Orange Beef
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this irresistible Orange Beef recipe. Crispy, tender beef strips meet a tangy orange glaze, creating a dish that bursts with flavor in every bite. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Whether you’re craving a cozy family dinner or aiming to impress guests, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality experience at home. The vibrant orange glaze paired with a hint of spice guarantees it’ll be a standout favorite.
Skip the takeout and savor the joy of cooking this quick and easy meal. Ready in minutes and served best with rice or noodles, Orange Beef is the dinner upgrade you didn’t know you needed.
Orange Beef: Key Ingredients That Bring This Dish to Life
- Flank Steak: The foundation of the dish, this tender cut absorbs the bold flavors while delivering a perfect bite.
- Orange Marmalade: The heart of the glaze, infusing sweet, tangy citrus notes that define the dish.
- Soy Sauce: Adds depth with its savory, umami richness, balancing the sweetness of the orange.
- Red Pepper Flakes: A subtle kick of heat that elevates every bite with a touch of spice.
- Sesame Oil: A nutty aroma and delicate finish that ties the flavors together beautifully.
Recipe Tips
- Perfectly Slicing the Steak: Always slice the flank steak against the grain to ensure tenderness. Thin slices cook quickly and absorb the flavorful orange glaze better. Chill the steak slightly before slicing for easier handling and precision.
- Achieving Crispy Coating: Toss the steak thoroughly in cornstarch to ensure even coating. This not only gives the beef a satisfying crisp texture but also helps the sauce cling beautifully to the pieces. Shake off excess cornstarch to prevent clumping.
- Balancing Sweet and Heat: Adjust the level of red pepper flakes to suit your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount slightly, or leave it out. For a zestier kick, consider adding a touch of fresh ginger or extra flakes.
What to Serve with Orange Beef
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy and slightly aromatic nature of jasmine rice pairs perfectly with the bold, tangy flavors of the orange glaze. It acts as a neutral base, soaking up the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic Stir-Fried Vegetables: A mix of broccoli, snap peas, and carrots lightly stir-fried in garlic complements the richness of the beef. Their crunch and fresh flavors create a harmonious balance.
- Egg Noodles: Tossed in a light sesame or soy sauce drizzle, egg noodles are a comforting choice that enhances the overall texture and absorbs the vibrant sauce effortlessly.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can substitute flank steak with skirt steak or sirloin, both of which work well for this recipe. Ensure the beef is sliced thinly against the grain for tenderness.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and slice the beef ahead of time. Store them separately and cook just before serving for the best results.
3. Is there a substitute for orange marmalade?
If you don’t have orange marmalade, you can use a mix of orange juice and honey or orange jam to achieve a similar sweet-tangy flavor.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Orange Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Orange Beef
Ingredients
- ½ pound flank steak thinly sliced into 2-inch strips
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¾ cup orange marmalade
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain into strips approximately 2 inches long. Place the strips in a bowl and coat evenly with the cornstarch by tossing gently.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the orange juice, orange marmalade, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cornstarch-coated steak to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the exterior is evenly browned, approximately 5 to 8 minutes.
- Pour the prepared orange sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir the mixture continuously, allowing the sauce to thicken as it cooks. This process should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Once the beef is fully cooked and the sauce has reached the desired consistency, remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve the Orange Beef over a bed of rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds. Enjoy immediately.
