If you’ve been on the hunt for a fast, flavorful, and satisfying meal that combines tenderness, crunch, and zing, this Onion-Ginger Beef Stir Fry with Snow Peas might just become your new go-to. This dish was inspired by the magic that happens when sweet caramelized onions meet the brightness of fresh ginger, balanced by the earthiness of tender beef strips and the crisp bite of snow peas. Whether you’re looking to expand your list of steak stir fry recipes easy enough for weeknights or need new steak strips dinner ideas, this one’s worth bookmarking. It's a fusion of comfort and spice, and a solid entry in the canon of Chinese beef and onion stir fry recipes.
Zesty Onion Ginger Beef Stir Fry with Snow Peas
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 12 minutes mins
Total Time 32 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Wok or large nonstick skillet A wok gives the best sear and quick cooking, but a wide skillet will also do the job.
Mixing bowls One for the marinade and another for the sauce.
Tongs or spatula For tossing the beef and vegetables.
Chef’s knife and cutting board Essential for slicing your steak thin and prepping your veggies.
Measuring spoons and cups Accuracy helps balance the flavors.
For the Beef & Marinade
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak thinly sliced against the grain (minute steak or pre-sliced stir fry beef works great too)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda for tenderizing
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce adjust for heat preference
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch for thickening
Stir Fry Components
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil canola or vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 large yellow onion thinly sliced
- 6 oz snow peas trimmed
- 2 green onions chopped
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Marinate the Beef
Start by tossing your thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and baking soda in a bowl. Let this sit while you prep your sauce and vegetables—about 15 minutes is perfect. The baking soda works wonders to tenderize the meat, especially if you’re using minute steak or tougher cuts.
Make the Stir Fry Sauce
In another bowl, combine soy sauce, hoisin, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, beef broth, and cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved. This blend hits all the notes of a classic beef stir fry sauce—salty, sweet, umami-rich, with just enough zing.
Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in your wok over high heat until just smoking. Add the beef in batches—avoid overcrowding—and sear until browned and just cooked through, about 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside. This step ensures tender, juicy strips with caramelized edges.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil, then toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Then add the onions and cook for 2–3 minutes until they start to soften and brown—this gives the dish its signature beef and onion stir fry foundation.
Toss in the Snow Peas
Add the snow peas and cook for 1–2 minutes until they’re bright green but still crisp. You want to preserve that snap, which adds great contrast to the tender beef.
Combine Everything
Return the beef to the wok and pour in the stir fry sauce. Toss everything together until the sauce thickens and glazes the meat and vegetables, about 1–2 minutes. Stir in the green onions just before turning off the heat.
Serve Hot
Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or noodles. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Every bite bursts with savory flavor, the perfect balance between sweet onion and spicy ginger.
Pairings
This stir fry plays well with a variety of sides and drinks. Here are some pairing ideas to complete your meal:
Carbohydrates
- Jasmine rice or basmati rice: Absorbs the savory sauce beautifully.
- Garlic fried rice: For extra punch and a satisfying crunch.
- Lo mein or rice noodles: Great if you want a noodle-based twist.
Vegetables
- Steamed bok choy or Chinese broccoli: Mild greens that don’t compete with the bold flavors.
- Cucumber salad with sesame dressing: Cool, crisp contrast to the warm stir fry.
Drinks
- Green tea or jasmine tea: Light and refreshing with cleansing properties.
- Dry Riesling or sake: Mild sweetness that complements the dish’s complexity.
- For a non-alcoholic option, ginger-lime soda or citrus sparkling water adds a nice zip.
FAQs
1. What kind of beef should I use for stir fry?
For best results, go with flank steak or sirloin—both slice easily and cook quickly. Minute steak is also a great option for fast-cooking dishes like this. If you’re on a budget, thinly sliced chuck steak can work too, especially if marinated properly.
2. Can I use frozen vegetables in this stir fry?
Yes! Frozen snow peas or stir fry mixes can be used, though they may release a bit more water. Stir-frying in smaller batches can help preserve texture.
3. Is this similar to pepper steak stir fry or steak and onions?
This dish shares elements with pepper steak and onions, but the ginger-forward sauce and use of snow peas sets it apart. You could easily turn this into a pepper steak stir fry by swapping the snow peas for bell peppers.
4. Can I make this with ground beef?
Absolutely. For a hamburger stir fry recipes twist, brown 1 lb of ground beef, drain excess fat, and follow the rest of the recipe from the sauce and vegetable step onward. It's a great way to turn this into a budget-friendly beef onion stir fry.
5. How do I turn this into a surf-and-turf stir fry?
To make it a steak and shrimp stir fry, cook peeled shrimp separately (about 2–3 minutes per side), and add them in during the final toss. Their sweetness and texture pair beautifully with the beef and onion base.
