If you’re craving a quick, delicious, and easy-to-make meal, this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is the answer! This classic dish is full of flavor, with tender beef slices, sweet onions, and a savory sauce that will keep you coming back for more. Ready in less than 30 minutes, it's the perfect dish for busy weeknights or a satisfying weekend dinner. Read on for the complete recipe, tips for perfecting the dish, and answers to common questions.
What is Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry?
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a popular Chinese dish made by stir-frying thinly sliced beef with onions and a delicious, savory sauce. This dish is simple yet bursting with flavors, thanks to a mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger. The onions add sweetness, while the beef provides a rich, savory base that soaks up the sauce beautifully. Best of all, it pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles, making it a complete meal.
Ingredients List for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry
For this recipe, you'll need simple ingredients that can be found in most kitchens or grocery stores. Here’s what you’ll need:
- For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) beef (sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye), thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- A pinch of black pepper
- For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional, for color and flavor)
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup beef broth or water
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some possible substitutions and variations to make the recipe your own:
- Different Cuts of Beef: You can substitute sirloin or flank steak with ribeye or tenderloin for a more tender result. Ground beef can also work in a pinch.
- Vegetables: Add bell peppers, snow peas, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and color. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time so they remain slightly crisp.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the salt to make a healthier version.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the soy sauce with gluten-free tamari, and make sure your oyster sauce is gluten-free too.
- Spicy Version: Add red chili flakes or a sliced chili pepper for a spicy kick.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Before you start, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and within reach. Stir-frying happens fast, so preparation is key to a smooth cooking process.
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper.
- Add the thinly sliced beef and mix well, making sure each piece is coated.
- Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, beef broth, and cornstarch.
- Stir until the cornstarch dissolves, creating a smooth, slightly thick sauce. Set it aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Ingredients
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
- Add the marinated beef and spread it in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes, then stir-fry for another minute until browned. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
- In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add minced garlic, ginger, and sliced onions. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until the onions turn soft and translucent.
- (Optional) Add sliced red bell pepper or other vegetables and stir-fry for another minute.
Step 4: Combine Beef and Sauce
- Return the cooked beef to the wok and pour in the prepared sauce.
- Stir everything together for about 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and onions.
- Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
How to Cook Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Slice the Beef Thinly: Thin slices cook faster and absorb more marinade, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
- Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat, so make sure your wok or skillet is preheated before adding ingredients. This will help sear the beef, locking in juices and flavor.
- Do Not Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the beef in batches if needed. Overcrowding can lower the heat, causing the meat to steam instead of sear, resulting in chewy beef.
- Timing is Key: Stir-frying moves fast, so be prepared to add ingredients quickly. Make sure everything is within reach before you start cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Marinating the Beef: Skipping the marination can result in bland and tough beef. Even 15 minutes can make a big difference.
- Overcooking the Beef: Thin slices of beef cook quickly. Overcooking will make them tough, so keep a close eye on them.
- Skipping the Cornstarch in the Sauce: Cornstarch is crucial for thickening the sauce, giving it the right consistency to coat the meat and onions.
- Using Low Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to create that smoky, seared flavor, so avoid cooking over medium or low heat.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To elevate the dish, consider these serving and presentation tips:
- Serve with Steamed Rice: Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry goes perfectly with a bowl of steamed jasmine rice or brown rice.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or cilantro for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve in a Large Bowl or Platter: Place the stir-fry in a decorative bowl or platter for an inviting family-style meal.
How to Serve Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry
Serve this dish fresh off the stove, as it’s best enjoyed hot. Pair it with steamed rice, fried rice, or even noodles. You can also serve it with a side of sautéed greens like bok choy, spinach, or Chinese broccoli for a complete, balanced meal.
Presentation Ideas for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry
- Colorful Plating: Use a dark-colored plate or bowl to make the vibrant colors of the beef, onions, and bell peppers pop.
- Sprinkle of Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top adds a nice visual touch and extra flavor.
- Use a Wok for Serving: If you have a small, decorative wok, serve the dish in it for an authentic Chinese restaurant feel.
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry Recipe Tips
- Chill the Beef Before Slicing: Freezing the beef for about 20 minutes before slicing makes it easier to cut thin slices.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If you like more sauce, double the sauce ingredients. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
- Use a Carbon Steel Wok for Best Results: Carbon steel woks heat up quickly and evenly, making them ideal for stir-frying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef? A: Yes, chicken breast or thigh meat can be used as a substitute for beef. Just follow the same marinating and cooking instructions.
Q: How do I make the beef tender? A: Marinating with cornstarch, soy sauce, and a small amount of baking soda (optional) helps tenderize the beef. Additionally, slicing the beef thinly across the grain will ensure a tender texture.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: It’s best to cook this dish fresh, as the beef can become tough if reheated. However, you can prepare the ingredients and sauce ahead of time to save on prep time.
Q: What can I use instead of oyster sauce? A: You can substitute hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce for oyster sauce, although the flavor may vary slightly.
Q: Can I make this dish without cornstarch? A: Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce. You can replace it with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch if needed, but skipping it entirely will result in a thinner sauce.
Conclusion
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for anyone looking to make a quick, satisfying meal. With tender beef, sweet onions, and a savory sauce, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees delicious results. Try it out today and bring the taste of authentic Chinese cuisine to your home!
PrintChinese Beef And Onion Stir-fry Recipe
Savor a quick and easy Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-fry with tender beef slices and caramelized onions in a savory sauce. Perfectly balanced with soy sauce and aromatics, this dish offers authentic Chinese flavor in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 green onion, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Toss beef slices with cornstarch, soy sauce, and sesame oil, and let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef, searing for 2-3 minutes until browned. Set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining oil and sauté onions and garlic until onions are soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Return beef to the pan. Add oyster sauce and Shaoxing wine, stirring to coat the beef and onions evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with green onion if desired, and serve hot with rice.
Notes
- Substitute Shaoxing wine with a splash of rice vinegar for a non-alcoholic option.
- For added spice, toss in sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili oil.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580 mg
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