Easy Stir Fried Beef Recipe With Onions
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Looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner? This Easy Stir Fried Beef Recipe with Onions is just what you need! With just four basic ingredients—beef, onions, garlic, and soy sauce—you can whip up a savory, satisfying meal in less than 15 minutes. Perfect for serving over rice or on its own, this simple stir fry is both delicious and budget-friendly, making it a must-have in your recipe collection.
This stir fried beef recipe with onions is a very easy to make main dish, and it only uses 4 ingredients – beef, onion, garlic and soy sauce. The beef for stir fries is often sold already pre-sliced in a supermarket (labeled “beef stir fry”). If you buy this kind of beef, this means even less work for you!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Stir Fried Beef Recipe With Onions
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need something fast without compromising on flavor.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need four basic ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen, making this a hassle-free meal option.
- Flavorful: The combination of garlic and soy sauce creates a deliciously savory marinade, enhancing the natural flavors of the beef and onions.
- Customizable: You can easily add more vegetables or adjust the seasoning to your liking, making it versatile for different preferences.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Serve it over rice or noodles for a filling meal that’s both comforting and nourishing.
Beef and onion slices are briefly marinated in a mixture of soy sauce and garlic, then quickly stir fried on a frying pan. This easy beef recipe bring hearty dinner to your table in less than 15 minutes!
Easy Stir Fried Beef Recipe With Onions
Cooking time: 5 minute
Number of servings: 4
Recipe Ingredients
- 1 lb beef, sliced into small pieces: The star of the dish, providing protein and a rich, savory flavor. You can use pre-sliced stir fry beef for convenience.
- 2 onions, sliced: Sliced onions add sweetness and texture, balancing the savory beef and soy sauce.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce:Adds a salty, umami flavor that enhances the taste of the beef and onions.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Minced garlic brings a punch of flavor and aroma to the dish.
- 1/8 tsp pepper: Just a pinch of pepper adds a subtle hint of heat.
- 1/2 tbsp oil: A small amount of oil is used for cooking the beef and onions, giving them a nice sear.
See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Easy Stir Fried Beef Recipe With Onions
- Frying Pan: A non-stick frying pan is essential for cooking the beef and onions evenly without sticking.
- Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a bowl to mix and marinate the beef and onions with the soy sauce and garlic.
- Spatula: Use a spatula for stirring and flipping the beef during cooking.
- Measuring Spoons: To measure the soy sauce and pepper accurately.
Instructions How To Make Stir Fried Beef
- Put all ingredients in a bowl and mix. Leave on the counter to marinate for 10 minutes.
- Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef and onions mixture and cook, stirring periodically, for 5 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through.
This yummy beef and onions stir fry is great served over white rice! For a super easy rice, you can make rice in a rice cooker or even make rice in a microwave. For more great beef recipes, check out Korean BBQ beef recipe, hearty crock pot beef stew and dirty rice recipe with ground beef.
Here’s a picture of the beef and onions stir fry marinating in soy sauce and garlic:
And here’s the picture of beef and onions being stir fry in the frying pan:
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this stir-fried beef with steamed white rice for a classic pairing.
- For a healthier option, you can serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside a greek quinoa salad.
- Add a side of stir-fried vegetables, like broccoli or bell peppers, to complete the meal.
- Top with sesame seeds or fresh chopped green onions for extra flavor and garnish.
- You can also pair this dish with Instant ramen noodles for a more filling option.
Tips For Success
- Use Thinly Sliced Beef: For the best results, make sure to use beef that is thinly sliced. This helps the beef cook quickly and evenly, ensuring it stays tender and juicy. Pre-sliced stir fry beef from the grocery store works perfectly for this recipe.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: Let the beef and onions marinate in the soy sauce and garlic mixture for at least 10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to penetrate the beef, giving it a more robust and savory taste.
- High Heat is Key: When stir-frying, it’s important to use medium-high to high heat to sear the beef and onions quickly. This will lock in the juices of the beef and caramelize the onions, adding depth of flavor.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: If you’re making a larger batch, cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can cause the ingredients to steam instead of sear, resulting in less flavor.
- Prep All Ingredients Before Cooking: Since stir-frying is a fast cooking method, have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. This ensures everything cooks evenly and reduces the risk of overcooking.
Variations And Substitutions
- Vegetable Add-Ins: You can easily add more vegetables to this dish to make it even more nutritious. Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas would pair perfectly with the beef and onions. Simply stir-fry the vegetables for a few minutes before adding the beef, or cook them alongside the onions for a colorful and healthy addition.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha sauce to the marinade. You can also throw in some sliced jalapeños or chili peppers while stir-frying to give the dish a spicy kick.
- Low-Sodium Option: For a healthier variation, use a low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. This reduces the overall salt content without sacrificing the savory flavor of the dish.
- Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. The flavors will remain just as rich and satisfying.
- Protein Substitutes: While beef is the star of this recipe, you can easily swap it for chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—chicken and pork may take a bit longer, while tofu cooks quickly like the beef.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover stir-fried beef and onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the beef and onions in a frying pan over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed to your liking. If it feels a bit dry, add a splash of soy sauce or a tiny bit of water to refresh the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily substitute the beef with chicken, pork, or even tofu if you prefer a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed—chicken and pork may take a few minutes longer to cook, while tofu cooks quickly like the beef.
How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?
To keep the beef tender, make sure to slice it thinly and cook it on medium-high heat for a short amount of time. Overcooking the beef can cause it to become tough, so aim for just a few minutes in the pan until it’s cooked through.
Can I add more vegetables to this stir fry?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. Just make sure to stir-fry them for a few minutes before adding the beef, or cook them alongside the onions.
What can I serve with this stir-fried beef?
This dish is traditionally served over steamed white rice, but you can also enjoy it with noodles, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even in lettuce wraps for a light, fresh take.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this stir fry ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in a frying pan or microwave before serving. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it just as delicious the next day!
Other Easy Beef Recipes
Air Fryer Short Ribs Recipe: These tender, flavorful short ribs are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, delivering a mouthwatering dish in less time than traditional methods.
Ground Beef with Potatoes Skillet: A hearty and comforting skillet meal featuring ground beef, tender potatoes, and savory seasonings all cooked in one pan.
Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry: Juicy slices of beef are stir-fried with vegetables and coated in a sweet and savory homemade teriyaki sauce for a quick, delicious dinner.
Ground Beef and Eggplant Stir Fry: This savory stir fry combines ground beef and eggplant in a flavorful sauce, perfect for a simple and healthy weeknight meal.
Other Easy Onion Recipes
Air Fryer Mushrooms And Onions: Crispy mushrooms and caramelized onions are quickly cooked in the air fryer, making an easy, flavorful side dish.
Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions Recipe: A simple and delicious side dish of tender sautéed mushrooms and onions, perfect to complement any main course.
Cucumber Red Onion Salad: A refreshing and tangy cucumber and red onion salad, lightly dressed in a vinegar-based dressing for a crisp, cool side.
Easy Stir Fried Beef Recipe With Onions
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sliced into small pieces
- 2 onions sliced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tbsp oil for cooking
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Frying pan
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine beef slices, onions, soy sauce, minced garlic, and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate on the counter for about 10 minutes.
- Heat oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef and onion mixture to the hot pan.
- Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked.
- Serve over rice or enjoy on its own!
Notes
- For best results, make sure to slice the beef thinly so it cooks evenly.
- You can use pre-sliced beef labeled for stir fry to save even more time.
Nutrition
More Stir Fry Recipes
- Shrimp Broccoli Stir Fry Recipe
- Chinese Tomato and Egg Stir Fry
- Chili Lime Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables
