If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s as comforting as it is quick, look no further than Beef and Onion Stir Fry. This classic dish brings together tender strips of beef with sweet, caramelized onions in a savory, glossy sauce that clings to every bite. With just a handful of pantry staples and a sizzling-hot pan, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it came from your favorite takeout spot—only fresher, healthier, and made with love right at home. Whether you’re new to stir fries or a seasoned pro, this Beef and Onion Stir Fry is bound to become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Beef and Onion Stir Fry is that you don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients—just a few essentials, each chosen for the flavor, texture, or vibrant color it brings. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters.
- Flank steak or sirloin: Thinly slicing the beef against the grain ensures every bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Soy sauce: This pantry hero brings deep umami and saltiness to both the marinade and the sauce.
- Oyster sauce: Adds an unmistakable savory richness and a hint of sweetness.
- Hoisin sauce: For a touch of sweetness and complexity—it gives the stir fry its glossy finish.
- Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the beef and thickens the sauce to silky perfection.
- Sesame oil: Just a splash imparts a nutty, toasty aroma that’s irresistible.
- Vegetable oil: With a high smoke point, it’s perfect for stir-frying at high heat.
- Yellow onions: Sliced thin, they caramelize beautifully and become sweet and juicy.
- Garlic: Adds pungency and warmth, infusing the oil with flavor.
- Fresh ginger: Brightens the dish with its zesty, peppery kick.
- Beef broth (or water): Rounds out the sauce and helps it cling to the beef and onions.
- Sugar: Just a pinch balances the savory flavors and enhances caramelization.
- Black pepper: For a subtle heat and depth.
- Sliced green onions & sesame seeds: These garnishes add both a pop of color and a delightful crunch.
How to Make Beef and Onion Stir Fry
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by placing your thinly sliced beef in a medium bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Toss everything together, making sure each slice is coated. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes—this step ensures the meat stays juicy and flavorful once it hits the hot pan.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining tablespoon of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, beef broth (or water), sugar, and black pepper. This simple combination is the secret behind the signature savory-sweet sauce that makes Beef and Onion Stir Fry so crave-worthy.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef in a single layer. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the meat browns but isn’t fully cooked through. Quickly remove the beef from the pan and set it aside—this keeps it tender and prevents overcooking.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Onions, Garlic, and Ginger
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan, then toss in the sliced onions. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are soft and caramelized around the edges. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant—now the whole kitchen should smell amazing!
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the browned beef to the pan with the onions. Pour in your prepared sauce and stir everything together. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and coat the beef and onions. Once the meat is cooked through and the sauce is glossy, you’re ready to serve. Don’t forget to sprinkle on green onions and sesame seeds for a punch of color and crunch.
How to Serve Beef and Onion Stir Fry
Garnishes
The finishing touches really make this dish pop. A sprinkle of sliced green onions adds a fresh, crisp bite, while toasted sesame seeds contribute a subtle nuttiness and a bit of crunch. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of extra sesame oil right before serving brings an aromatic flourish that ties everything together.
Side Dishes
Beef and Onion Stir Fry is fantastic alongside fluffy steamed white rice, which soaks up all that irresistible sauce. For a heartier meal, serve it with noodles—think lo mein or even rice noodles. If you’re craving more veggies, add a side of quick-stirred broccoli or bok choy to round out the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Beef and Onion Stir Fry in a sizzling hot cast iron skillet for a dramatic, restaurant-style presentation. Or, pile it into lettuce cups for a fresh, low-carb twist—perfect for parties or a fun family dinner. You can even spoon it over a bed of quinoa or cauliflower rice for a wholesome spin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer the cooled Beef and Onion Stir Fry into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
To freeze, allow the stir fry to cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Label and date them, then stash in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat Beef and Onion Stir Fry in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. Stir gently just until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, to avoid overcooking the beef.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak and sirloin are classic for their tenderness, you can use ribeye, skirt steak, or even thinly sliced chuck. Just be sure to slice against the grain for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Is Beef and Onion Stir Fry gluten-free?
It can be! Just swap out the soy sauce and hoisin sauce for their gluten-free counterparts. Double-check your oyster sauce as well—many brands offer gluten-free versions.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely. Bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots are all delicious additions. Simply toss them in with the onions and stir-fry until crisp-tender before adding the beef and sauce back to the pan.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
No worries! You can substitute with extra hoisin sauce, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, or simply increase the soy sauce. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I slice the beef thinly?
For perfect thin slices, pop the beef in the freezer for about 20 minutes before slicing. This firms it up, making it much easier to cut thin, even pieces—key for quick, even cooking in your Beef and Onion Stir Fry.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably satisfying about making Beef and Onion Stir Fry at home—it’s quick, comforting, and brimming with flavor. Give it a try this week, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite. Happy cooking!
Print
Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender slices of flank steak cooked with caramelized onions in a savory sauce made with soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it comes together in just 25 minutes and is best served with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Sauce Mixture
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil (divided, 1 tsp used in marinade)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the beef slices with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Toss to coat thoroughly and let it marinate for 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, beef broth or water, sugar, and black pepper. Set aside for later use.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until it is just browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Cook the Onions: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the pan. Stir-fry the thinly sliced onions for 3 to 4 minutes until they become softened and lightly caramelized, enhancing their natural sweetness.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant to add depth to the dish.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the partially cooked beef to the pan, pour in the prepared sauce mixture, and stir-fry together for an additional 2 minutes. Cook until the beef is fully cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly to coat all ingredients nicely.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with steamed white rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For the most tender beef, slice it thinly against the grain to break up muscle fibers.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
- You can add extra vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
- Ensure high heat for quick cooking to keep the beef tender and juicy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 1 portion)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
