Tender slices of beef stir-fried with fragrant Chinese onions (scallions/green onions) in a glossy, umami-rich sauce. Perfect with steamed rice or noodles.
🧺 Ingredients
For the Beef
1 lb flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp sugar
1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Stir-Fry
4–5 Chinese onions (scallions), cut into 2-inch pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated fresh ginger
Sauce
2 tbsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
2 tbsp water or beef broth
½ tsp black pepper (or white pepper for authentic flavor)
🔥 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Beef
Slice beef thinly against the grain
Toss with cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar
Let marinate 10–15 minutes (this keeps it tender)
2️⃣ Heat the Wok
Heat wok or large skillet over high heat
Add vegetable oil until shimmering
3️⃣ Sear the Beef
Add beef in a single layer
Sear quickly (about 1 minute per side)
Remove and set aside (don’t overcook)
4️⃣ Stir-Fry Aromatics
Add garlic and ginger to the wok
Stir-fry 10–15 seconds until fragrant
5️⃣ Add Chinese Onions
Add scallions and stir-fry 30–45 seconds
They should soften slightly but stay vibrant
6️⃣ Combine & Sauce
Return beef to the wok
Add sauce ingredients
Toss quickly until beef is coated and sauce thickens (1–2 minutes)
👨🍳 Pro Tips for Restaurant-Style Results
Slice beef thin and freeze it for 20 minutes first (easier cutting)
High heat is essential—don’t overcrowd the pan
Chinese onions should stay slightly crisp for best texture
White pepper gives a more authentic Cantonese flavor
🌶️ Variations
Spicy Version
Add sliced fresh chili or chili oil
Beef & Onion Classic
Add sliced yellow onion with scallions for sweetness
Garlic-Heavy Style
Double the garlic for a bolder aroma
🍚 What to Serve With It
Steamed jasmine rice
Fried rice
Chow mein or lo mein noodles
Simple stir-fried greens (bok choy or gai lan)
🧡 Final Thoughts
Beef with Chinese Onions is simple, fast, and incredibly satisfying. With tender beef, aromatic scallions, and a silky sauce, it’s a dish that proves great flavor doesn’t need complicated ingredients.