Sweet ‘n Spicy Chinese Orange Beef (50 Minutes)

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When you’re craving that perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and savory, Chinese orange beef can be your go-to. Think tender beef strips, breaded and fried to perfection, then coated in a zesty orange sauce and accompanied by the sweetness of carrots and the kick of chiles. This dish not only delivers an explosion of flavors but also brings together textures that make every bite memorable.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb beef flank steak, cut into strips
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch, for dredging
  • 1 cup vegetable oil, for frying
  • 2 medium carrots, julienned
  • 2–3 red chiles, deseeded and sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Green onions, for garnish
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep Beef (10 minutes): Season beef strips with salt and pepper. Dredge each strip in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
  2. Fry Beef (10 minutes): In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry beef strips in batches until golden and crispy. Set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
  3. Prepare the Sauce (5 minutes): In a mixing bowl, combine orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
  4. Cook Vegetables (5 minutes): In the same skillet, after removing excess oil, sauté garlic, chiles, and julienned carrots for 3-4 minutes or until slightly tender.
  5. Combine and Simmer (5 minutes): Return the beef to the skillet. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables, and stir well. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
  6. Serve (2 minutes): Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Best served with steamed rice.

Notes

Chinese orange beef offers that perfect balance of flavors – the sweetness of the orange sauce is complemented by the slight bitterness of the chiles and the savoriness of the beef. When plating this dish, consider adding a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas for an added layer of freshness and crunch. And if you’re looking to dial up or down the heat, simply adjust the number of chiles to your preference. The next time you have that takeout craving, remember this recipe; you might just find the homemade version even more satisfying!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Pair this with...

Miso Ginger Salad

Start by preparing a mix of your favorite salad greens; think romaine, iceberg lettuce, or baby greens. Toss in sliced radishes, shredded carrots, and sliced cucumbers for that refreshing crunch. For the dressing, whisk together white miso paste, freshly grated ginger, a dash of soy sauce, a bit of rice vinegar, and some sesame oil. If you like a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of honey or agave nectar will do the trick. Blend until smooth, adjusting the consistency with a little water if needed. Drizzle this punchy dressing over your greens and give it a good toss. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Sea Salt Edamame

Begin with fresh or frozen edamame pods. If frozen, give them a quick rinse under cold water. Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, toss in the edamame, and let them cook for a few minutes until they're tender and bright green. Drain the water and transfer the edamame to a serving bowl. While they're still hot and a tad steamy, sprinkle a generous pinch of coarse sea salt over them. The crystals will cling to the pods, giving them a delightful salty crunch. Serve immediately and enjoy the process of squeezing those succulent soybeans straight from the pods into your mouth.

Green Tea

Brewing the perfect cup begins with quality tea leaves, whether they're in a bag or loose. Start by boiling water, then let it cool slightly – you're aiming for just under boiling point, as water that's too hot can make the tea taste bitter. Add your tea to a teapot or directly to your cup, then pour the hot water over the leaves. Steep for about 1-3 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea. Remember, the longer you steep, the stronger and potentially more bitter the tea becomes. Once it's to your liking, remove the tea leaves or bag. You can enjoy green tea plain, or with a small dash of honey or lemon if desired.

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