Beef and Onion Stir Fry

Beef and Onion Stir Fry is a easy Chinese recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Cook! Stacey Cook on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 35 min

Cost: $7.23 total, $3.61 per serving

Ingredients

  • 10 oz Beef Sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain)
  • 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce (regular light soy sauce)
  • 1 tsp Dark Soy Sauce (adds color and depth)
  • 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce (for umami richness)
  • 1 tsp Sugar (balances saltiness)
  • 1/4 tsp Baking Soda (tenderizes the beef)
  • 1 tsp Cornstarch (helps thicken sauce)
  • 2 Tbsp Vegetable Oil (for cooking; divided)
  • 1 tsp Sesame Oil (adds nutty aroma; added after marinating)
  • 4 stalks Green Onions (white and green parts separated, cut into 2‑inch sections)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (crushed or minced)
  • 1 Tbsp Rice Wine (Shaoxing) (adds fragrance)
  • 2 Tbsp Water (for sauce consistency)
  • 1/2 tsp Crushed Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • a pinch Salt (for seasoning onions)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Green Onions

    Trim the green onions, cut each stalk in half lengthwise to separate the white and green parts. Slice the white parts into 2‑inch sections and slice the green parts into 2‑inch sections. Keep them in separate bowls.

    Time: PT4M

  2. Prep Garlic and Regular Onion

    Peel 4 garlic cloves and crush them with the side of the knife, then mince. Peel one regular onion and cut it into large strips, then separate the layers for easier stir‑frying later.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Slice Beef

    Slice the beef against the grain into thin, average‑thickness strips (about 1/4‑inch thick).

    Time: PT3M

  4. Marinate Beef

    In a mixing bowl combine soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, baking soda, and cornstarch. Mix well, then add the sliced beef and toss to coat. Finally drizzle in vegetable oil and sesame oil and mix again.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Stir‑Fry White Onion Parts

    Heat the wok over medium‑high heat, add 1 tsp vegetable oil. When shimmering, add the white onion sections. Stir‑fry quickly (about 2 minutes) until the raw bite softens, then season with a pinch of salt and a pinch of sugar.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  6. Remove Onions

    Transfer the partially cooked white onions to a plate and set aside.

    Time: PT30S

  7. Pan‑Fry Beef

    Add another 1 tsp oil to the hot wok. Spread the marinated beef in a single layer and let it sit without stirring for about 1 minute until the bottom turns lightly brown.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  8. Stir Beef and Add Garlic

    Stir the beef to flip it, then add the minced garlic. Continue stir‑frying until the garlic is fragrant and the beef is about 70% cooked.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  9. Add Rice Wine

    Push the beef to the side of the wok, pour the rice wine onto the hot surface, let it sizzle for a few seconds to release aroma, then mix it into the beef.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: medium‑high

  10. Add Sauces and Water

    Stir in the remaining dark soy sauce and oyster sauce, then add 2 Tbsp water. Mix well; the sauce will begin to thicken thanks to the cornstarch already on the beef.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  11. Finish with Pepper and Green Onions

    When the sauce reaches a glossy, slightly thick consistency, sprinkle crushed black pepper, then return the white onion pieces and the green onion sections to the wok. Toss everything together for another 30 seconds.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  12. Serve

    Transfer the beef and onion stir fry to a serving plate. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

    Time: PT30S

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
30g
Carbohydrates
10g
Fat
20g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: gluten (soy sauce), dairy‑free, nut‑free

Allergens: soy, shellfish, sesame

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Beef and Onion Stir Fry

Recipe by Cook! Stacey Cook

A quick and easy Chinese‑style beef and onion stir fry that’s perfect with rice or noodles. Thinly sliced beef is marinated in soy, dark soy, oyster sauce, sugar, baking soda and cornstarch, then stir‑fried with white and green parts of green onions, garlic, rice wine and a splash of water for a glossy, flavorful sauce.

EasyChineseServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
13m
Prep
7m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
30m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.23
Total cost
$3.61
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Add oil to the beef only after the dry marinades are fully mixed.
  • Do not overcook the white onion parts; keep them crunchy.
  • Let the beef sear without stirring first to develop a brown crust.
  • Add rice wine to the edge of the pan to preserve aroma.
  • Return onions at the end to maintain texture.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter; use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Be careful when mincing garlic – keep fingertips tucked.
  • Rice wine is flammable; add away from open flame.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Beef and Onion Stir Fry in Chinese cuisine?

A

Beef and onion stir fry is a classic home‑cooked dish in many Chinese households, especially in northern regions where beef is more common. It showcases the quick‑cook wok technique that emphasizes preserving the crispness of vegetables while delivering a savory, umami‑rich sauce.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of beef and onion stir fry in Chinese cooking?

A

In Sichuan cuisine the dish may include dried red chilies and Sichuan pepper for a numbing heat, while in Cantonese versions a splash of oyster sauce and a touch of sugar are emphasized for a sweeter glaze. Some northern styles use scallions instead of green onions and add Shaoxing wine for depth.

cultural
Q

How is Beef and Onion Stir Fry traditionally served in Chinese households?

A

It is typically served hot, directly from the wok, alongside steamed white rice or tossed with wheat noodles. The dish is placed in the center of the family table for communal sharing, often accompanied by other small plates and a clear soup.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Beef and Onion Stir Fry associated with in Chinese culture?

A

While not a festival‑specific dish, it is a popular weekday family dinner because it is quick to prepare. It also appears at informal gatherings and pot‑luck meals where a fast, satisfying protein dish is needed.

cultural
Q

How does Beef and Onion Stir Fry fit into the broader Chinese cuisine tradition?

A

The dish exemplifies the Chinese cooking principle of "wok hei" – the breath of the wok – achieved by high‑heat stir‑frying. It balances salty, sweet, and umami flavors, and demonstrates the technique of cooking ingredients in stages to preserve texture.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Beef and Onion Stir Fry versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include beef, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, and green onions. Substitutes can be tamari for soy sauce, dry sherry for rice wine, and mushroom soy sauce for oyster sauce if you need a vegetarian alternative.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with Beef and Onion Stir Fry?

A

Pair it with steamed jasmine rice, simple cucumber salad, egg drop soup, or stir‑fried bok choy. For noodle lovers, toss it with lo mein or chow mein for a complete meal.

cultural
Q

What makes Beef and Onion Stir Fry special or unique in Chinese cuisine?

A

Its simplicity highlights the quality of the beef and the technique of quick high‑heat cooking. The contrast between the tender beef and the crunchy onion adds texture, while the combination of light and dark soy sauces creates a deep, glossy glaze.

cultural
Q

How has Beef and Onion Stir Fry evolved over time in modern Chinese cooking?

A

Modern home cooks often add extra aromatics like ginger or chili oil, and some use cornstarch‑free marinades for a cleaner flavor. In Western kitchens, the dish is sometimes adapted with locally available cuts of beef and adjusted seasoning levels.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Beef and Onion Stir Fry?

A

Common errors include overcooking the onions, stirring the beef too early which prevents a good sear, and adding the rice wine directly into the sauce instead of the pan edge, which reduces its aromatic impact.

technical
Q

Why does this Beef and Onion Stir Fry recipe use baking soda in the beef marinade?

A

Baking soda raises the pH of the meat surface, weakening protein bonds and resulting in a more tender bite, especially important for quick‑cooked cuts like stir‑fry beef.

technical
Q

Can I make Beef and Onion Stir Fry ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can marinate the beef up to 2 hours ahead and keep it refrigerated. After cooking, store the stir fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cook! Stacey Cook specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cook! Stacey Cook focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that emphasize quick weeknight meals, classic comfort foods, and step‑by‑step cooking tutorials for home cooks of all skill levels.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cook! Stacey Cook's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?

A

Stacey Cook simplifies traditional Chinese techniques by using readily available ingredients, clear visual cues, and minimal equipment, making dishes like beef and onion stir fry accessible without requiring a professional wok or exotic pantry items.

channel

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