Orange-flavored Beef Stir-fry

Beef Stir-fry Recipe with Orange Peel and Almonds

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Orange-flavored Beef Stir-fry is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender beef strips with fresh broccoli, carrots, and a zesty orange sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

Beef stir-fry dishes have been a popular part of Asian cuisine for centuries. The combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and savory sauces has been a staple in many cultures around the world. The addition of orange flavor adds a unique twist to this classic dish, creating a sweet and tangy flavor profile that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) well-trimmed boneless beef top sirloin or top round steak, cut into 0.75-inch thick slices
5 tbsp Kikkoman stir-fry sauce, divided
2 tsp minced garlic
0.25 tsp grated fresh orange peel
1 tbsp fresh orange juice
0.5 tsp cornstarch
1 lb (454 g) fresh broccoli
3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
1 carrot, thinly sliced diagonally
0.25 cup toasted slivered almonds

How to prepare

Cut the beef into strips that are 0.13 to 0.25 inches thick.
Combine 2 tbsp of stir-fry sauce, garlic, and orange peel; stir in the beef to coat.
Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine the remaining 3 tbsp of stir-fry sauce, orange juice, and cornstarch.
Remove the flowerets from the broccoli and cut them into bite-size pieces.
Peel the stalks and cut them diagonally into thin slices.
Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a hot wok or large skillet over high heat.
Stir-fry half of the beef strips for 1 minute; then remove them.
Repeat with 1 tbsp of oil and the remaining beef strips.
Heat the remaining 1 tbsp of oil in the same wok over medium-high heat.
Add the broccoli and carrot; stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, or until crisp-tender.
Sprinkle with water, if needed.
Stir in the stir-fry sauce mixture.
Cook and stir until the mixture boils and thickens.
Return the beef and heat through.
Sprinkle with almonds and serve immediately.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the beef for a different protein option.
Add other vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms for added color and flavor.
Use different citrus fruits such as lemon or lime for a unique twist on the orange flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the beef into thin strips to ensure quick and even cooking.

- Marinating the beef in the stir-fry sauce, garlic, and orange peel helps to infuse the meat with flavor.

- Stir-fry the beef in batches to ensure that it cooks evenly and quickly.

- Adding a splash of water to the vegetables while stir-frying helps to steam them and keep them crisp-tender.

- Toasted slivered almonds add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Orange-flavored Beef Stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is a quick and efficient cooking technique that involves cooking small pieces of food over high heat in a wok or skillet. Be sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as stir-frying happens quickly.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Kikkoman stir-fry sauce, you can use soy sauce mixed with a bit of sugar and ginger for a similar flavor.

- Any type of nut can be used in place of almonds for added crunch.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the beef in the stir-fry sauce mixture ahead of time to save time when cooking. You can also chop the vegetables in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Orange-flavored Beef Stir-fry in a large serving bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with fresh orange slices or cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Orange-flavored Beef Stir-fry with a side of steamed jasmine rice and a crisp cucumber salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Orange-flavored Beef Stir-fry contains approximately 350 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

Orange-flavored Beef Stir-fry contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Orange-flavored Beef Stir-fry contains approximately 20 grams of fats per serving.

Proteins

Orange-flavored Beef Stir-fry contains approximately 30 grams of proteins per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Orange-flavored Beef Stir-fry is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the orange juice and broccoli, as well as iron and zinc from the beef.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy (from the stir-fry sauce) and tree nuts (from the almonds).

Summary

Orange-flavored Beef Stir-fry is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Orange-flavored Beef Stir-fry is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a zesty orange sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. The vibrant colors of the orange-flavored beef stir-fry caught my eye immediately, and I knew I had to learn how to make it. It was a dish unlike any I had ever seen before, a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that seemed to dance on the taste buds.

I first encountered the recipe for orange-flavored beef stir-fry at a dinner party hosted by a friend of a friend. As soon as I took my first bite, I was hooked. The tender slices of beef were coated in a sticky, tangy sauce that was bursting with citrusy goodness. The crisp vegetables added a fresh crunch to each bite, making it a truly satisfying meal.

I knew I had to learn how to make this dish for myself, so I asked the host of the dinner party for the recipe. She graciously shared it with me, explaining each step in detail and offering helpful tips along the way. I took notes furiously, determined to recreate the magic of that orange-flavored beef stir-fry in my own kitchen.

I gathered all the ingredients I would need – thinly sliced beef, bell peppers, carrots, and of course, plenty of fresh oranges. I marinated the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, allowing the flavors to infuse and tenderize the meat. While the beef was marinating, I juiced the oranges and zested their bright peels, creating a vibrant and zesty sauce to coat the stir-fry.

As I cooked the beef in a hot skillet, the aromas of ginger and garlic filled the air, mingling with the sweet scent of oranges. I added the bell peppers and carrots, allowing them to cook until they were just tender-crisp. Finally, I poured in the orange sauce, watching as it bubbled and thickened, coating the beef and vegetables in a sticky, glossy glaze.

The moment I took my first bite of the orange-flavored beef stir-fry I had made myself, I knew I had succeeded. The flavors were just as I remembered from that dinner party, perfectly balanced and utterly delicious. I savored each bite, reveling in the satisfaction of creating a dish that brought me so much joy.

From that day on, orange-flavored beef stir-fry became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family dinners, potlucks with friends, and even for special occasions. It was a dish that never failed to impress, drawing compliments and requests for the recipe wherever it went.

Over the years, I have continued to refine and perfect my recipe for orange-flavored beef stir-fry. I have added my own twists and variations, experimenting with different vegetables, spices, and cooking techniques. Each time I make it, I am reminded of that first magical encounter with the recipe and the joy it has brought me ever since.

To this day, orange-flavored beef stir-fry remains one of my favorite dishes to make. It is a testament to the power of good food to bring people together, to create lasting memories, and to inspire a lifelong love of cooking. I am grateful for the friend who shared the recipe with me all those years ago, and for the joy and satisfaction it has brought me ever since.