Name: Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 large yellow onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); cooked white rice for serving

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If you’re craving something savory, incredibly satisfying, and deceptively simple to whip up on a busy weeknight, look no further than this Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe! This dish perfectly balances tender strips of beef with sweet, caramelized onions, all tangled up in a glossy, flavorful sauce that clings to every bite. It’s one of those dinners you’ll reach for again and again, thanks to its speedy prep and irresistible flavors. So get your wok (or skillet!) ready—this is a Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe you’ll want to make a staple in your kitchen.

Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe are refreshingly straightforward, but each plays a vital role in building the dish’s bold flavor, inviting aroma, and colorful presentation. You don’t need anything fancy—just these familiar pantry heroes to make something truly special.

Flank steak or sirloin (1 pound, thinly sliced against the grain): This ensures juicy, tender bites that soak up the marinade beautifully.
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Essential for that rich, savory umami base.
Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a unique depth and savoriness you just can’t get from anything else.
Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Sweetens and thickens the sauce, giving it gorgeous color.
Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Gently tenderizes the beef and thickens the stir-fry sauce.
Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Brings an unmistakable nutty aroma that signals “takeout quality!”
Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Neutral and perfect for the high heat of stir-frying.
Yellow onion (1 large, sliced): Caramelizes as it cooks, adding natural sweetness and texture.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses each bite with a fragrant punch.
Ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle kick that wakes up the whole dish.
Green onions (2, chopped): Fresh garnishing for color and pop of mild heat.
Cooked white rice (for serving): The classic bed that soaks up all that luscious sauce.

How to Make Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by combining your thinly sliced beef with the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Give it a thorough mix—your hands are the best tool here! Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes. This little window allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, ensuring each bite of your Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe is bursting with taste and tenderness.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat your wok or a large skillet over high heat and pour in the vegetable oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s just browned and nearly cooked through. Don’t be tempted to crowd the pan; if necessary, cook in two batches. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside for a moment.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In that same pan (don’t clean it—you want those flavorful browned bits!), add a splash more oil if needed. Toss in the sliced onion and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges begin to soften and turn translucent. Add the minced garlic and give everything a quick toss—just 30 seconds or so, until fragrant. This step builds the soul of your Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Return the seared beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Toss everything together on high heat for 1 to 2 minutes. The sauce clings, the onions finish caramelizing, and the kitchen is now filled with the amazing aroma of success.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle in the black pepper and toss well. Turn off the heat and scatter over the chopped green onions. Pile your creation over bowls of fluffy white rice, and serve it hot, making sure to spoon over every last bit of sauce—the signature touch of a true Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe.

How to Serve Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe

Garnishes

For the perfect flourish, a shower of freshly chopped green onions brings lively color and a gentle bite. If you’re feeling adventurous, a few toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil can add an extra spark that takes this Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe to the next level.

Side Dishes

This dish is happiest next to a steaming bowl of white rice, but don’t hesitate to pair it with other Asian favorites like sautéed bok choy, cucumber salad, or lightly salted edamame. These simple sides keep the meal fresh, balanced, and deeply comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve this Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe family-style on a big platter for everyone to share, or make individual bento bowls with rice, stir-fry, and blanched veggies. For a fun twist, wrap beef and onions in crisp lettuce leaves for easy, hand-held bites bursting with flavor!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe keep well! Transfer any extras to an airtight container as soon as they’re cool. They’ll stay fresh and delicious in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead, this recipe freezes surprisingly well. Cool the stir-fry completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before reheating.

Reheating

For maximum freshness, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep everything juicy. The microwave also works for quick lunches, but a covered skillet preserves that lovely stir-fried texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! Flank steak and sirloin are both great, but you can use ribeye or even skirt steak if you prefer. The key is thinly slicing across the grain for tenderness in your Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

With a couple of tweaks, yes! Look for gluten-free soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce. Double check the cornstarch as well—most are gluten-free, but it’s best to confirm.

Can I add more vegetables?

Certainly! Bell peppers, snow peas, broccoli florets, or snap peas work wonderfully in this Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe. Simply add them at the same time as the onions and adjust cook time so they stay crisp-tender.

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

If you’re missing oyster sauce, you can substitute with more soy sauce and a pinch of sugar for depth, or use mushroom sauce if you want to keep a strong umami flavor.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Of course! Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes, drizzle with chili oil, or toss in fresh sliced chilies along with the onions for a kick that suits your spice preference.

Final Thoughts

Try this Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe and watch it become a comforting go-to in your dinner rotation. It’s fast, makes everyone happy, and brings those classic takeout vibes home—no fancy equipment required! Let this dish warm your kitchen and your heart tonight.

Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and flavorful beef stir-fry recipe with tender slices of beef, savory sauces, and caramelized onions, served over steamed white rice. This Asian-inspired dish is perfect for a simple and satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef:

1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Additional Ingredients:

1 large yellow onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
cooked white rice for serving

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Instructions

Marinate the Beef: Combine sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, stir-fry marinated beef until browned. Set aside.
Cook Onions: Sauté sliced onion until softened, then add garlic.
Combine and Serve: Return beef to the skillet, toss with onions, then season with black pepper. Garnish with green onions and serve hot over rice.