Orange beef is a flavorful dish that combines the tanginess of oranges with tender beef. This dish is perfect for an easy Friday-night fakeaway, bringing the taste of a Chinese takeaway right to your home. The crispy beef, coated in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, makes for a delightful meal. It’s ideal for a cozy dinner or when you want to impress guests with a simple yet sophisticated dish.
Choosing the Right Beef
For the best orange beef recipe, selecting the right cut of beef is crucial. Opt for beef steak, specifically flank or sirloin, as these cuts are tender and flavorful. Ensure the beef is fresh and of high quality for the best results.
Seasoning the Beef
Seasoning is key to enhancing the flavor of your orange beef. Use soy sauce to marinate the beef, adding depth and umami to the dish. For an extra kick, sprinkle in some chilli flakes or sriracha. The tanginess of the orange sauce combined with these spices creates a harmonious blend of flavors.
Recommended Cooking Equipment
Having the right cooking equipment makes a big difference. You’ll need a sharp knife for slicing the beef, a large skillet or wok for stir-frying, and a slotted spoon for draining the beef. A kitchen roll is handy to soak up excess oil after frying, ensuring the beef remains crispy and cooked through.
How to Use Equipment Effectively
- Knife: Ensure your knife is sharp to slice the beef thinly and evenly. This helps the beef cook quickly and remain tender.
- Skillet/Wok: Preheat the skillet or wok over high heat. This ensures the beef sears quickly, retaining its juices and creating a crispy exterior.
- Slotted Spoon: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef from the oil to a kitchen roll. This helps remove excess oil, keeping the beef crispy.
- Kitchen Roll: Place the beef on the kitchen roll to soak up any extra oil, maintaining its crispiness and preventing the dish from becoming greasy.
Comprehensive Orange Beef Recipe
Orange Beef Recipe
Orange Beef Recipe: This orange beef recipe brings a delightful balance of tangy and sweet flavors, with crispy beef coated in a rich orange sauce. It's a perfect dish for a cozy dinner or an impressive meal for guests, offering a homemade take on a Chinese-takeaway favorite.
Ingredients
- 500g beef steak (flank or sirloin), thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cornflour
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tablespoons orange zest
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 red pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 spring onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon chilli flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Beef:
- In a bowl, marinate the beef slices with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Coat the marinated beef with cornflour, ensuring each piece is well covered.
Make the Orange Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and water. Set aside.
Cook the Beef:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
- Fry the beef slices in batches until crispy and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked beef to a kitchen roll to soak up excess oil.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add red pepper and spring onions. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until slightly tender.
Combine and Simmer:
- Return the crispy beef to the skillet.
- Pour the orange sauce over the beef and vegetables. Add chilli flakes if desired.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 350Total Fat: 15gCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25g
Serving Suggestions
Orange beef pairs perfectly with a bowl of fluffy rice or stir-fried noodles. For a balanced meal, serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. The combination of tender meat and tangy orange sauce complements well with these sides, creating a delightful dining experience.
Cooking Tips
- Tender Meat: Ensure the beef is sliced thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Crispy Beef: Coat the beef evenly with cornflour and fry in hot oil to achieve a crispy texture.
- Tangy Sauce: Adjust the amount of brown sugar and vinegar to balance the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce to your liking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Fry the beef in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause the meat to steam rather than fry, resulting in chewy meat.
- Incorrect Heat: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the beef. If the oil is not hot enough, the beef will absorb more oil and become greasy.
- Ignoring the Sauce: Don’t rush the sauce. Allow it to simmer and thicken properly to achieve a rich, flavorful coating.
Conclusion
Incorporating this orange beef recipe into your meal rotation brings a delicious and tangy twist to your dining table. The combination of crispy beef and a sweet, tangy orange sauce is sure to impress. Serve it with a big bowl of fluffy rice or stir-fried noodles for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Enjoy this Chinese-takeaway-inspired dish at home and share the delightful flavors with family and friends.
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I’m Calvin Lamb, an LA-based culinary enthusiast with a decade’s experience in five-star kitchens. My innovative dishes, inspired by seasonal flavors and sustainable practices, blend classic and modern cuisine. Besides crafting unique culinary experiences, I relish exploring new eateries and devising fresh recipes.