Savory Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry: A Weeknight Dinner Favorite

When the craving hits for something quick, hearty, and full of flavor, nothing quite satisfies like a sizzling pan of Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry. Imagine walking through your front door after a long day to the mouthwatering aroma of garlic, ginger, and caramelized onions mingling with tender slices of beef. This dish is the epitome of comfort food, ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a simple weekend family meal.

Growing up, this stir fry was a staple in our household. My mother, who learned it from her grandmother in southern China, would whip it up in under 30 minutes, serving it over a mound of steaming jasmine rice. It was the kind of meal that brought everyone to the table—even on the busiest of days. Today, I’m sharing that beloved recipe with a modern twist, keeping it authentic yet accessible for any home cook.

Why You’ll Love This Beef and Onion Stir Fry

Whether you’re a stir fry aficionado or a first-time wok warrior, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Here’s why:

Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you’re done in under 30 minutes.
Nutritious: Packed with protein and veggies, and low in carbs.
Customizable: Easy to switch up the protein or spice level.
Authentic Flavors: Balanced with salty, savory, and umami notes.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes great leftovers for the next day.

If you’re searching for a healthy stir fry recipe, or a simple Asian beef dish, this one ticks all the boxes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to bring this sizzling dish to life:

1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, sliced (any color works well)
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1/4 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

💡 Pro Tip: Slice the beef thinly and uniformly for the best texture. Freezing it for 10-15 minutes beforehand makes it easier to cut.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced flank steak, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Toss to coat and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step tenderizes the meat and helps create a silky, glossy sauce later on.

2. Sear the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed. Remove the beef and set aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and caramelize.

4. Add Aromatics

Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. The kitchen should smell amazing at this point.

5. Combine & Simmer

Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth and oyster sauce, stirring everything to combine. Let it cook for 2-3 more minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the ingredients.

6. Final Touches

Drizzle with sesame oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and remove from heat.

7. Serve & Enjoy

Serve hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy the rich, savory flavors with every bite.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 320
Net Carbs: 10g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g

This dish is low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb or high-protein diets. To reduce carbs even further, serve it with cauliflower rice.

Tips for the Best Stir Fry

Use High Heat

For that authentic restaurant-style sear, make sure your pan is smoking hot before adding the meat. A hot pan prevents steaming and ensures browning.

Slice Ingredients Evenly

Uniform cuts ensure even cooking. Slice the beef thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.

Prep Everything Before Cooking

Stir-frying moves fast! Have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go before you turn on the heat.

Deglaze for Extra Flavor

Use a splash of rice wine or Shaoxing wine to deglaze the pan after searing the beef. This adds depth and complexity to the sauce.

Recipe Variations

Looking to switch things up? Here are a few ways to adapt this recipe:

Protein Swaps

Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs.
Tofu: For a vegetarian option, use firm tofu and pan-fry until golden.
Shrimp: Add peeled shrimp during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

Spicy Version

Want more heat? Add:

1 sliced jalapeño or
1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
during the vegetable stir-fry stage.

Add More Veggies

Make it a full stir-fry bowl by adding:

Snow peas
Broccoli florets
Mushrooms
Baby corn

What to Serve with Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry

While it’s delicious on its own, you can elevate the meal with some tasty sides:

Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
Lo mein or chow mein noodles
Egg drop soup or hot and sour soup
Asian-style cucumber salad
Steamed dumplings as an appetizer

🍽️ Hosting a dinner party? Serve this stir fry as part of a larger Chinese-style banquet with other small plates and tea.

Make It Ahead: Meal Prep Tips

This dish stores well, making it perfect for meal prep. Here’s how:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Freeze: Freeze portions in zip-top bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Common Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes! Flank steak is ideal, but sirloin, skirt steak, or ribeye also work well. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain.

Is oyster sauce necessary?

Oyster sauce adds a deep umami flavor. If you don’t have it, substitute with hoisin sauce, teriyaki, or a mix of soy sauce + brown sugar.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and a certified gluten-free oyster sauce.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, it’s a great dish for meal prep and even tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Final Thoughts: Why This Stir Fry Belongs in Your Rotation

There’s something deeply satisfying about cooking a dish that’s not only fast and easy but also full of flavor and nutrition. This Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry checks every box—it’s comforting, flexible, and endlessly craveable.

It’s the kind of dish that gets passed down from generation to generation. It can be whipped up on a whim with pantry staples or elevated for a special dinner with friends. However you choose to enjoy it, this recipe brings people together—and that’s the heart of every great meal.