Beef and Onion Stir Fry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stir fry hits all the right notes: juicy beef, sweet and tender onions, and a deeply savory sauce that comes together in minutes. It requires minimal ingredients, cooks quickly in one pan, and delivers maximum flavor. It’s also incredibly versatile—easy to customize with other vegetables or proteins to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Ingredients

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

• Flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain)
• Yellow or white onions (sliced)
• Garlic (minced)
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Cornstarch
• Sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Water or beef broth
• Ground black pepper
• Green onions (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of sugar. Let it marinate for 15–20 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the sliced onions until softened and slightly caramelized, about 4–5 minutes.
4. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Return the beef to the pan and pour in oyster sauce, a splash of soy sauce, water or broth, and a bit of sugar. Stir well to combine.
6. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and the beef is cooked through.
7. Season with black pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: Approximately 25 minutes

Variations

• Add Veggies: Bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, or snow peas make great additions.
• Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce for heat.
• Sweet & Savory: Add a splash of mirin or honey for extra sweetness.
• Swap Protein: Use chicken, pork, or tofu instead of beef.
• Low Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or stir-fried greens instead of white rice.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the onions and beef may change.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for stir fry?

Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak are great options because they’re flavorful and tender when sliced thinly against the grain.

Do I need to marinate the beef?

Yes, even a short marinade helps tenderize the meat and enhances flavor.

Can I use red onions instead of yellow?

Yes, red onions add a slightly sweeter and milder flavor. Any type of onion will work.

What can I use instead of oyster sauce?

You can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar if needed.

How do I get tender beef in stir fry?

Slice it thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking. The cornstarch in the marinade also helps create a silky texture.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely. Just be sure not to crowd the pan when cooking to keep everything seared and not steamed.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce alternative.

What should I serve with this stir fry?

Steamed white rice, jasmine rice, brown rice, or even noodles pair perfectly.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the beef and onions in advance and stir fry them fresh just before serving for the best texture.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated, as freezing may affect the beef’s texture and the sauce’s consistency.

Conclusion

Beef and onion stir fry is a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights. With tender beef, sweet onions, and a rich savory sauce, it’s a comforting dish that tastes like it came from your favorite takeout spot—but made fresh at home. Easy to customize and ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Beef and Onion Stir Fry

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Beef and onion stir fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender beef slices and sweet caramelized onions in a savory, umami-packed sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes and pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir Fry
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 yellow or white onions, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for marinade)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sugar (for marinade)
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for sauce)
• 1/4 cup water or beef broth
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar (for sauce)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Toss to coat and let marinate for 15–20 minutes.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Add the remaining oil to the pan if needed. Sauté sliced onions for 4–5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Return the beef to the pan. Add oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, water or broth, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Stir to combine.
6. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beef is cooked through.
7. Season with black pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

• Slice beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Do not overcrowd the pan—cook beef in batches if necessary.
• Great with added vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or mushrooms.
• Can be made gluten-free by using tamari and gluten-free oyster sauce.
• Double the sauce if serving with lots of rice or noodles.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion (1/4 of recipe)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 75mg