Dinner

Quick Easy Chinese Beef Onion Stir Fry Recipe

Name: Quick Easy Chinese Beef Onion Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak; 1.5 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch); 2 tsp Shaoxing wine (or rice vinegar); 2 tsp sesame oil; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 medium white onion (sliced and separated into layers); 4 scallions (cut into 2-inch segments, whites and greens separated); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying vegetables); 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking beef); 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or rice vinegar); 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir fry sauce); 1 tbsp regular soy sauce; 1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce (or substitute regular soy sauce); 1 tsp cornstarch (or potato starch); 1/4 tsp black pepper (or white pepper); 4 tbsp cold water; 1 tsp white granulated sugar (or brown sugar)

Bymia larkspur October 28, 2025October 28, 2025

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Introduction

This Quick Easy Chinese Beef Onion Stir Fry is a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender flank steak is marinated and stir-fried with fragrant onions, scallions, and a savory sauce for a delicious meal ready in minutes.

The image shows a close-up of a stir-fried dish with several layers of thin, glossy dark brown beef slices spread across a pan, mixed with light yellow onion slices and bright green spring onion pieces. The beef has a shiny, slightly sticky texture coated in a rich brown sauce, giving it a moist and tender look. The onions are soft and glossy, contrasting with the bright, fresh appearance of the crunchy green spring onion stalks scattered evenly throughout the dish. The mix has a lightly oily surface with small bits of garlic and seasonings visible, all against the dark inner surface of the cooking pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak
1 medium white onion (sliced and separated in layers)
4 scallions (cut into 2-inch segments with whites and greens separated)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil) – for stir frying onions
1 tbsp regular soy sauce
1.5 tbsp cornstarch (or potato starch) – for marinade
2 tsp Shaoxing wine (or rice vinegar) – for marinade
2 tsp sesame oil – for marinade
1/2 tsp baking soda – for marinade
1 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil) – for cooking beef
1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or rice vinegar) – for sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir fry sauce)
1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce (or sub with regular soy sauce)
1 tsp cornstarch (or potato starch) – for sauce
1/4 tsp black pepper (or white pepper)
4 tbsp cold water – for sauce
1 tsp white granulated sugar (or brown sugar)

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the flank steak against the grain on an angle into 1/4-inch thin slices. To make slicing easier, freeze the beef for about 40 minutes until firm. Transfer the slices to a medium bowl.
Step 2: Marinate the beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, and baking soda. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together Shaoxing wine, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, cornstarch, black pepper, cold water, and sugar to create the sauce. Set aside.
Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over low heat. Stir-fry the white onions and the white parts of the scallions for about 30 seconds until slightly softened. Remove and set aside.
Step 5: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes, then flip and brown the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Lower the heat to medium, add the prepared sauce in a circular motion, and stir-fry for 30-60 seconds until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
Step 7: Return the garlic, scallion greens, and cooked onions to the pan. Stir-fry for another 30-60 seconds. Remove from heat and serve immediately with plain rice and your favorite vegetables.

Tips & Variations

Freezing the beef slightly makes it much easier to slice thinly and evenly.
Substitute flank steak with sirloin or ribeye for a richer flavor.
For a vegetarian option, replace beef with sliced firm tofu and use vegetarian oyster sauce.
Add a pinch of chili flakes or fresh chili for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the beef tender.