This Onion Steak Stir Fry is a quick, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights. With tender strips of steak, flavorful caramelized onions, and a touch of garlic and ginger, it’s a simple yet satisfying dish. The stir fry is cooked in a savory and slightly tangy sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, providing a burst of flavor that will leave you wanting more.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak, thinly sliced

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 4 scallions, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, grated

• 1-inch knob of ginger, peeled and grated

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 2 tsp rice vinegar

• 2 tsp sesame oil

• ½ tsp black pepper

Directions

1. Prep the Beef: In a shallow plate, add the sliced beef. Sprinkle cornstarch and black pepper over the beef and toss to coat.

2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine rice vinegar, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Set aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and cook, turning the strips for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and almost cooked through. Remove the beef and set aside.

4. Cook the Onion: Lower the heat to medium and stir-fry the onion until slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.

5. Finish the Stir-Fry: Return the beef to the skillet. Add the scallions, garlic, and ginger. Pour in the vinegar/soy sauce mixture and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

6. Serve: Serve the onion steak stir-fry over rice and garnish with chili flakes or cilantro if desired.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 12g

• Protein: 40g

• Fat: 15g

  • Saturated Fat: 5g

• Cholesterol: 80mg

• Sodium: 700mg

• Potassium: 550mg

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 4g

The Flank Steak: Tender and Flavorful

The star of this dish is the flank steak, a cut known for its rich beefy flavor and tender texture when sliced thinly. Flank steak is ideal for stir-fry because it cooks quickly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully. To prepare the beef, simply slice it thinly against the grain, ensuring that the meat remains tender after cooking. This method also helps the beef cook quickly and evenly, making it perfect for a fast stir fry.

Before cooking, toss the sliced beef in cornstarch and black pepper. The cornstarch helps create a slightly crispy texture on the outside of the beef while keeping it tender on the inside, and the black pepper adds a mild heat that enhances the overall flavor.

The Sauce: Savory, Slightly Tangy, and Umami-Packed

The sauce for this onion steak stir fry is a simple yet incredibly flavorful combination of rice vinegar, sesame oil, and low-sodium soy sauce. Rice vinegar adds a light, slightly tangy flavor that helps cut through the richness of the beef. Sesame oil, with its nutty and aromatic profile, provides depth and rounds out the flavors. The soy sauce contributes saltiness and umami, making the sauce savory and well-balanced. Together, these ingredients create a sauce that beautifully coats the beef and onions, tying all the flavors together.

For a slight kick, the dish is finished with fresh grated ginger and garlic, which add aromatic and zesty notes. The ginger provides a refreshing heat, while the garlic brings a comforting, savory depth.

The Onions: Sweet and Caramelized

Onions are a key component of this dish, adding sweetness and richness. The onions are sliced and stir-fried until they begin to caramelize, which intensifies their flavor and adds a natural sweetness that complements the savory beef and sauce. Cooking the onions over medium heat allows them to soften and develop a rich, golden-brown color, creating a deeper, more flavorful base for the stir fry.

The caramelized onions pair perfectly with the beef, adding a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the meat and sauce. The balance of sweetness and savory depth is what makes this dish so comforting and satisfying.

Cooking the Stir Fry: Quick and Easy

One of the best things about stir-fry is how quickly it comes together. To make this onion steak stir fry, start by heating vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and almost cooked through. It’s important to not overcrowd the skillet to ensure that the beef cooks evenly. Once the beef is browned, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and stir-fry the onions. As the onions cook, they will soften and start to caramelize, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Once the onions are tender and golden brown, add the garlic, ginger, and scallions to the pan. These aromatic ingredients will cook quickly, releasing their fragrances and flavors.

Next, return the beef to the skillet and pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil mixture. Stir everything together to coat the beef and onions in the sauce, and continue stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Serving the Stir Fry: A Complete Meal

Once the stir fry is cooked, it’s ready to serve. This onion steak stir fry is best enjoyed over a bed of steamed rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce and adds a comforting base to the dish. You can also serve it over noodles for a different texture, or with a side of steamed vegetables to add more nutrition and balance.

For an extra burst of flavor and color, you can garnish the stir fry with a sprinkle of chili flakes for some heat or fresh cilantro for a pop of freshness. Both add a lovely contrast to the rich, savory beef and sweet caramelized onions.

Conclusion

Onion Steak Stir Fry is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. With tender flank steak, caramelized onions, and a savory, tangy sauce, this dish delivers on both taste and texture. The stir fry is made in a flash, making it a great option for those short on time but still wanting something delicious and comforting. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or with a side of vegetables, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. With its balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, Onion Steak Stir Fry will leave you craving more every time.