Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a classic takeout-style dish featuring tender strips of beef stir-fried with sweet, savory onions in a rich, glossy sauce. Quick, flavorful, and perfect with steamed rice, it’s a satisfying weeknight dinner you can make in under 30 minutes.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced)yellow or white onions (sliced)garlic cloves (minced)soy sauceoyster saucecornstarchbrown sugar or honeyrice vinegar or Shaoxing winewater or beef brothvegetable oilgreen onions or sesame seeds (for garnish)

directions

In a bowl, toss beef with soy sauce, a bit of cornstarch, and rice vinegar. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.

Sear the beef in batches until browned and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Add more oil if needed, then sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and slightly softened.

In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and water or broth. Pour over the onions.

Return beef to the pan and toss everything together. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat and onions.

Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds and serve hot with steamed rice.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add bell peppers or snow peas for more color and crunch.

Use hoisin or black bean sauce for a flavor twist.

Try it with chicken, pork, or tofu instead of beef.

Add chili flakes or sriracha for heat.

Use a splash of sesame oil at the end for nutty aroma.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts until hot.Freezing not recommended, as onions may become mushy.

FAQs

What cut of beef works best?

Flank, skirt, or sirloin steak are ideal—tender and quick to cook.

Can I use red onions?

Yes, they add a slightly sweeter flavor and nice color.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce.

Can I prep it ahead?

Yes, marinate the beef and slice the onions ahead for faster cooking.

Can I use pre-cooked beef?

Yes, just heat it briefly with the onions and sauce to avoid overcooking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just stir-fry in batches so everything cooks evenly.

What rice goes best?

Jasmine or short-grain white rice pairs beautifully.

Can I make it low-sodium?

Use low-sodium soy sauce and cut back on added salt.

Do I have to marinate the beef?

It’s optional but adds tenderness and flavor—recommended for best results.

Can I make it saucier?

Yes, double the sauce ingredients and simmer slightly longer to thicken.

Conclusion

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful dish that delivers restaurant-style results right at home. With tender beef, caramelized onions, and a glossy, savory sauce, it’s a delicious go-to for any night of the week. Serve it over rice and enjoy a comforting, satisfying meal in minutes.