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Chinese Beef and Onion Stir-Fry

Chinese Beef and Onion


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

For the Beef Marinade:
  • 1 pound (450g) beef (flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye), thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda (for extra tenderness, optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce (for color and depth)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water for a slurry)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper
Other Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
  • 1 large onion, sliced thinly
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • ½ teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Preparation

Step1: Prepare the Beef
  1. Slice the beef thinly against the grain. This helps keep it tender when cooked.
  2. In a bowl, mix the beef slices with soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, sugar, baking soda (if using), and vegetable oil.
  3. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 1 hour) to absorb the flavors and tenderize.
Step2: Prepare the Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper.
  2. Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and stir well until everything is combined.
Step3: Heat the Wok and Stir-Fry the Onions
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over high heat.
  2. Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they turn slightly translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Remove the onions from the pan and set aside.
Step4: Stir-Fry the Beef
  1. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the hot wok.
  2. Spread the marinated beef in a single layer and let it sear for 30 seconds without stirring.
  3. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the beef is about 80% cooked. Avoid overcooking to keep it tender.
Step5: Combine Everything and Finish Cooking
  1. Return the cooked onions to the wok and toss everything together.
  2. Pour in the prepared stir-fry sauce and mix well to coat the beef and onions evenly.
  3. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is well combined.
  4. Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

Notes

COOKING Note

  • Choosing the Right Beef: Flank steak is ideal for this recipe because it’s lean yet tender when sliced properly. Sirloin or ribeye also work well.
  • Tenderizing Tip: The combination of cornstarch and baking soda in the marinade helps break down the beef’s fibers, making it tender.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: If cooking a large batch, stir-fry the beef in batches to ensure it sears properly instead of steaming.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 320
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g