Name: Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 300 grams sirloin steak, thinly sliced; 1/2 white onion, thinly sliced; 4-5 slices ginger; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 stalk green onion, cut into 2-inch pieces; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1/2 tbsp Shaoxing cooking wine; 2 tbsp water; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tsp sugar; 1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1/2 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1/2 tbsp Shaoxing cooking wine; 1 tsp dark soy sauce; 1/2 cup water

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort dinner that’s quick, delicious, and truly satisfying, look no further than Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight. This classic dish pairs tender slices of beef with sweet, irresistible onions in a glossy, umami-packed sauce, making every bite a joyful mix of flavors and textures. Not only does it capture the magic of your favorite Chinese takeout, but it also comes together quickly enough for the busiest evenings. Whether you’re new to stir frying or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your family table.

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight so special is just how simple the ingredient list is, yet each component is chosen with purpose. Every item here plays its part—tenderizing the beef, adding fragrance, building savory depth, or providing a pop of sweetness. Gather these essentials and you’re halfway to dinner bliss!

Sirloin steak (300g): Slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness—feel free to swap in rib eye, flank, or blade steak if you prefer.
White or yellow onion (1/2, thinly sliced): The onion softens and turns wonderfully sweet, balancing the richness of the beef.
Ginger (4-5 slices): A few fresh slices add fragrance and warm heat to the dish.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced or thinly sliced): Boosts the savory, mouthwatering aroma of the stir fry.
Green onion (1 stalk, cut into 2-inch pieces): Adds a burst of color and mild oniony flavor just before serving.
Soy sauce (1 tbsp, for marinade): Starts building umami flavor right from the beginning.
Shaoxing cooking wine (1/2 tbsp, for marinade): Or use dry sherry or rice wine; helps to tenderize and add depth.
Water (2 tbsp, for marinade): Keeps the marinade fluid so the beef absorbs all that goodness.
Sesame oil (1 tsp, for marinade): Imparts a delicate nuttiness to the beef right from the start.
Low-sodium soy sauce (1 tbsp, for sauce): Forms the foundation of the stir fry’s signature savory glaze.
Cornstarch (1 tbsp, for sauce): Thickens the sauce to that perfect, glossy consistency.
Sugar (1 tsp, for sauce): Just a hint to balance the savory and boost the onion’s natural sweetness.
Oyster sauce (1 1/2 tbsp): Adds complexity and a silky, umami-rich finish.
Hoisin sauce (1/2 tbsp): A touch of hoisin brings subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Sesame oil (1 tsp, for sauce): Just a final dash for aroma and flavor.
Shaoxing cooking wine (1/2 tbsp, for sauce): Lends that unmistakable restaurant-style flavor to the sauce; rice wine works too.
Dark soy sauce (1 tsp, for color): This gives the stir fry its signature deep color—regular soy sauce works in a pinch.
Water (1/2 cup, for sauce): Helps the sauce coat every morsel without overpowering.

How to Make Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight

Step 1: Preparation

Before you turn on the stove, gather all your ingredients and prepare them. Slice your onion thinly for faster cooking; peel and slice or mince the garlic as you prefer. Prepare the ginger slices and cut your green onions into 2-inch pieces. Laying everything out ensures smooth cooking and that classic stir fry speed!

Step 2: Marinate the Beef

Thinly slice your beef against the grain—a key trick for tenderness. In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, 2 tablespoons water, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Add in the beef slices and toss well, letting them soak up the marinade for about 15 minutes. Just before you’re ready to cook, add cornstarch to lightly coat the beef and make it extra juicy. A splash of oil at the end helps the beef sear beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until smooth—no lumps allowed! Then add 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1/2 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/2 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce, and 1/2 cup water. Give it a good stir until everything’s blended; this savory sauce is where the magic of Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight truly happens.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Beef

Heat a generous swirl of oil in a wok (or large skillet) over high heat until shimmering hot. Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Let it sear undisturbed for a minute or two before tossing—this gives you that edge-of-caramelization and irresistible aroma. Stir fry until the beef is nearly cooked through, about 90 percent done, then scoop it out onto a plate and set aside.

Step 5: Cook the Aromatics and Onions

In the same wok, add the ginger slices. Let them sizzle for 30 seconds, releasing their spicy perfume, then add the garlic and onions. Stir fry until the onions soften and become translucent yet still vibrant, soaking up all those leftover beef flavors while the kitchen fills with the mouthwatering fragrance that’s the hallmark of Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight.

Step 6: Combine Everything and Finish

Turn the heat to medium-high and pour in your prepared sauce. Let it bubble and thicken for a minute, then return the beef and sliced green onions to the wok. Gently toss everything together so that each bite is fully coated in the luscious sauce. Give it a taste—add a pinch more sugar or soy sauce if you crave extra sweetness or saltiness.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Transfer your beautiful Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight to a serving plate and bring it straight to the table, steaming hot and supremely inviting. Whether you’re serving a hungry crowd or just indulging yourself, don’t wait too long—this dish is best enjoyed fresh from the wok!

How to Serve Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight

Garnishes

Top your stir fry with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a shower of toasted sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of extra sesame oil or a few fresh cilantro leaves will make the dish feel restaurant-worthy and elevate the aroma for your lucky dinner guests.

Side Dishes

This stir fry positively begs to be served atop a bed of fluffy steamed jasmine rice, allowing the savory-sweet sauce to soak right in. If you want something lighter, serve it alongside stir-fried bok choy, steamed broccoli, or even a quick cucumber salad—the freshness contrasts perfectly with the rich beef and onion flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining or just want to mix things up, try spooning Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight into crisp lettuce cups for a fun, interactive dinner. Or serve it over noodles instead of rice for a slurp-worthy twist. You can even load it up in a fluffy Chinese bao bun for a weekday treat with a street-food vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight can be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors deepen as it sits, making tomorrow’s lunch that much more delicious! It will stay fresh for up to three days—just be sure it’s covered so it doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead or doubling up, you can freeze the finished stir fry. Transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. While the beef will freeze well, be aware the onions may soften slightly on reheating. You can keep it frozen for up to one month without losing much flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet or wok over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened up too much. You can also microwave leftovers in short bursts, stirring between intervals to heat evenly. Whichever method you choose, aim to just heat it through rather than overcooking—the beef will stay tender and juicy this way.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin is a great choice for its tenderness, rib eye, flank steak, or blade steak all work beautifully in Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight. Just remember to slice against the grain and keep the slices thin for the best results.

What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?

If you can’t find Shaoxing wine, dry sherry or a dry rice wine are terrific substitutes. In a pinch, a splash of apple juice or chicken broth will do, though nothing beats that authentic aroma you get from the real deal.

How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?

The secret to melt-in-your-mouth beef in this dish is twofold: marinate the meat and slice it thinly against the grain. Don’t skip the cornstarch step—it forms a barrier that helps the beef stay moist and tender, even with the high heat of stir frying.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Feel free to swap out beef for thick-cut mushrooms or tofu. Use the same marinade and sauce—just reduce the cooking time and be gentle with tofu to keep it intact. You’ll end up with a delicious vegetarian take on Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight.

Is it essential to use a wok?

Not at all! A good, heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan will work just fine for this stir fry. The important thing is to get your pan hot enough so you can quickly sear the ingredients and achieve that signature flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for a recipe that’s comforting, quick, and completely crave-worthy, Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight is exactly what you need. It’s a dish that brings people together, ready on even the busiest nights, and sure to earn a regular spot at your dinner table. Give it a try—you’ll taste why it’s truly a household favorite!

Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Savory Weeknight Delight Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 18 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that is perfect for a busy weeknight meal. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with onions and a savory sauce, creating a delicious and satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.

Instructions

Preparation Slice the onion thinly. Peel and mince or slice garlic. Slice ginger and cut green onions into 2-inch segments.
Marinate the Beef Thinly slice beef against the grain. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, water, and sesame oil. Add beef and marinate for 15 minutes. After marinating, mix in cornstarch to coat and add oil.
Prepare the Sauce In a small bowl, mix soy sauce and cornstarch until smooth. Add sugar, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, dark soy sauce, and water. Stir well.
Stir Fry Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Sear marinated beef for 2-4 minutes until 90% cooked. Remove and set aside. Sauté ginger, then garlic and onions until softened. Add sauce, cook until thickened, then return beef and green onions to combine.
Serve Transfer stir fry to a serving plate. Serve hot with steamed rice.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stir-Frying
Cuisine: Chinese