Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry

If you’re craving a savory, flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to whip up, then this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is your new best friend. Tender strips of beef, crisp onions, and a savory, slightly sweet sauce come together in this mouthwatering stir-fry. It’s the perfect balance of savory umami and a little touch of sweetness, all served over a bed of rice or noodles. Trust me, this dish has the kind of flavor that makes you want to take a second (or third) helping. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again because it’s just that good.

Why You’ll Love Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry

This dish isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments of flavor-packed joy! Here’s why it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen:

Quick and Easy

This stir-fry is ready in 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal that doesn’t take forever to prepare.

Flavor Explosion

The combination of beef, onions, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic creates a sauce that’s bursting with bold flavors. It’s sweet, savory, and just a little bit tangy—everything a stir-fry should be.

Healthy and Satisfying

Packed with protein and veggies, this stir-fry is a great, balanced meal. It’s satisfying without being heavy, so you can enjoy every bite without feeling weighed down.

Customizable

While this recipe calls for beef and onions, you can easily swap in other veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli. Add extra spice with chili flakes or keep it mild—it’s all up to you!

Ingredients

This stir-fry uses simple ingredients that pack a lot of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Beef (Flank Steak or Sirloin)

The beef is the star of the dish. Tender and juicy, it absorbs all the flavors from the sauce while staying perfectly cooked.

Onions

Onions provide the perfect crunch and sweetness to complement the beef. Plus, they cook up beautifully when stir-fried, adding an irresistible flavor.

Soy Sauce

Soy sauce is essential in creating that deep umami flavor that makes stir-fries so delicious.

Garlic and Ginger

These two ingredients give the dish its aromatic punch. The garlic adds a savory depth, while the ginger brings a warm, slightly spicy kick.

Brown Sugar

Just a touch of brown sugar balances the salty soy sauce and enhances the richness of the dish.

Sesame Oil

A dash of sesame oil adds that nutty flavor that elevates the whole dish to another level.

(Note: Full ingredient list and measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Making this Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry couldn’t be easier. Here’s the simple process to get that amazing flavor in no time:

Step 1: Prep the Beef

Start by slicing your beef into thin strips against the grain. This ensures tenderness. Season the beef with a bit of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and a dash of pepper. Stir to combine and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add a little oil (vegetable or canola works best) and sauté the beef in batches, so it cooks evenly and sears nicely. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned but still tender. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Onions

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, and toss in the sliced onions. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until the onions become soft and slightly caramelized.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Return the cooked beef to the pan and pour in the sauce. Stir to coat the beef and onions in the sauce, and let everything simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly, and everything will be nicely glazed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the stir-fry over steamed rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option. Top with sesame seeds or green onions for a little extra flavor and crunch!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 300
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 9g
Protein: 30g
Vitamin A: 2%
Vitamin C: 8%
Calcium: 4%
Iron: 15%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry

This stir-fry is as delicious as it is versatile! Here are a few ideas for serving:

Over Steamed Rice

The classic choice. The fluffy rice soaks up the savory sauce, making every bite pure comfort.

With Noodles

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, serve the stir-fry with your favorite noodles, like lo mein or rice noodles.

With Vegetables

Add some extra veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for more color, texture, and nutrition.

Low-Carb Option

If you’re skipping carbs, serve the stir-fry over cauliflower rice or enjoy it on its own as a light meal.

Additional Tips

• Thinly Slice the Beef: For the best texture, slice the beef as thinly as possible against the grain. This will help it cook quickly and stay tender.
• Add Spice: If you like things spicy, feel free to add some chili flakes or sliced fresh chili peppers to the stir-fry.
• Marinate Longer: For extra flavor, marinate the beef for 30 minutes to an hour, but even 10 minutes will still give you a great result.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?

A1: Yes, flank steak, sirloin, or even rib-eye work well for stir-fry. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly for tender results.

Q2: Can I add more vegetables to the stir-fry?

A2: Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli are great additions that will complement the beef and onions beautifully.

Q3: Can I use a different sauce for this stir-fry?

A3: If you prefer a sweeter stir-fry, try hoisin sauce. You can also use oyster sauce or teriyaki sauce for a different flavor profile.

Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?

A4: Stir-fries are best when served fresh, but you can cook everything ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat before serving.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat.

Q6: Can I freeze this stir-fry?

A6: You can freeze the stir-fry for up to 1 month. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat in a pan.

Q7: Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

A7: Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content. Just adjust the seasoning as needed.

Q8: How can I make this dish spicier?

A8: Add chili flakes or fresh chili peppers when stir-frying the onions for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level to your preference.

Q9: Can I make this stir-fry with chicken or pork instead of beef?

A9: Definitely! You can use chicken breast or pork tenderloin in place of the beef. Just slice it thin and cook it the same way.

Q10: What kind of rice should I serve with this stir-fry?

A10: Steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice are all great options. For a low-carb choice, try cauliflower rice.

Conclusion

This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry is the perfect combination of quick, easy, and flavorful. With tender beef, sweet onions, and a rich, savory sauce, it’s the kind of dish that’ll leave you coming back for more. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own, this stir-fry is sure to be a hit every time you make it!

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