok. Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Combine Beef and Onions
- Return the beef to the wok, and stir everything together for another minute.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and onions, and stir well to coat all the ingredients. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
Step 6: Finish with Sesame Oil and Scallions
- Drizzle 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over the stir-fry for added flavor. If desired, sprinkle chopped scallions over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve your delicious Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry hot with steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though stir-frying is quick and simple, there are a few common mistakes to avoid to ensure your dish turns out perfect every time:
- Overcrowding the Wok: Stir-frying requires high heat and space for ingredients to sear properly. If you overcrowd the wok, your beef will steam instead of brown, leading to a less flavorful dish. Cook in batches if needed.
- Not Marinating the Beef: Marinating the beef with cornstarch and soy sauce is key to achieving tender, flavorful meat. Don’t skip this step!
- Overcooking the Beef: Thinly sliced beef cooks very quickly. Make sure to stir-fry the beef just until browned to avoid overcooking and making it tough.
- Skipping the Sugar: A small amount of sugar in the sauce helps balance the salty and savory flavors, so don’t leave it out.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key to making any meal feel special, and with a dish as colorful as Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry, there are plenty of ways to enhance its visual appeal. Here are some tips to make your meal look as great as it tastes:
- Serve in a Shallow Dish: Use a wide, shallow dish or a traditional Chinese plate to showcase the vibrant colors of the stir-fry.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of chopped scallions or cilantro can add a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
- Accompany with Rice: Present the stir-fry alongside a bowl of perfectly steamed white jasmine rice, or plate the stir-fry over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
- Add a Side of Stir-fried Vegetables: To create a balanced meal, serve the beef stir-fry with a side of stir-fried vegetables such as bok choy or baby corn.
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, which absorbs the savory sauce and complements the tender beef. You can also serve it with noodles such as lo mein or rice noodles for a more filling meal. If you're looking to add more sides, try pairing the stir-fry with a light vegetable dish like stir-fried greens or a simple cucumber salad to add variety and freshness to the meal.
Presentation Ideas for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry
If you want to elevate the presentation of this dish, consider using some of the following ideas:
- Serve in a Wok: For an authentic touch, serve the stir-fry directly from a wok at the table.
- Use Colorful Garnishes: Add a pop of color with thinly sliced red chili peppers or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top.
- Plate with Noodles: Spiral some cooked noodles underneath the beef and onions for a restaurant-quality presentation.
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry Recipe Tips
To make this recipe even easier and tastier, here are a few extra tips to keep in mind:
- Use Pre-sliced Beef: To save time, you can purchase pre-sliced beef from your local butcher or grocery store.
- Freeze Beef for Easier Slicing: If slicing beef thinly is a challenge, try freezing the beef for about 30 minutes before slicing. This will make it easier to get thin, even slices.
- Make Extra Sauce: If you prefer more sauce with your stir-fry, double the sauce ingredients and serve it over rice or noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef? A: Absolutely! You can easily substitute chicken breast or thighs for the beef in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since chicken cooks a bit differently.
Q: What other vegetables can I add? A: You can add bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or broccoli for additional flavor and texture. Stir-fry them along with the onions for the best results.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Leftover stir-fry can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
Q: Can I make this dish in advance? A: You can prepare the ingredients (slice the beef and onions, mix the sauce) ahead of time, but for the best texture and flavor, stir-fry the dish just before serving.
Conclusion
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry is a perfect blend of savory flavors, tender beef, and sweet, caramelized onions. This easy, versatile recipe makes for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or customize it with your favorite ingredients, you'll love how this stir-fry turns out every time. Try it today, and impress your family or guests with a delicious homemade meal that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
PrintChinese Beef And Onion Stir-fry Recipe
This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry recipe is a fast and easy meal featuring tender beef slices, onions, and a savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it brings the authentic flavors of Chinese cuisine to your table. Enjoy this stir-fry with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 300g beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, minced
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¼ cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate beef in soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil for 15 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
- Add beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, cook onions until soft, then add beef back.
- Stir in oyster sauce, sugar, water, and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Serve with rice or noodles.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a dash of Shaoxing wine to the beef marinade.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- You can substitute the beef with chicken or pork.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620 mg
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