If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and quick to whip up, this Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Juicy flank steak meets sweet, caramelized onions, all coated in a savory, tangy sauce that makes every bite unforgettable. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this stir-fry combines simple ingredients into a harmonious dish that feels both comforting and exciting. Once you try this Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be straightforward, but each one plays an essential role in building the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the tender beef to the fragrant sesame oil, every element contributes to making this Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe a standout meal.
- 1 pound flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain): Ensures tender, juicy bites that soak up all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Helps to tenderize the beef for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Adds a slight coating to the beef that helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon neutral oil (vegetable or canola): For marinating and searing the beef.
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce: Brings a rich umami punch right into the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon water: Helps the marinade absorb better into the meat.
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce: Adds saltiness and depth to the stir-fry sauce.
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce: Gives the dish a beautiful darker color and subtle sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons ketchup: Balances savory and tangy flavors with a hint of sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons oyster sauce: Piles on extra umami goodness in the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar: Just enough to brighten and enhance the flavor meld.
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a toasty, aromatic finish that lifts the whole dish.
- 1/4 cup water: Used for simmering and creating the glossy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons oil: For stir-frying the beef and onions to perfection.
- 10 ounces small onions (sliced into wedges; about 3 small onions): Offers sweetness and crunch, balancing the savory beef beautifully.
How to Make Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced flank steak with baking soda, cornstarch, oil, oyster sauce, and water. Mixing these together helps infuse the beef with flavor while the baking soda works its magic, tenderizing the meat for at least 15 minutes. This resting period is key to juicy, flavorful bites that melt in your mouth.
Step 2: Prepare the Stir-fry Sauce
While the beef is marinating, whisk together light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, ketchup, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and water in a small bowl. This blend creates a balanced sauce with the perfect umami, sweetness, and savory notes that define this Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Heat a wok until it’s smoking hot to ensure a beautiful sear. Add one tablespoon of oil and spread the marinated beef in a single layer without crowding. Let it sear undisturbed for about 30 seconds to a minute to develop that irresistible caramelized crust. Then stir-fry briefly until the beef is about 75% cooked. Removing it now prevents overcooking when combined with the sauce later.
Step 4: Sear the Onions
Add another tablespoon of oil to the hot wok, then toss in the sliced onions. Stir-fry until the onions are slightly blistered and just starting to caramelize, which takes about 60 to 90 seconds. Their natural sweetness deepens here, complementing the beef perfectly. Remove the onions from the wok and set aside.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Pour the prepared sauce into the wok and bring it to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for about 15 seconds so it thickens slightly. Then return the beef and onions to the wok and stir everything together quickly for 30 seconds, coating every savory morsel in the glossy sauce. Serve piping hot and watch how fast it disappears!
How to Serve Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnish adds a pop of freshness and a little crunch to contrast the tender beef and soft onions. Try sprinkling chopped scallions or toasted sesame seeds on top. A few sprigs of fresh cilantro or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add unexpected brightness and a subtle kick that elevate this Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry shines best served over steamed jasmine or basmati rice which soaks up the sauce beautifully. For a fun twist, pair it with garlic fried rice or fluffy cooked noodles. Steamed or stir-fried greens like bok choy, snap peas, or baby broccoli also make a light and vibrant side that balances the hearty beef and sweet onions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family meal, simply plate the stir-fry over rice with a few garnishes. To impress guests, serve the beef and onions in individual shallow bowls with edible flowers or microgreens for a burst of color. You can also use butter lettuce leaves as wraps and spoon the stir-fry inside for a hands-on, fun way to enjoy this Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover stir-fry in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to three days. This Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe actually benefits from resting, as the flavors deepen even more overnight.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the stir-fry for up to one month. Use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat the leftovers either in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. If the sauce seems thick, splash in a little water or broth to loosen it up for that freshly cooked feel. Avoid overheating as the beef can become tough.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal because it’s lean and tenderizes well, you can substitute sirloin or skirt steak. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
You can swap beef for firm tofu or seitan and increase the onions or add bell peppers for diversity. Adjust the marinade slightly by omitting oyster sauce or using a vegetarian-friendly substitute.
What can I use if I don’t have oyster sauce?
Try mixing soy sauce with a bit of hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce to mimic the rich umami flavor oyster sauce provides. These alternatives keep the dish flavorful and delicious.
How spicy is this Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe?
This recipe isn’t spicy by default, but you can add chili flakes or fresh chili slices while cooking if you want a bit of heat. It’s totally customizable to your taste!
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can marinate the beef up to 30 minutes ahead as suggested, and the sauce can be mixed in advance. Slicing the onions beforehand also saves time when you’re ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
With its unbeatable combination of tender beef, sweet onions, and that glossy, savory sauce, this Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe is a keeper that belongs in your regular rotation. It’s quick, simple, and delicious—everything you want from a homemade meal. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll be one of those dishes you’ll come back to again and again.
Print
Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Beef Onion Stir-fry recipe features tender flank steak marinated with a blend of baking soda and sauces, quickly stir-fried with sweet, blistered onions in a savory, tangy sauce. Perfect for a flavorful and quick weeknight dinner, this dish combines a balance of umami-rich soy, oyster sauce, and a hint of ketchup, served hot over rice.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon water
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water
Vegetables & Cooking Oil
- 2 tablespoons oil (divided)
- 10 ounces small onions, sliced into wedges (about 3 small onions)
Instructions
- Marinate the beef: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with baking soda, cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of oil, 1 teaspoon of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of water. Mix thoroughly until the liquid is absorbed and the beef is evenly coated. Set the mixture aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 30 minutes to tenderize the meat and enhance flavor.
- Prepare the sauce: While the beef marinates, whisk together the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, ketchup, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl. Set this sauce mix aside for later use.
- Sear the beef: Heat a wok over high heat until it starts to smoke. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and spread the marinated beef in a single layer. Let the beef sear without moving it for 30 seconds to 1 minute until browned, then stir-fry for an additional 15 to 30 seconds until the beef is about 75% cooked. Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside.
- Cook the onions: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the hot wok, then toss in the sliced onions. Stir-fry the onions for 60 to 90 seconds until they are seared and slightly blistered, which will bring out their natural sweetness and add texture. Remove the onions from the wok and set aside.
- Combine and finish: Pour the prepared sauce into the wok and bring it to a simmer for about 15 seconds to slightly thicken and heat through. Return the beef and onions to the wok and stir-fry everything together for another 30 seconds, ensuring the beef is fully cooked and coated in sauce. Serve the stir-fry hot over cooked rice.
Notes
- For best results, slice the flank steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Adjust the cooking times slightly based on your stove and wok to avoid overcooking the beef.
- Serve immediately for optimal flavor and texture.
- You can substitute small onions with shallots or pearl onions for a different flavor profile.
- This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a healthier option.
