Beef And Onion Stir Fry Recipe
If you’re in the mood for a dish that’s bursting with savory-sweet flavor, loaded with tender beef, and brightened by aromatic onions, this classic Beef And Onion Stir Fry is about to become your new weeknight obsession. With a medley of simple pantry staples and crisp, golden onions, this quick stir fry delivers restaurant-worthy taste in just 30 minutes. Every bite is perfectly balanced – juicy strips of beef enveloped in an irresistible glossy sauce, mingling with onions that caramelize just enough to add a lovely depth. It’s no wonder this Beef And Onion Stir Fry is such a beloved go-to!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of everyday ingredients combine to create such a vibrant, satisfying meal. Each element is chosen for maximum impact, adding layers of taste, tenderness, and color to your Beef And Onion Stir Fry.
- Flank steak or sirloin: Thinly sliced against the grain for melt-in-your-mouth beef with every bite.
- Soy sauce: Adds a deep, salty umami that forms the backbone of the sauce.
- Oyster sauce: Brings richness and a hint of oceanic sweetness — don’t skip it!
- Hoisin sauce: Contributes a sweet-spicy punch and a touch of glossy thickness.
- Cornstarch: Helps coat the beef for that signature silky stir fry texture.
- Vegetable oil: Neutral oil that stands up to high heat, letting all other flavors shine.
- Yellow onions: Sliced thin, these soften and lightly caramelize for amazing aroma and taste.
- Garlic cloves: Essential for lifting all the savory flavors in the dish.
- Fresh ginger: Just a bit grated in adds warmth and zing.
- Rice vinegar: Adds brightness and balances the robust sauciness.
- Sugar: A pinch helps bring everything together and enhances browning.
- Black pepper: For just the right hint of background spice.
- Green onions: Sliced over the top as a fresh, colorful garnish.
- Steamed rice: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of saucy beef and onions!
How to Make Beef And Onion Stir Fry
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by tossing your thinly sliced beef with a spoonful of soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes. This quick marinade not only seasons the beef but also ensures every strip turns out tender and develops a glossy coating when stir-fried.
Step 2: Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce
While the beef rests, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper in a small bowl. This umami-rich sauce is the soul of your Beef And Onion Stir Fry, so make sure it’s well combined for a perfectly harmonious finish.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat, then add half the oil. Working quickly, spread the beef in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes. You want the beef to brown on the outside but stay a little pink inside—it’ll finish cooking later. Transfer the seared beef to a plate so it doesn’t overcook.
Step 4: Cook Onions, Garlic, and Ginger
Drizzle the rest of the oil into your hot pan. Add the sliced onions, garlic, and ginger, stirring often. You’ll notice the kitchen filling with that signature aroma as the onions soften and become golden, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 5: Stir Fry Everything Together
Slide the seared beef back into the pan with the aromatic onions. Pour in your prepared sauce and toss everything together. Stir fry for a final 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring the beef is cooked through and every piece is glossy and coated in flavorful sauce. Top with plenty of green onions and bring straight to the table over steamed rice — your Beef And Onion Stir Fry is ready!
How to Serve Beef And Onion Stir Fry
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle a pile of sliced green onions over the hot stir fry for a fresh pop of color and a little crunch. For extra flair, add toasted sesame seeds or a light drizzle of chili oil if you like some heat. Visually, this makes the meal super inviting and boosts the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
While a steamy bowl of jasmine or white rice is the all-time favorite companion, feel free to add some steamed bok choy, blanched broccoli, or even a quick cucumber salad on the side. These light veggies help balance out the richness of your Beef And Onion Stir Fry, making every plate deeply satisfying yet never too heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving a crowd? Pile your Beef And Onion Stir Fry on a large family-style platter for easy sharing. For fun weeknight dinners, you can even spoon it into lettuce cups or wrap it up in warm flour tortillas for an East-meets-West twist. No matter how you present it, you’ll be amazed by how quickly it vanishes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Beef And Onion Stir Fry to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool before storing to maintain the best texture and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to extend its life, freeze the completely cooled stir fry in a resealable freezer bag or container. It’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. When freezing, compress out excess air to keep the beef as tender as possible once reheated.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a tablespoon of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. In a pinch, a quick zap in the microwave works too, just cover loosely and stir halfway to reheat evenly.
FAQs
Which cut of beef is best for Beef And Onion Stir Fry?
Flank steak and sirloin are both excellent choices; just make sure to slice them thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. If you prefer, ribeye or skirt steak also works wonderfully in this recipe.
Can I make Beef And Onion Stir Fry gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and double-check that your oyster and hoisin sauces are labeled gluten-free. Otherwise, the process and results remain just as delicious.
How do I avoid overcooking the beef?
The key is to quickly sear the beef at high heat until just browned, then take it out of the pan while you cook the onions. This keeps the beef juicy and tender once everything is combined at the end.
What vegetables can I add?
Feel free to toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, or even baby corn to make the stir fry heartier and more colorful. Stir them in with the onions for a few extra minutes of cooking time.
Is Beef And Onion Stir Fry spicy?
By default, it’s mild and super family-friendly. If you crave heat, add some red pepper flakes, sliced fresh chili, or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce either to the pan or as a finishing drizzle.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hungry for a winning dinner that comes together fast and delights every palate at the table, you just can’t go wrong with Beef And Onion Stir Fry. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your weekly meal rotation—it’s that good! Give it a try and enjoy every saucy, savory, onion-packed bite!
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Beef And Onion Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish that is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner. Tender slices of beef are stir-fried with onions and a savory sauce, then served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- Steamed rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: In a bowl, mix beef slices with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
- Make the Stir-Fry Sauce: Combine remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Cook the Beef: Sear beef in oil until browned. Remove from pan.
- Stir-Fry: Cook onions, garlic, and ginger until softened. Add beef back with sauce. Stir-fry until beef is cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and serve over steamed rice.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add bell peppers or mushrooms.
- To add spice, mix in chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion with rice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
