Chinese Beef & Onion Stir Fry

Here’s a fast, flavorful recipe for Chinese Beef & Onion Stir Fry — a takeout classic that’s easy to make at home in under 30 minutes. Tender beef, caramelized onions, and a savory-sweet sauce make this dish an instant favorite.

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🥢 Chinese Beef & Onion Stir Fry

Servings: 3–4
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 10 min
Total Time: ~25 min

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🧂 Ingredients

For the Beef Marinade:

• 1 lb (450g) beef flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

• 1 tsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• ½ tsp baking soda (optional for extra tenderness)

Stir Fry:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided

• 1 large onion, sliced into wedges

• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/2 inch ginger, finely chopped (optional)

Sauce:

• 2 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for color and richness)

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)

• Splash of water or beef stock, if needed

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🔪 Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef

• Combine sliced beef with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, sesame oil, and baking soda.

• Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prep the rest.

2. Make the Sauce

• Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

3. Stir Fry

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a hot wok or skillet.

2. Sear the beef in batches (don’t overcrowd) for 1–2 minutes until browned but not overcooked. Remove and set aside.

3. Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the pan. Stir fry onions for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened and caramelized.

4. Add garlic (and ginger, if using). Stir 30 seconds.

4. Combine

• Return beef to the pan. Add the sauce.

• Stir fry everything together for 1–2 minutes, until sauce thickens and coats the meat and onions.

• Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick.

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🌿 Serve With:

• Steamed jasmine or white rice

• Stir-fried bok choy or broccoli

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🔁 Tips & Variations:

• For extra flavor, add a few drops of chili oil or a pinch of white pepper.

• Vegetable boost: Add bell peppers or snap peas during the onion stir fry step.

• Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.