Steak and Onions
Create a flavorful dinner with top sirloin steaks, onions, and a marinade. This meal is budget-friendly, delicious and easy!
Create a flavorful, budget-friendly meal with tender sirloin steaks marinated in a simple soy and lemon mixture and cooked with sweet onions. This quick skillet dinner delivers plenty of flavor with minimal effort.
Top sirloin is an excellent choice for everyday cooking — it’s flavorful, affordable, and becomes tender after a short soak in the tangy marinade. Paired with lightly caramelized onions, it’s a hearty dish that feels special enough for company yet easy enough for weeknights.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Budget-friendly. Uses top sirloin, an affordable cut that delivers big flavor when marinated.
Quick and satisfying. A full dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.
Everyday ingredients. Made with simple pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic, and onions.
Ingredient Notes
- Top sirloin steaks: Choose thin steaks for faster cooking and better flavor absorption.
- Soy sauce and lemon juice: Form the base of the marinade, balancing savory and tangy flavors.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth — don’t skip it!
- Sugar: A small amount enhances browning and balances acidity.
- Onions: Sweet or yellow onions caramelize beautifully in the skillet.
- Oil: Olive or vegetable oil works well for both the onions and the steaks.
- Fresh herbs: Cilantro or parsley add a bright finishing touch.
Steps to Make Steak and Onions
- Combine lemon juice, soy sauce, pepper, sugar, and garlic in a bowl or zip-top bag. Add the steaks and marinate for about an hour.
- Heat half of the oil in a skillet and cook the sliced onions until golden and tender; remove and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the pan and sear the steaks on both sides until browned.
- Return the onions to the skillet with the reserved marinade and simmer briefly to blend flavors.
- Serve the steaks topped with the onions and sauce, garnished with herbs if desired.
Tips for Success
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes — up to 1 hour for more tender, flavorful steak.
- Use a heavy skillet or cast iron pan for the best sear.
- Don’t overcook; thin steaks only need a few minutes per side.
- Let the steaks rest for a few minutes before serving so the juices redistribute.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy version. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Garlic-butter finish. Stir a pat of butter into the pan sauce just before serving.
- Balsamic twist. Replace half the soy sauce with balsamic vinegar for a richer flavor.
- Vegetable mix-in. Add bell peppers or mushrooms when cooking the onions for more texture and color.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles to soak up the savory sauce.
- Add a green vegetable such as steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach for balance.
- Pair with a crisp salad and crusty bread for a simple, hearty meal.
- Top leftovers with an egg for an easy steak-and-eggs breakfast.
How to Store Steak and Onions
Refrigerate: Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Store cooked steak and onions in freezer bags for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep the meat moist.
Steak and Onions
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium sweet onions, sliced
- chopped cilantro or parsley, for garnish, optional
Instructions
- Put the steaks in a plastic food storage bag or nonreactive container. Add the lemon juice, soy sauce, pepper, sugar, and garlic. Mix well to coat the beef.
- Cover and refrigerate the steaks for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Heat half of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the sliced onion until softened and lightly browned, about 8 to 12 minutes. Remove the onions to a plate and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Remove the steaks from the marinade; set the marinade aside. Cook the steaks until nicely browned on one side, about 2 to 3 minutes. Turn the steaks and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until the steaks are browned.
- Add the onions and reserved marinade to the skillet with the steaks and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Serve the steaks with the sauce mixture and garnish with parsley if desired.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
