Oyster Sauce Beef & Onion Stir-Fry – A Saucy, Satisfying Takeout-Style Classic
If you love a saucy stir-fry packed with tender beef and sweet-savory onions, this Oyster Sauce Beef & Onion Stir-Fryis your new go-to. With pantry-staple ingredients and a bold umami sauce, it comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes just like your favorite takeout—only better, and made fresh in your kitchen.
Perfect served over fluffy white rice, it’s a dinner solution that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with none of the fuss.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is a flavor bomb in a pan. The beef gets beautifully tender thanks to a simple marinade, while the onions caramelize just enough to balance the richness of the oyster and hoisin sauce. It’s quick, satisfying, and incredibly versatile—just like Sheet Pan Quesadillas or a shortcut weeknight fave like Dorito Casserole.
Plus, it all cooks in one skillet—hello, easy cleanup!
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce, divided
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon sweetener (sugar, honey, or your favorite)
- ½ cup water or beef broth
- 2 green onions, chopped, for garnish
Optional Add-Ins
- Sliced bell peppers for color and crunch
- Mushrooms or snap peas for veggie variety
- Chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes while you prep the rest.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine oyster sauce, the remaining soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sweetener, and water or broth. Stir and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add beef and stir-fry until just cooked through (2–3 minutes). Transfer to a plate.
Step 4: Sauté the Onions
Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Toss in the sliced onions and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
Step 5: Combine and Sauce It
Return the beef to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir-fry everything together until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef and onions (2–3 minutes).
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped green onions and serve hot over rice.
Tips for Success
- Slice beef thinly across the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Prep all ingredients first—this dish moves fast once you start cooking.
- Use high heat to sear and avoid steaming the beef.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this stir-fry with:
- Steamed jasmine rice or noodles
- A light cucumber salad
- One-Pan Breakfast Bake for brunch-style leftovers
- Or round out a weeknight feast with Instant Pot Lasagna and call it a fusion spread!
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Rewarm in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze: Best fresh, but can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw and stir-fry briefly to revive.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re into bold flavors and easy meals, try:
Final Thoughts
This Oyster Sauce Beef & Onion Stir-Fry is the kind of dish that delivers big flavor with very little effort. It’s fast, flexible, and full of that savory, satisfying depth that keeps you coming back for more.
Tried it? Tag your stir-fry shots or share your custom twists! Want a printable version or need help batching it for meal prep? I’ve got you covered!
