This Oyster Sauce Beef & Onion Stir-Fry is a classic Asian-inspired dish that combines tender slices of beef, caramelized onions, and a rich, savory sauce. The blend of oyster sauce, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce creates a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors.
Best of all, this dish is quick to prepare and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a busy weeknight meal. Serve it over a bowl of steaming rice or alongside stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying dinner.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Rich & Savory – A deeply flavorful sauce coats every bite of tender beef.
- Simple Ingredients – Uses pantry staples found in most kitchens.
- Versatile – Works well with different cuts of beef and vegetable additions.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon sweetener (or sugar)
- ½ cup water or beef broth
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- In a bowl, mix the thinly sliced beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
- Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance the flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the oyster sauce, remaining soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sweetener.
- Add ½ cup of water or beef broth and mix well. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
- Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, just until it is cooked through.
- Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Onions and Garlic
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring continuously.
Step 5: Combine Everything & Serve
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and onions.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
This Oyster Sauce Beef & Onion Stir-Fry pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed white rice – A simple classic pairing.
- Garlic fried rice – For extra flavor.
- Stir-fried vegetables – Such as bok choy, bell peppers, or broccoli.
- Rice noodles or lo mein – For an alternative to rice.
For a low-carb option, serve this stir-fry over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Expert Tips for the Best Stir-Fry
- Use the Right Cut of Beef – Sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye work best for stir-frying because they cook quickly and stay tender.
- Slice Beef Thinly – Cut against the grain for extra tenderness.
- High Heat is Key – Stir-frying works best when cooked at high heat to sear the meat quickly and retain its juiciness.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
- Customize Your Sauce – If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a teaspoon of honey or more hoisin sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha for a bit of heat.
- Ginger-Infused: Add 1 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger when sautéing the onions for extra depth of flavor.
- Mushroom Stir-Fry: Toss in sliced mushrooms for an earthy addition.
- More Veggies: Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots make a great addition to the stir-fry.
Why This Oyster Sauce Beef & Onion Stir-Fry is a Must-Try
This dish is simple yet incredibly flavorful, making it a go-to recipe for home cooks who want a delicious, homemade meal with minimal effort. The rich, savory sauce clings to the juicy beef and tender onions, creating a mouthwatering dish that tastes just like something from your favorite restaurant.
Whether you’re making this for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this Oyster Sauce Beef & Onion Stir-Fry is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy the bold, satisfying flavors in every bite.