Beef and Onion Stir Fry - Chefjar (2024)

Quick and easy beef and onion stir fry! Enjoy juicy beef strips cooked with sweet onions in a tasty sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it's great for dinner or meal prep!

Beef and Onions Stir Fry Recipe

We absolutely love this beef stir fry! The super tender beef and sweet onions taste amazing together. It's best enjoyed with steamed jasmine rice and some Asian greens on the side.

Let's Have Beef for Dinner!

This Beef Stir Fry calls for beef, obviously! It's the main ingredient and cooks really well. Flank steak and sirloin are the best choices because they're soft, cheap, and we usually have them in the freezer. We also love tenderloin steak, it gives a very tender and flavorful result. However, it's also one of the more expensive cuts.

❗ Slice the steak against the grain to make the meat more tender. Cut them into thin strips, about ¼-inch. This way, they cook fast and are easy to eat!

✅ You'll Need

• Beef: Preferred cuts: Flank steak, Sirloin, Ribeye, or tenderloin. These cuts are tender and work well for stir frying. Substitution: Chuck steak can also be used, but make sure to cut against the grain to maximize tenderness.
• Onions: Use white or yellow onions for a balanced sweetness. Substitution: Red onions can be used for a sharper taste.
• Scallions: They have a mild onion flavor, which is not as pungent as regular onions. The white, more bulbous end is cooked with the onions because it has a stronger onion flavor, while the green, leafier parts are added towards the end of cooking for a fresh crunch and color.
• Soy Sauce: The recipe calls for light and dark soy sauce. Substitution: Tamari or coconut aminos can be used as gluten-free alternatives.
• Cooking Wine: Use dry sherry or even chicken broth if you don't have Shaoxing wine.
• Cornstarch: Helps in marinating the beef and thickening the sauce. Substitution: Tapioca starch or arrowroot powder.
• Neutral Oil: Use Canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil. These oils don't impart a strong flavor. Substitution: Peanut oil or sesame oil can be used for a nuttier flavor.
• Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced is best for the most robust flavor. Substitution: Use garlic and ginger powders in a pinch, but the flavor won't be as fresh. ⅓ teaspoon of powder can typically substitute for one clove or one teaspoon of fresh.
• Hoisin Sauce: Adds a sweet and salty flavor. Substitution: A mix of soy sauce, peanut butter, and honey can mimic its flavor.
• Oyster Sauce: Gives depth and umami to the sauce. Substitution: A mixture of soy sauce and hoisin sauce. Vegetarian oyster sauce, made from mushrooms, will also work.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the salty flavors. Substitution: Honey, maple syrup, or white sugar.
• Sesame Oil: Gives a nutty flavor. Substitution: It's unique, but if allergic, just omit.
• White Pepper Powder: Adds a mild, unique heat. Substitution: Black pepper, though the flavor is different and stronger.

🔪How to Make Beef and Onion Stir Fry

Beef Marinade:

In a big bowl, mix beef slices with cornstarch, soy sauce, and wine. Let it sit and soak for 15-30 minutes.

Stir Fry Sauce:

While the beef is marinating, combine the sauce ingredients. Set aside.

Prep the veggies. Keep aside.

Stir Fry:

Heat oil in a big pan or wok on medium heat. When the oil's hot, add the garlic, ginger, onions and the white part of scallions and cook until a bit tender. Once done, take out the veggies but keep the oil in the pan, and set the veggies aside.

In that same skillet/ wok, cook the beef until it's a bit crispy, about 2 minutes. ❗ Ensure the heat isn’t too high to prevent oil splatters.

Add the sauce to the pan and cook for about 2 minutes until the beef is fully cooked.

Place the veggies back in, along with the scallions. Cook for one more minute, stirring often.

Garnish with extra scallions and enjoy right away with rice or steamed veggies.

How to Serve

Serve with Instant Pot Jasmine Rice, noodles, or even protein-rich quinoa. For a low-carb option, scoop the stir fry into lettuce leaves. Top with sesame seeds and green onions. Your meal is ready!

🗄️ Storage

• Cooling: Allow to cool down to room temperature. This prevents excess moisture and condensation, which can affect the texture and flavor.
• Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled stir fry into an airtight container. This will keep the dish fresh and prevent it from absorbing other odors from the refrigerator.
• Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator if you plan to eat it within the next 3-4 days.

Freezing

If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it. Place it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. Label the container with the date so you remember when it was stored.

Reheating

• From the Refrigerator: Reheat the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also use a microwave by placing the stir fry in a microwave-safe dish and heating in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• From the Freezer: It's best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Once thawed, follow the same reheating instructions as above.

❓ FAQs

Recipe Variations

• Vegetable Medley: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for a burst of color and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: If you like it hot, toss in some red pepper flakes or thinly sliced jalapeños.
• Different Protein: Replace beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
• Nutty Crunch: Add some toasted cashews or peanuts for an added layer of crunch.
• Mushrooms: Add shiitake or button mushrooms for an earthy flavor.

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If you make this recipebe sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a rating⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! I will be happy to hear from you!

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