Looking for a dish that’s both tangy and savory, sweet yet bold? Orange Beef is here to make your taste buds dance. This dish combines tender, crispy beef with a zesty, sweet orange sauce that hits all the right notes. It’s like your favorite takeout dish but better, made right in your own kitchen with fresh ingredients and a touch of love.
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Trust me when I say—this recipe is a game-changer. Every bite is bursting with flavor and perfectly balanced, making it the ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You’ll want to savor every juicy, crispy bite!
Let’s get into why this Orange Beef is about to become your new favorite.
Why You’ll Love Orange Beef
Versatile
Perfect for any night of the week, this dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or noodles. It’s versatile enough to be your go-to weeknight dinner or a hit at a dinner party.
Budget-Friendly
Using simple ingredients, you’ll have a dish that tastes just as good (if not better) than takeout—without the hefty price tag.
Quick and Easy
It comes together in a flash! The beef gets a crispy coating, and the sauce is made with just a few ingredients. No need to spend hours in the kitchen—just 30 minutes and you’re good to go.
Customizable
You can adjust the sweetness and heat level of the orange sauce to fit your taste. Want it spicier? Add some chili flakes. Prefer it sweeter? Add a bit more honey or orange juice.
Crowd-Pleasing
Sweet, savory, crispy—this dish has it all and is guaranteed to impress everyone at the table. It’s a dish that brings a smile to anyone’s face!
Ingredients in Orange Beef
Let’s break down the ingredients that make this dish a knockout:
Beef: Flank steak or sirloin is your best bet—both are tender and slice perfectly for this dish. Cut into thin strips for the best texture.
Cornstarch: Used to coat the beef, giving it that crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Eggs: Helps the cornstarch stick to the beef and creates that perfect crispy texture.
Orange Juice and Zest: The key to that bright, citrusy flavor that makes this dish stand out. Fresh orange juice is a must!
Soy Sauce: Adds savory depth to balance out the sweetness of the orange sauce.
Honey or Sugar: For that sweet kick that complements the tangy orange flavor.
Garlic and Ginger: These two aromatics bring the perfect savory balance to the sauce, giving it a fragrant, bold punch.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a hint of acidity that brightens up the sauce and rounds out the flavors.
Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch adds a touch of heat—optional if you like things spicy!
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to make this amazing dish:
Prepare the Beef: Slice your beef into thin strips against the grain. This ensures tenderness. Coat the strips with egg and then dredge in cornstarch for that crispy coating.
Fry the Beef: Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the coated beef strips in batches, making sure they’re golden and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Orange Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey or sugar, and a splash of rice vinegar. Bring it to a simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine Beef and Sauce: Add the crispy beef strips back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the beef evenly, making sure every piece is covered in that delicious orange glaze.
Finishing Touches: If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let everything cook together for another minute or so to ensure the beef absorbs the flavors of the sauce.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Orange Beef over steamed rice, noodles, or alongside your favorite vegetable side. Enjoy immediately while it’s crispy and saucy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 330
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Orange Beef
This dish pairs beautifully with:
Steamed Rice: A classic pairing that helps balance the sauce’s flavors.
Stir-Fried Veggies: Think broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas—lightly seasoned to complement the sweet and savory beef.
Noodles: Serve over noodles for a hearty, filling meal.
Crispy Spring Rolls: These are great as an appetizer or side for a full Chinese-inspired meal.
Pickled Vegetables: A side of quick-pickled cucumbers or carrots adds a refreshing crunch to the dish.
Presentation tip: Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for a pop of color and texture.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Cut your beef and prepare the sauce the night before. You can store the sauce in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Make It Spicy: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or even a dash of hot sauce to make it as spicy as you like.
Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce, feel free to double the ingredients for the orange glaze. It’s great for drizzling over rice.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply toss the beef in a hot skillet for a minute or two.
Freezing Tip: You can freeze the cooked beef and sauce in an airtight container for up to a month. Thaw and reheat in a skillet for best results.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A1: Absolutely! You can swap the beef for chicken breast or thighs. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time. Just reheat them separately before combining.
Q3: How do I keep the beef crispy?
A3: For crispy beef, make sure to fry in batches and avoid overcrowding the skillet. Keep the beef in a single layer to prevent sogginess.
Q4: Can I make this dish spicier?
A4: Yes, feel free to add more red pepper flakes, sriracha, or even fresh chili peppers to spice things up.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A5: Reheat the beef in a hot skillet to maintain the crispiness. Add a little water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Q6: Can I freeze this dish?
A6: Yes, freeze the beef and sauce separately in airtight containers. Reheat in a skillet when you’re ready to serve.
Q7: Can I use another citrus fruit?
A7: Sure! Try lemon or lime for a different twist, though orange definitely gives it the signature flavor.
Q8: Can I use bottled orange juice?
A8: Fresh orange juice works best, but if you’re in a pinch, bottled juice will work. Just avoid the overly sweetened versions.
Q9: What can I serve with Orange Beef?
A9: Serve it with steamed rice, stir-fried veggies, or a simple side salad for a well-rounded meal.
Q10: How do I make this dish gluten-free?
A10: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and substitute cornstarch for the flour.
Final Thoughts
Orange Beef is one of those dishes that’s so full of flavor, it’s hard to believe it’s so easy to make. It’s crispy, juicy, and the sweet-and-sour orange sauce is absolutely irresistible. Make this dish once, and it’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Perfect for a weeknight or weekend gathering, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
Print
Orange Beef
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Orange Beef Stir Fry is a deliciously quick and easy dinner that combines tender strips of sirloin steak with crisp green beans, all tossed in a tangy citrusy sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight meal for those craving vibrant flavors and hearty ingredients.
Ingredients
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Zest from a small orange
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1/2 cup orange juice
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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2 tablespoons rice vinegar
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2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
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2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
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2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
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2 teaspoons cornstarch
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2 teaspoons sesame oil
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3/4 pound fresh green beans, ends cut, trimmed into 2-inch pieces
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 1/2 pounds sirloin, sliced very thin across the grain and then into 2-inch wide pieces
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2 scallions, diced
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Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange zest, orange juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, ginger, and cornstarch.
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Heat sesame oil over medium-high in a large nonstick skillet. Add the green beans and sauté for about 4 minutes, until they are charred and crisp-tender. Remove the green beans with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a large bowl.
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Ensure the skillet is still hot. Pat the sirloin dry with paper towels, season with salt and pepper, and add to the skillet. Spread the pieces out in a single layer and let them cook without stirring for 1 minute. Afterward, give it a toss and transfer the beef to the bowl with the green beans.
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Give the orange juice mixture a quick stir to reincorporate the ingredients, then add it to the skillet. Scrape up any brown bits from the pan and cook until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
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Add the cooked sirloin and green beans back into the skillet along with any accumulated juices and the diced scallions. Toss everything to coat evenly.
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Serve the stir fry over cooked rice and enjoy!
Notes
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If you prefer a spicier version, increase the amount of chili garlic sauce.
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For added crunch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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