If you’re craving bold, savory flavor without spending hours in the kitchen, this Beef and Onion Stir Fry will become your go-to recipe. Tender strips of beef are marinated in garlic, ginger, and soy sauce, then seared until golden and tossed with caramelized onions and a thick, umami-rich sauce.
Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, this dish is fast, satisfying, and better than takeout.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Ready in under 30 minutes – Quick marinating, faster cooking.
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Flavor-packed – Ginger, garlic, soy, and hoisin create bold, savory layers.
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One-pan dish – Fewer dishes, more convenience.
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Versatile – Serve it with rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
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Customizable – Easily adapted to different spice levels or added veggies.
Ingredients
Tip: You can find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
For the Steak:
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1 lb (450g) beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
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1 tsp sesame oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
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2 tbsp hoisin sauce
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2 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tbsp cornstarch
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Onions:
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1 large onion, sliced
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1 tbsp vegetable oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a medium bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Toss in the beef strips and let marinate for 10–15 minutes. This step boosts flavor and tenderizes the meat.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until soft and caramelized, about 8–10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Turn the heat to high and add 2 tbsp oil to the same pan. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry quickly for 2–3 minutes, until browned. Do not overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch until smooth.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Pour the sauce mixture over the cooked beef in the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat evenly.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the sautéed onions back into the pan. Stir to combine and heat through. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped scallions if desired.
Variations
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Spicy version: Add 1–2 tsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the sauce.
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Low-sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the oyster sauce.
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Add veggies: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli work great.
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Swap the meat: Use chicken or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Microwave or stir-fry over low heat until warmed through.
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Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef is best for stir fry?
Sirloin or ribeye works great—they’re tender and quick-cooking. Flank steak is another good option if sliced thinly against the grain.
Can I skip the oyster sauce?
Yes. It adds depth, but you can omit it or replace it with extra soy sauce or a splash of Worcestershire.
Is hoisin sauce necessary?
Hoisin sauce gives a sweet-savory element, but you can sub with a mix of soy sauce and a little honey or brown sugar.
How do I keep the beef tender?
Don’t overcook it. Marinating and high-heat quick cooking are key to tenderness.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Stir in bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms for a more complete meal.
Is this dish gluten-free?
No, but you can use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and check that your hoisin and oyster sauces are certified gluten-free.
Can I prep it ahead?
Yes. Marinate the beef and mix the sauce ahead of time. Store separately and cook fresh when ready.
Can I use pre-minced garlic and ginger?
Yes, but fresh garlic and ginger give the best flavor.
What’s a good side dish for this?
Steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, garlic noodles, or sautéed greens pair perfectly.
Can I make this in a wok?
Yes, a wok is ideal for high-heat stir-frying. Just make sure it’s hot and well-oiled.
Conclusion
This beef and onion stir fry is a powerhouse of flavor with minimal effort. It’s quick, affordable, and endlessly flexible. From a cozy weeknight dinner to an elevated takeout-style meal at home, this recipe delivers every time.
Whether you’re a stir-fry beginner or a seasoned home cook, this dish is sure to become a staple.
Print
Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A savory and satisfying beef stir fry featuring tender strips of sirloin or ribeye, caramelized onions, and a rich soy-based sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes and perfect with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
1 lb (450g) beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
1 tsp sesame oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Onions:
1 large onion, sliced
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Marinate the Beef: Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a bowl. Toss with beef strips and marinate for 10–15 minutes.
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Cook the Onions: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet. Sauté onions until soft and caramelized. Season and remove from pan.
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Sear the Beef: In the same skillet, heat 2 tbsp oil over high heat. Stir-fry beef for 2–3 minutes until browned.
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Make the Sauce: Whisk all sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
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Simmer: Add the sauce to the beef. Cook until thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
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Combine: Return the onions to the pan and toss to combine. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Use high heat to sear beef properly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed.
- Add chili flakes or hot sauce for spice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: chinese inspired
