Chinese beef onion stir has always been my go-to for a quick, satisfying weeknight meal. I remember the first time I tried making an authentic Chinese beef and onion stir fry at home, and the aroma of the savory sauce filling my kitchen instantly transported me back to my favorite Chinese restaurant. The tender beef, perfectly softened onions, and the rich, glossy sauce – it’s pure comfort food! This Chinese beef and onion recipe is so simple, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up something truly delicious. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Chinese Beef Onion Stir
This Chinese beef and onion stir fry is a winner for so many reasons:
- Incredible Flavor: The savory sauce and tender beef create a taste sensation that’s truly addictive.
- Quick Prep Time: You can have this on the table in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with protein from the beef and nutrients from the onions, it’s a guilt-free meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients like beef and onions makes this an economical choice.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will devour this easy Chinese beef and onion stir fry.
- Versatile: It’s a fantastic base that you can customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Authentic Taste: Enjoy the genuine flavors of a classic Chinese beef and onion recipe right in your own kitchen.
- Effortless Cooking: This easy Chinese beef and onion stir fry is straightforward, even for beginner cooks.
Ingredients for Chinese Beef Onion Stir
Gathering your ingredients for this delightful Chinese beef stir fry with onions is half the fun! Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain – this cut ensures tenderness
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced – sweet onions caramelize beautifully
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – for that essential savory depth
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry – adds authentic flavor and tenderizes the beef
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – helps create a velvety marinade and thickens the sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil – for a nutty aroma and taste
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper – a subtle warmth
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided – high smoke point oil is key for stir-frying
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – for aromatic punch
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger – brings a fresh, zesty note
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup beef broth – the liquid base for our sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce – more savory goodness
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce – for umami richness
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar – balances the savory notes
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch – to thicken the sauce to a glossy finish
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil – enhancing the final flavor
How to Make Chinese Beef Onion Stir
Let’s dive into making this incredibly satisfying Chinese beef and onion recipe. It’s simpler than you might think!
- Step 1: Begin by marinating the beef. In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry), 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1/4 teaspoon white pepper. Let this mixture sit for at least 15 minutes. This step is crucial for tender, flavorful beef.
- Step 2: While the beef marinates, prepare the sauce. In a separate small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: 1/4 cup beef broth, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Set this flavorful mixture aside.
- Step 3: Heat your wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and let it get shimmering hot. This high heat is key for a proper stir-fry.
- Step 4: Carefully add the marinated beef to the hot wok in a single layer. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the beef is nicely browned on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the wok; cook in batches if necessary. Remove the beef and set it aside.
- Step 5: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok.
- Step 6: Toss in the sliced onions and stir-fry until they soften and begin to turn golden brown, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 7: Now, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the wok with the onions. Stir-fry for just about 30 seconds until they become wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn them!
- Step 8: Return the browned beef to the wok with the onions, garlic, and ginger.
- Step 9: Give the prepared sauce a quick stir, as the cornstarch can settle. Pour the sauce over the beef and onions.
- Step 10: Stir-fry everything together for another 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens beautifully and coats every piece of beef and onion. This is how you achieve that glossy, savory finish that makes this dish so appealing. You’re learning how to make Chinese beef and onion stir fry like a pro!
- Step 11: Serve this quick Chinese beef and onion stir fry immediately. It’s best enjoyed piping hot with your favorite steamed rice.
Pro Tips for the Best Chinese Beef Onion Stir
Want to elevate your stir-fry game? These tips will help you achieve a truly restaurant-quality dish:
- Slice Against the Grain: This is crucial for tender beef. Look at the lines in the meat and slice perpendicular to them.
- High Heat is Key: A screaming hot wok or skillet sears the beef instantly, locking in juices and preventing it from steaming.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook beef in batches if necessary. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature, leading to soggy, less flavorful meat.
- Prep Everything First: Stir-frying is fast! Have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go before you start cooking.
What’s the secret to perfect Chinese Beef Onion Stir?
The real secret to a tender Chinese beef and onion stir fry is the combination of proper beef slicing against the grain and the high-heat sear. Also, marinating the beef with cornstarch helps create a protective coating that keeps it incredibly juicy during cooking. For more tips on achieving perfect stir-fries, check out this guide on focaccia bread secrets.
Can I make Chinese Beef Onion Stir ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the beef marinade and the sauce up to 24 hours in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. This makes assembling your homemade Chinese beef and onion stir fry even quicker. However, I recommend cooking the onions and stir-frying the beef just before serving for the best texture. You might also enjoy these apple salad recipes for a different quick meal.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Chinese Beef Onion Stir?
The most common pitfall in beef and onion Chinese cooking is using a pan that isn’t hot enough, which leads to steamed, not seared, beef. Another mistake is overcooking the onions; aim for tender and slightly caramelized, not mushy. Finally, ensure your sauce is well-mixed before adding it to the wok. For more cooking techniques, explore these last recipes.
Best Ways to Serve Chinese Beef Onion Stir
This flavorful Chinese beef and onion stir fry is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with several classic sides. For an authentic experience, serve it piping hot over a bed of fluffy steamed white rice. The rice soaks up the delicious savory sauce beautifully. You could also pair it with steamed brown rice for a healthier option, or even serve it alongside some simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or snow peas for a complete meal. It’s a simple dish that truly shines when served fresh! Consider trying these corn salad with lime for a vibrant side.
Nutrition Facts for Chinese Beef Onion Stir
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving for this delicious dish:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your Chinese beef and onion stir fry. For more healthy options, check out our healthy kit kat recipe.
How to Store and Reheat Chinese Beef Onion Stir
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Chinese beef and onion dish later. Once your stir-fry has cooled down slightly (don’t leave it at room temperature for more than two hours), transfer it into airtight containers. For refrigeration, it will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. If you plan to freeze it for longer storage, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Your homemade Chinese beef and onion stir fry can stay frozen for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to reheat, the best method for this dish is on the stovetop. Gently warm a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the chilled stir-fry and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be sure to stir halfway through for even heating. This ensures your leftovers are just as tasty!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Beef Onion Stir
Is flank steak the only good cut for Chinese Beef Onion Stir?
While flank steak is excellent for achieving a tender Chinese beef and onion stir fry due to its texture, you can absolutely use other cuts. Sirloin or skirt steak are great alternatives. Even thinly sliced chuck roast can work if marinated properly. The key is to slice it thinly against the grain for the best results in your simple Chinese beef and onion stir fry.
Can I add other vegetables to this Chinese Beef Onion Stir?
Absolutely! This recipe is very forgiving and a fantastic base for adding more veggies. Bell peppers, broccoli florets, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms all work wonderfully. Just remember to stir-fry them until tender-crisp before adding the beef and sauce, ensuring your Chinese beef and onion recipe stays balanced.
How do I make the beef more tender in my Chinese Beef Onion Stir?
The marinade is your best friend here! The cornstarch and Shaoxing wine (or sherry) in the marinade help to tenderize the beef. Slicing thinly against the grain is also critical. For an even more tender result in your authentic Chinese beef and onion stir fry, you can add a teaspoon of baking soda to the marinade, but be sure to rinse the beef after marinating to avoid a metallic taste.
What does Shaoxing wine do in this Chinese Beef Onion Stir?
Shaoxing wine is a Chinese cooking wine that adds a unique depth of flavor and aroma to dishes. It helps to tenderize the meat and also adds a subtle sweetness and nuttiness that’s characteristic of authentic Chinese cooking. If you can’t find it, dry sherry is the closest substitute for this Chinese beef stir fry with onions.
Variations of Chinese Beef Onion Stir You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, don’t be afraid to get creative! Here are a few ways to make your own best Chinese beef and onion stir fry:
- Spicy Kick: For a fiery twist, add minced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and ginger in the stir-fry process. This creates a wonderfully complex flavor profile.
- Vegetable Medley: Amp up the nutrition and color by adding crisp-tender vegetables like broccoli florets, bell pepper strips, snow peas, or sliced carrots. Stir-fry them before adding the beef for the best texture.
- Ginger-Garlic Lover’s Dream: If you adore these aromatics, feel free to double the amount of garlic and ginger used in the recipe. The intensified fragrance and flavor are divine.
- Gluten-Free Option: Simply swap out the regular soy sauce and oyster sauce for their gluten-free counterparts (tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and gluten-free oyster sauce if available). This makes your homemade Chinese beef and onion stir fry accessible to more people.
Chinese Beef Onion Stir: 10 Minute Magic
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
This Chinese beef and onion stir fry is a quick and flavorful dish. It features tender slices of beef and sweet onions coated in a savory sauce. Learn how to make this authentic Chinese beef and onion stir fry at home.
Ingredients
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and white pepper. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: beef broth, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Set aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering.
- Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry until browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok.
- Add the sliced onions and stir-fry until softened and lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the wok and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return the cooked beef to the wok.
- Give the sauce a quick stir and pour it over the beef and onions.
- Stir-fry everything together until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve immediately. This Chinese beef and onion stir fry is best enjoyed hot.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger.
- You can substitute the flank steak with sirloin or skirt steak.
- Ensure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding the beef for a good sear.
- This authentic Chinese beef and onion stir fry recipe can be served with steamed rice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chinese beef onion stir, Chinese beef and onion recipe, Beef and onion stir fry Chinese style, Authentic Chinese beef and onion stir fry, Easy Chinese beef and onion stir fry, How to make Chinese beef and onion stir fry, Quick Chinese beef and onion stir fry, Simple Chinese beef and onion stir fry, Chinese beef stir fry with onions, Beef and onion Chinese cooking, Chinese beef and onion dish, Traditional Chinese beef and onion stir fry, Homemade Chinese beef and onion stir fry, Tender Chinese beef and onion stir fry, Flavorful Chinese beef and onion stir fry
