Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry

by

Here’s a tasty and simple recipe for Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry, a flavorful dish with tender beef, aromatic onions, and a savory sauce—all made in one pan for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Beef and Vegetables:

  • 1 pound (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced (optional)
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup snow peas or broccoli florets (optional)

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Instructions

Prepare the Beef and Vegetables:

  1. Slice the beef: Thinly slice the beef against the grain. This helps make it more tender when stir-frying.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: Slice the onion and any optional vegetables (green bell pepper, snow peas, or broccoli). Set aside.

Make the Sauce:

  1. Combine the sauce ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch (if using), brown sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.

Stir-Fry the Beef:

  1. Heat the pan: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the beef: Add the sliced beef to the hot oil in a single layer. Let it cook for about 1-2 minutes without moving it, so it gets a nice sear. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
  3. Cook the vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until it starts to soften. Add the garlic and ginger (if using), and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. If using optional vegetables like bell pepper or snow peas, add them now and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.

Combine and Serve:

  1. Return the beef to the pan: Add the cooked beef back to the skillet along with any juices. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and everything to heat through.
  2. Serve: Serve the stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.

Pro Tips:

  • For extra flavor, marinate the beef in soy sauce, a little cornstarch, and a pinch of sugar for about 15-30 minutes before cooking.
  • Add a splash of Shaoxing wine or dry sherry for a deeper flavor.
  • If you like a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 1.5 teaspoons.

Leave a Comment