If you crave a dish that brings together juicy, tender beef with the sweet, caramelized goodness of onions, let me introduce you to this Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe. It’s a vibrant, flavorful meal that comes together quickly on your stovetop, combining the perfect balance of savory sauces, fresh aromatics, and the comforting texture of thinly sliced flank steak. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or impressing friends, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a mouthwatering Asian-inspired feast that’s full of color, aroma, and delightful layers of taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe relies on a handful of simple, essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in achieving the dish’s signature flavor and texture. From the perfectly sliced flank steak to the aromatic garlic and ginger, every component works harmoniously to build a quick and delicious stir fry.
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain: This cut is tender and absorbs marinades well for juicy, flavorful bites.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds salty umami richness that deepens the beef’s flavor.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth, enhancing the savory profile.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Provides a slightly sweet and tangy taste that brightens the dish.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and gives the beef a lovely coating.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced: Adds essential sweetness and softness to complement the beef.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Offers a fragrant, savory punch.
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger: Delivers a warm, zesty kick balancing the richness.
- 2 tablespoons water: Used to loosen the sauce and help with cooking the ingredients evenly.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and finishing layer of flavor.
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish: Provide a fresh crispness and vibrant pop of color.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
How to Make Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by mixing the thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. This combination tenderizes the meat and builds a wonderful savory base flavor. Let the beef marinate for about 15 minutes so all those gorgeous flavors sink in deeply, making every bite more delicious.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat — this high temperature is perfect for quick searing. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s beautifully browned but still juicy. Remove it from the skillet and set aside to keep the beef tender and prevent overcooking.
Step 3: Sauté the Onions, Garlic, and Ginger
In the same skillet, toss in the thinly sliced onions and stir-fry for about 3 minutes until they soften and start to caramelize just enough to turn sweet and fragrant. Then, add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger for a minute more — this step ensures their flavors blossom perfectly without burning.
Step 4: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the onions, garlic, and ginger. Pour in 2 tablespoons of water to loosen the sauce and help everything meld together. Stir and cook everything for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, during which the sauce thickens, the beef finishes cooking, and all the flavors marry into a delightful harmony.
Step 5: Final Touches
Off the heat, drizzle the dish with aromatic sesame oil for that classic nutty finish. Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh, crisp bite and a splash of vibrant green color before serving.
How to Serve Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
The simple addition of sliced green onions brings a beautifully fresh crunch that contrasts the tender beef and softened onions. You can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or a few red pepper flakes if you want a little heat and extra texture.
Side Dishes
This Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly. For a low-carb option, serve it alongside cauliflower rice or even a bed of sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach for a vibrant, nutritious meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and casual gathering, serve the stir fry with lettuce leaves for DIY wraps that add crisp contrast. Or, place it on top of cooked noodles for a quick beef noodle bowl that’s both comforting and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer the leftover beef and onion stir fry to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen nicely, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy weekdays.
Freezing
This Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe freezes well in individual portions. Pack leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to retain the beef’s tenderness and prevent the onions from losing their texture. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this stir fry?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and quick cooking, you can also use sirloin or skirt steak as long as you slice it thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
Is this recipe spicy, and can I make it spicier?
The base recipe is mild and highlights savory and sweet flavors, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes, chili oil, or fresh chili slices during cooking if you want a spicy kick.
Can I add more vegetables to the stir fry?
Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or even shredded carrots make wonderful additions, adding color, crunch, and nutritional value to the dish.
How do I get the beef tender and not chewy?
Marinating the beef with the sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes helps tenderize it and protects it during cooking. Also, make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain and cook it quickly over high heat to avoid toughness.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce or hoisin sauce?
If you don’t have oyster or hoisin sauce, you can substitute with a mix of soy sauce and a little honey or brown sugar for sweetness, though the depth of flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe is one of those meals you’ll find yourself craving again and again. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet flavorful and satisfying enough to please any hungry crowd. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll love how quickly it comes together and how those bold, savory flavors brighten your table. Give it a try and enjoy everything this taste-packed dish has to offer!
Print
Beef and Onion Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful Beef and Onion Stir Fry featuring tender flank steak marinated in a savory Asian sauce, stir-fried with sweet onions, garlic, and ginger, then finished with a hint of sesame oil and fresh green onions. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Stir Fry
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well to coat all the meat evenly. Let it marinate for 15 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderize the beef.
- Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Onions: In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced onions. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes until the onions are slightly softened and translucent, which brings out their natural sweetness.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and freshly grated ginger to the skillet with the onions. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in 2 tablespoons of water and stir everything together to combine the flavors and create a light sauce. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beef is cooked through completely.
- Final Touches: Drizzle the stir fry with sesame oil, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss to mix well and remove from heat.
- Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy your savory and tender Beef and Onion Stir Fry hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil during cooking.
- Enhance the dish by adding bell peppers or snap peas for extra vegetables and vibrant colors.
- Use flank steak or other quick-cooking cuts like sirloin for best texture.
- Ensure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
