Orange Beef

3 Shares

This crispy orange beef dish features a savory, tangy sauce that balances out the crispiness of the beef with its fresh citrusy notes. The combination of orange juice and zest adds a zesty flair, while the ginger and garlic infuse the dish with rich depth. Garnished with green onions, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

The sweet and savory sauce envelops the crispy beef, making each bite an explosion of flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, allowing the sauce to be absorbed into every grain, making it the perfect comforting meal for any occasion. Whether for a family dinner or a special gathering, this orange beef will leave everyone asking for the recipe!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons orange zest
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Combine cornstarch, flour, baking soda, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the beef slices with this mixture, making sure they are fully covered.
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the beef slices in batches, frying until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Remove the beef and set it aside on paper towels to drain.
In a separate bowl, mix together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, orange zest, garlic, and ginger.
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Add the fried beef back into the skillet, tossing to coat the beef in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the beef is well coated and crispy.
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Origin of Orange Beef

Orange Beef, also known as Crispy Orange Beef, is a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine. It combines crispy beef with a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy orange sauce. While the dish is typically associated with Chinese food in Western countries, it is actually a fusion recipe. It takes inspiration from traditional Chinese flavors, particularly those used in Cantonese cuisine, and blends them with the flavors commonly found in American Chinese dishes, such as orange chicken. The dish is a part of the vibrant Chinese-American takeout menu and has gained popularity due to its mouthwatering combination of textures and flavors.

Cooking Tips

Beef Selection: Choose a tender cut of beef, such as flank steak or sirloin. These cuts work well because they are easy to slice thinly and cook quickly while maintaining tenderness. When slicing the beef, try to cut against the grain to ensure a more tender texture.
Crispiness: The key to achieving a crispy texture in this dish is in the frying process. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the beef slices. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the beef will become soggy rather than crispy. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the beef. Cook in batches to ensure each slice gets crispy.
Adjusting the Sauce: The sauce can be customized to your taste. If you prefer a spicier version, you can add a small amount of chili flakes or red pepper to the sauce. Conversely, if you like it sweeter, you can increase the sugar. Taste the sauce before adding the beef to ensure it reaches the desired balance of flavors.
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas to create a balanced meal. For added texture and flavor, garnish the dish with toasted sesame seeds or fresh cilantro.
Make-Ahead: While the beef is best served immediately to maintain its crispiness, the sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and toss the freshly fried beef with it to achieve that perfect crispy coating.

Serving Ideas for Special Occasions

Orange Beef is a fantastic dish for special occasions like Chinese New Year, family gatherings, or even casual dinner parties. It’s a crowd-pleaser with its balance of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy bold, savory meals.

More About Orange Beef

Orange Beef is a delightful dish that brings together tender beef coated in a crispy exterior with a tangy, sweet orange sauce that perfectly balances the flavors. It’s a popular dish in Chinese-American cuisine, often featured in takeout menus and beloved for its satisfying mix of textures and flavors. The crispy beef paired with the vibrant citrusy sauce creates a perfect contrast, making it a crowd favorite for both family dinners and gatherings.

Though often confused with its counterpart, orange chicken, Orange Beef is equally delicious and offers a meatier texture and bolder flavor. While the dish is a Chinese-American staple, it draws inspiration from traditional Chinese flavors but is adapted to cater to Western tastes by utilizing ingredients such as orange juice, soy sauce, and vinegar, which help create a flavorful sauce.

History and Origin of Orange Beef

The dish is believed to be a variation of orange chicken, which itself has roots in Chinese-American cuisine. The inspiration for these recipes stems from the Chinese culinary tradition of using citrus fruits like oranges and lemons to balance savory and spicy flavors. However, the crispy beef with its orange sauce is distinctly popular in Chinese restaurants in America and Canada.

Over the years, this dish has evolved, with different chefs adding their unique twist, including changes in the level of sweetness or spiciness. While not commonly found in China, Orange Beef has become a favorite among diners who enjoy bold flavors and crispy textures.

Cooking Techniques and Tips

Choosing the Right Beef Cut: For this recipe, lean cuts of beef like flank steak or sirloin are ideal because they’re tender and easy to slice thinly. Thin slices of beef are crucial for getting that perfect crispy coating. Make sure to slice the beef against the grain to ensure tenderness in each bite.
Frying the Beef: The key to achieving crispy beef is to ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the beef. Use a deep skillet or wok, and don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry the beef in batches to allow each piece to get golden and crispy. This step is essential for maintaining the desired texture.
Sauce Consistency: The orange sauce should be thick enough to coat the beef but not too thick that it turns sticky. You can adjust the thickness by simmering it longer if you prefer a thicker sauce or adding a little bit of water or stock to thin it out.
Balancing Flavors: Orange beef strikes a balance between sweet, salty, and tangy flavors. The orange juice provides sweetness, while soy sauce brings saltiness, and rice vinegar adds a slight tang. If you prefer more heat, a small amount of chili flakes or sriracha can be added to the sauce.
Serving Suggestions: Orange Beef is often served with steamed rice, fried rice, or even noodles. You can also add stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots to make the dish more colorful and nutritious. Garnish the dish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and texture.

Healthier Modifications and Variations

Gluten-Free Option: For those who are gluten intolerant, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free flour blend for the batter.
Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with tofu or seitan to make a vegetarian version. If using tofu, be sure to press it to remove excess moisture before frying so that it becomes crispy.
Add Vegetables: To make this a more well-rounded meal, consider adding stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli. These not only add color and texture but also increase the nutritional value of the dish.
Sweetness Level: If you prefer a more tangy and less sweet sauce, feel free to reduce the sugar in the sauce mixture. Conversely, if you enjoy a sweeter dish, you can increase the sugar or add honey to enhance the flavor.

Pairing and Serving Ideas

Perfect Pairings: Orange Beef is a rich dish, so it pairs well with a side of steamed white rice or fried rice. You can also serve it with some lightly sautéed vegetables or a simple Chinese-style cabbage salad to complement the sweet and savory flavors.

Wine Pairings: For an ideal drink pairing, opt for a crisp, refreshing white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a light Riesling. The acidity of these wines will cut through the richness of the dish and enhance the citrusy notes.

Serving Occasions: This dish is great for family dinners, weekend meals, or special occasions. It’s perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors and crispy textures. You can serve it as a main dish during a family gathering or dinner party, and it’s sure to impress your guests with its sweet, savory, and citrusy flavors.

Conclusion

Orange Beef is a flavorful, crispy dish with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. It’s a favorite in Chinese-American cuisine and can easily be customized to suit different dietary preferences. Whether you stick with traditional beef or try a vegetarian or gluten-free version, this dish is versatile and perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Serve it with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal. Its bold flavors and crispy texture are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves flavorful, comforting food.

Pin3