If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor yet comes together in a snap, this Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe is absolutely your go-to. Tender, thinly sliced flank steak wok-tossed with sweet, caramelized onions and an irresistible savory sauce creates a harmony of textures and flavors that feels both comforting and exciting. The blend of light and dark soy, oyster sauce, a touch of ketchup, and a hint of sesame oil makes every bite crave-worthy, while the quick cooking time means you can delight your taste buds without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this delicious journey with a recipe that’s ideal for busy weeknights or impressing friends with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe. Each component plays an important role — from tenderizing the beef to building layers of savory, slightly sweet, and umami-packed goodness.
- Flank steak (1 pound, thinly sliced against the grain): This cut is perfect for quick stir-frying, staying tender and juicy when sliced properly.
- Baking soda (1/4 teaspoon): A small pinch helps tenderize the beef, creating that melt-in-your-mouth bite.
- Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Coats the beef to seal in moisture and adds a slight silkiness to the sauce.
- Neutral oil (3 teaspoons total): Vegetable or canola oil works best here to achieve a perfect sear without overwhelming the flavors.
- Oyster sauce (3 teaspoons total): Brings umami depth and a subtle sweetness essential to the sauce’s character.
- Light soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a salty, savory base that brightens the overall profile.
- Dark soy sauce (1 teaspoon): Gives richness and a gorgeous color to the stir-fry.
- Ketchup (2 teaspoons): A surprising twist that imparts tangy sweetness and helps balance the sauce.
- Sugar (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance the natural flavors, without making the dish sweet.
- Sesame oil (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that takes the flavor from great to unforgettable.
- Water (1 tablespoon + 1/4 cup): Used to create a silky sauce that coats every ingredient beautifully.
- Small onions (10 ounces, sliced into wedges): The star veggies—sweet and tender when cooked, providing the perfect contrast to the beef.
How to Make Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe
Step 1: Tenderize the Beef
Start by sprinkling the baking soda over the thinly sliced flank steak and toss gently to coat. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. This little trick really breaks down the meat fibers, making your stir-fry pieces incredibly tender without extra fat or long cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, ketchup, sugar, sesame oil, and one tablespoon of water. This magical blend is going to create the luscious coating that elevates the beef and onions to something special — balanced perfectly between salty, sweet, and savory.
Step 3: Coat the Beef with Cornstarch
Rinse the beef gently to remove excess baking soda, then pat dry with paper towels. Toss the beef with cornstarch to lightly coat each slice. This step locks in moisture and contributes to a silky sauce texture after cooking.
Step 4: Stir-fry the Onions
Heat one tablespoon of neutral oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion wedges and stir-fry until they soften and start to caramelize, about 4-5 minutes. The natural sugars will develop, offering a sweet counterpoint to the savory beef.
Step 5: Cook the Beef
Push the onions to the side of the wok and add the remaining oil. Spread the beef in a single layer and sear without moving it for one minute to get a nice crust, then stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the beef is just cooked through but still juicy.
Step 6: Combine and Simmer
Pour in the prepared sauce along with 1/4 cup water, stirring everything together. Let it simmer for a minute or so until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to each piece of beef and onion, making the dish irresistibly glossy and flavorful.
How to Serve Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes bring a fresh lift to this hearty stir-fry. Try sprinkling chopped green onions for a bit of crunch and color, or a handful of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and nuttiness. A few thinly sliced red chilies can also add a lovely pop of vibrant heat.
Side Dishes
This Beef Onion Stir-fry pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or fragrant brown rice to soak up every bit of that amazing sauce. If you want to add some green to your plate, simple stir-fried greens or a fresh cucumber salad can brighten the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this stir-fry wrapped in warm lettuce leaves for a lighter, hand-held option. Or pile it high over a bed of noodles tossed in sesame oil and scallions to transform it into a satisfying noodle bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Beef Onion Stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop more after a day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy nights.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, this dish freezes well. Divide into meal-sized portions and freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the beef tender and the onions from becoming too soft.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef instead of flank steak?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for tenderness and flavor, you can also use sirloin or skirt steak. Just make sure to slice thinly and against the grain for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives, which are widely available. This will keep all the rich flavors intact without gluten.
Can I add other vegetables to the stir-fry?
Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, or thinly sliced carrots all complement the beef and onions beautifully, adding color and crunch.
What’s the purpose of baking soda in the recipe?
Baking soda raises the pH on the surface of the meat, helping to tenderize it quickly. It’s a common technique in Chinese cooking to create that velvety texture.
Can this dish be made ahead for a party?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and onions separately, then quickly stir-fry everything together right before serving to keep flavors fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to try this Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe as I am to share it with you. It’s the perfect combination of quick, straightforward cooking and ridiculously delicious flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is a winner every time. Give it a whirl, and trust me, it will become a favorite you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Print
Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Beef Onion Stir-fry is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring thinly sliced flank steak marinated and cooked with sweet small onions in a savory sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner with a balance of tender beef and tender-crisp onions.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola)
Sauce
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon water
- 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 and Cooking Oil
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil, divided
- 10 ounces small onions, sliced into wedges (approximately 3 small onions)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Thinly slice 1 pound of flank steak against the grain. In a bowl, combine the beef slices with 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon neutral oil. Toss until the beef is evenly coated and set aside to marinate for about 10 minutes. This tenderizes the beef and prepares it for stir-frying.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon water, 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, and 1/4 cup water. Set this sauce mixture aside to be added later.
- Cook Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced small onions (approximately 10 ounces), and stir-fry until they start to soften and become fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir-fry the Beef: Push the onions to the side of the skillet and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of neutral oil. Add the marinated beef slices in a single layer. Let the beef sear for about 1 minute undisturbed, then stir-fry with the onions until the beef is nearly cooked through, about 2-3 more minutes.
- Add the Sauce and Finish Cooking: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and onions. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Continue stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the beef is fully cooked.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the beef onion stir-fry immediately with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For more tender beef, marinate the flank steak a bit longer, up to 30 minutes.
- You can substitute small onions with thinly sliced yellow or white onions if preferred.
- Adjust the soy sauce and sugar to taste for a more savory or sweeter profile.
- Serve with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles to complement the dish.
- The use of baking soda in the marinade helps to tenderize the beef quickly.
