Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry

Chinese beef and onion stir fry reminds me of the first time I wanted to recreate a classic takeout dish at home because I craved something savory and satisfying. I quickly seared tender slices of beef with sweet onions and tossed them in a glossy sauce, and it turned out even better than expected.

Since then, this stir fry has been a regular in my kitchen because it’s fast, flavorful, and perfect with a bowl of steamed rice. The combination of juicy beef, caramelized onions, and a savory-sweet sauce makes this dish irresistible every single time.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe, and you can adjust it to your taste!

• Beef sirloin – Thinly sliced so it cooks quickly and stays tender.
• Onions – Slightly caramelized to add sweetness and depth.
• Soy sauce – The base of the savory stir fry sauce.
• Oyster sauce – Adds richness and umami.
• Garlic – For aromatic flavor.
• Ginger – Brings warmth and freshness.
• Cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce and coat the beef.
• Sesame oil – Finishes the dish with nutty aroma.
• Green onions – Fresh garnish to brighten the flavors.
• Sesame seeds – Add crunch and extra nuttiness.
• Tools You’ll Need
• Wok or large skillet – For quick, high-heat cooking.
• Mixing bowl – To marinate and coat the beef.
• Tongs or spatula – For tossing ingredients easily.
• Knife and cutting board – To slice beef and onions thinly.
• Serving plate – To present the stir fry beautifully.

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by marinating the beef with soy sauce, a bit of cornstarch, and sesame oil to make it tender and flavorful.

Step 2:

I heat oil in a wok and quickly stir fry the beef slices until browned, then I remove them from the pan.

Step 3:

In the same wok, I sauté sliced onions with garlic and ginger until fragrant and slightly caramelized.

Step 4:

I return the beef to the wok, add oyster sauce, more soy sauce, and a splash of water, stirring until everything is coated in the glossy sauce.

Step 5:

Finally, I garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving hot with steamed rice.

Tips

I like to freeze the beef for 15 minutes before slicing to make thin cuts easier. You can add bell peppers or broccoli for extra veggies. For more sauce, double the sauce ingredients and add a little more cornstarch slurry.

Ways to Serve

This stir fry is perfect with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles. It also pairs well with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another cut of beef for Chinese beef and onion stir fry?

Yes, flank steak or ribeye also works great when sliced thinly.

How do I make Chinese beef and onion stir fry gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.

Can I make Chinese beef and onion stir fry ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the beef and sauce ahead, then cook just before serving.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this Chinese beef and onion stir fry soon because it’s savory, quick, and better than takeout. I’d love to hear how much you enjoy it!

Happy Cooking!

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