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Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
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4.5 from 114 reviews

This quick and flavorful Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry delivers tender strips of beef, sweet caramelized onions, and a rich, umami-packed sauce—all in under 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this one-pan stir fry is both satisfying and incredibly easy to make. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a comforting meal that’s sure to impress.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Halal

Ingredients

For the Beef and Marinade

  • 1 lb (450 g) beef (thinly sliced, e.g., flank steak or sirloin)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (divided, see steps)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Stir Fry

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 large onion (sliced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water – cornstarch slurry)
  • Green onions (sliced, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. In a bowl, combine the beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well, ensuring all the beef is coated. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
  2. Sear the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
  3. Caramelize the Onions: In the same pan, add the sliced onions. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes on medium-high heat until the onions soften and start to caramelize, picking up any flavorful bits left from the beef.
  4. Add Garlic and Build the Sauce: Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Return the browned beef to the pan. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Mix everything to combine.
  5. Thicken and Finish: Pour in the cornstarch slurry and toss the mixture well. Stir continuously for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and glossy coats the beef and onions. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For extra tenderness, freeze the beef for 10–15 minutes before slicing to get thinner strips.
  • You can add bell peppers or snow peas for additional color and crunch.
  • Adjust the salt and soy sauce to your preference, especially if using low-sodium soy sauce.
  • Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/chinese-beef-and-onion-stir-fry-recipe/