If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet quick enough for a weeknight, this Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe will become your new go-to. Tender slices of flank steak marry perfectly with sweet, caramelized onions in a savory sauce that balances soy, oyster sauce, and just a touch of ketchup for depth. It’s a delightful recipe that combines simple ingredients to create something truly satisfying and spirited. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this stir-fry brings that warm, comforting feeling of home-cooked goodness straight to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe relies on straightforward ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Each item plays a crucial role, whether enhancing the meat’s juiciness, elevating the sauce’s complex flavors, or adding freshness and texture.
- 1 pound flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain): Slicing against the grain ensures tender, easy-to-chew beef pieces.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: A secret tip to tenderize the beef even further before cooking.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps to thicken the sauce and gives the beef a silky coating.
- 1 teaspoon neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola): For marinating the beef and bringing everything together without overpowering flavors.
- 1 teaspoon oyster sauce: Adds rich umami to the marinade for depth.
- 1 tablespoon water: Keeps the marinade moist and helps distribute flavors evenly.
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce: For a salty tang that brightens the beef.
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce: Gives the dish its characteristic color and a hint of sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons ketchup: Adds subtle sweetness and a unique twist to the stir-fry sauce flavor profile.
- 2 teaspoons oyster sauce: Used again in the sauce to deepen the savory notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar: Balances the savory elements with a touch of sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil: A little drizzle adds that irresistible nutty aroma at the end.
- 1/4 cup water: Used for the sauce to let everything shine and create a juicy stir-fry.
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil, divided: For stir-frying the onions and beef to perfection without burning.
- 10 ounces small onions (sliced into wedges; approximately 3 small onions): The star vegetable, providing sweetness and crunch.
How to Make Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Begin by combining the baking soda, cornstarch, 1 teaspoon neutral oil, oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon water with your thinly sliced flank steak. This simple marinade tenderizes and flavors the beef, letting it soak up all those savory notes while keeping it moist during cooking. Let it rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce
Mix together light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, ketchup, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and 1/4 cup water in a small bowl. This delightful sauce blend brings a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors that will coat your beef and onions beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Onions
Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced onions and cook them until they soften and start to caramelize, about 5 to 7 minutes. The warmth and slight sweetness of the onions provide an excellent contrast to the savory beef.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef
Push the onions to the side of the pan and add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the marinated beef slices in a single layer, letting them sear briefly without overcrowding to get a nice caramelized exterior. Then stir-fry the beef together with the onions until the beef is just cooked through.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and onions, tossing everything quickly to coat. Cook for another minute or two until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the ingredients, enhancing their flavor and giving the dish a gorgeous glossy finish. Remove from heat and get ready to serve!
How to Serve Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes lift this Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe to another level. Sprinkle some chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for a burst of color and a hint of nuttiness that will complement the savory sauce.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, serve it alongside stir-fried greens like bok choy or a crunchy cucumber salad to refresh the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress at your next dinner? Serve the beef and onions on a bed of garlic fried rice or wrapped inside warm lettuce leaves for a fun hand-held version. You could also top it on crispy noodles for a delightful textural contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Beef Onion Stir-fry in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools down to room temperature before sealing to avoid sogginess and maintain the flavors.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well! Transfer leftovers into a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick or sticky, and stir frequently to warm evenly without drying out the beef.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can substitute sirloin or skirt steak thinly sliced against the grain. Avoid tougher cuts unless you braise them first.
What can I use if I don’t have oyster sauce?
If you’re out of oyster sauce, a mixture of soy sauce with a touch of hoisin sauce or even mushroom sauce can work as a flavorful substitute. Keep in mind it might slightly alter the taste.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe is not spicy by default, but you can easily add red chili flakes, fresh chili slices, or a dash of chili oil during cooking to give it the heat you prefer.
How thin should the beef slices be?
Slice the beef as thinly as possible, ideally about 1/8-inch thick. Thin slices cook quickly and stay tender, which is essential for a stir-fry.
Can I prepare this recipe for meal prep?
Yes! This dish holds up well for meal prep. Pack it with rice or your favorite veggies, and it’ll keep its deliciousness for a few days in the fridge, making lunchtime exciting and easy.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe, it’ll quickly become a cherished favorite, whether you’re cooking solo or feeding loved ones. It’s a wonderfully balanced dish that’s hearty yet bright, simple yet packed with flavor. Don’t hesitate to get creative with sides or garnishes—it’s that kind of recipe that welcomes your personal touch. Happy cooking and enjoy every delightful bite!
Print
Beef Onion Stir-fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful beef onion stir-fry featuring thinly sliced flank steak, tender onions, and a savory sauce made with soy, oyster sauce, and a hint of ketchup. Perfect for a fast and satisfying weeknight dinner.
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
Stir-fry
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil, divided
- 10 ounces small onions, sliced into wedges (approximately 3 small onions)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with baking soda, cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon neutral oil. Mix well and let it marinate for about 10 minutes to tenderize the meat.
- Mix the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon water, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, ketchup, 2 teaspoons oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and 1/4 cup water until fully combined. Set aside.
- Cook the Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but still maintain some crunch. Remove onions from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon neutral oil to the skillet. Increase heat to high and add the marinated beef in a single layer. Stir-fry quickly for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned but still tender.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked onions to the skillet with the beef. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture, stirring continuously. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef and onions evenly.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles, enjoying the savory and lightly sweet flavors of the beef onion stir-fry.
Notes
- Be sure to slice the flank steak thinly and against the grain for the most tender bite.
- Adjust the soy sauce and oyster sauce quantities based on your preferred saltiness level.
- If you don’t have sesame oil, you may omit it, but it adds a lovely nutty aroma.
- The baking soda tenderizes the beef; do not skip this step for the best texture.
- Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
