Orange Sesame Beef Stir Fry

Orange Sesame Beef Stir Fry Recipe from China

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Orange Sesame Beef Stir Fry is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender strips of beef with a tangy orange sauce and toasted sesame seeds. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

The origins of Orange Sesame Beef Stir Fry can be traced back to traditional Chinese stir fry dishes that have been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of orange juice, soy sauce, and sesame seeds creates a unique and delicious flavor profile that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) beef loin or sirloin, cut into thin strips
1 cup orange juice
0.25 cup lite or regular soy sauce
1.5 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp garlic powder
0.25 tsp ground red pepper flakes (optional)
4 tsp toasted sesame seeds, divided
8 cups sliced vegetables such as broccoli, sugar snap peas, onion, or red bell pepper
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp sugar

How to prepare

Place the meat in a self-closing plastic bag.
Combine orange juice, soy sauce, ginger, garlic powder, and red pepper.
Reserve half of the marinade and pour the remaining marinade over the steak.
Marinate the steak in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
Sauté the beef and 3 tsp of toasted sesame seeds in hot oil in a large skillet over high heat for about 3 minutes or until the beef is browned.
Remove the beef from the skillet and keep it warm.
Add the vegetables to the skillet and cook and stir until they are crisp-tender, about 3–5 minutes.
Combine the reserved marinade with cornstarch and sugar.
Add the mixture to the skillet and bring it to a boil.
Return the beef to the skillet, stir, and heat through.
Top with the remaining 1 tsp of toasted sesame seeds and serve over rice, if desired.
Makes 6 servings.

Variations

You can substitute chicken or tofu for the beef in this recipe.
Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms, to customize the dish to your liking.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the beef into thin strips to ensure that it cooks quickly and evenly.

- Marinating the beef in the orange juice and soy sauce mixture helps to infuse the meat with flavor and tenderize it.

- Toasting the sesame seeds before adding them to the dish enhances their nutty flavor and adds a nice crunch.

- Be sure to cook the vegetables until they are crisp-tender to maintain their texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Orange Sesame Beef Stir Fry is delicious served over rice or noodles. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables or a side salad.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the beef over high heat to quickly brown the meat and seal in the juices.

- Be sure to cook the vegetables over high heat to maintain their crisp texture.

- Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry to create a glossy and flavorful sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use chicken or tofu instead of beef in this recipe.

- Substitute orange zest for the orange juice for a more intense orange flavor.

- Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the beef in the orange juice and soy sauce mixture up to 24 hours in advance.

- Prep the vegetables ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color. - Serve the stir fry in individual bowls or on a platter for a beautiful presentation. - Sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Orange Sesame Beef Stir Fry pairs well with steamed white rice or brown rice.

- Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried bok choy for a complete meal.

- Pair with a crisp white wine or a cold beer to complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for a quick meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Orange Sesame Beef Stir Fry contains approximately 300 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

Orange Sesame Beef Stir Fry contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Orange Sesame Beef Stir Fry contains approximately 10 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

Orange Sesame Beef Stir Fry contains approximately 25 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Orange Sesame Beef Stir Fry is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

Orange Sesame Beef Stir Fry contains soy and sesame seeds.

Summary

Orange Sesame Beef Stir Fry is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Orange Sesame Beef Stir Fry is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. With a flavorful orange sauce, tender beef, and crisp vegetables, this stir fry is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a chilly autumn day, and I was browsing through a stack of old cookbooks at a neighborhood yard sale. As soon as I stumbled upon the page with the recipe for Orange Sesame Beef Stir Fry, I knew I had to try it.

The recipe was written in beautiful cursive handwriting, with detailed instructions and a list of ingredients that made my mouth water. I could almost smell the savory aroma of the beef cooking in a tangy orange sauce, mixed with the nutty flavor of sesame seeds.

I purchased the cookbook without hesitation, eager to bring this new recipe into my culinary repertoire. Little did I know that this dish would become one of my family's favorites, passed down through generations as a cherished tradition.

As I flipped through the pages of the cookbook, I couldn't help but wonder about the origins of this recipe. Who had created it? Where did it come from? I had always been fascinated by the stories behind the dishes I cooked, and I was determined to uncover the history of this particular recipe.

I decided to start by asking around in my community, hoping that someone would recognize the recipe and be able to shed some light on its origins. It wasn't long before I stumbled upon Mrs. Jenkins, a sweet elderly woman who was known for her knowledge of traditional recipes.

When I showed her the page from the cookbook, her eyes lit up with recognition. "Oh, that's the Orange Sesame Beef Stir Fry recipe," she exclaimed. "I learned how to make that dish from a dear friend of mine many years ago."

Mrs. Jenkins went on to tell me the story of how she had met her friend, a Chinese immigrant who had brought the recipe with her from her homeland. She had shared the recipe with Mrs. Jenkins as a token of their friendship, and it had quickly become a staple in their shared meals.

I was fascinated by the story and felt a deep connection to the recipe knowing that it had traveled from the heart of China to my small kitchen. I couldn't wait to try my hand at recreating the dish, using the traditional methods and ingredients passed down through generations.

The first time I made the Orange Sesame Beef Stir Fry, I followed the recipe to the letter, taking care to marinate the beef in a mixture of orange juice, soy sauce, and ginger before stir-frying it with bell peppers and snow peas. The aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating, and I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special.

As I sat down to enjoy the dish with my family that evening, I watched as their faces lit up with delight at the first bite. The flavor was unlike anything we had ever tasted before – a perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a hint of citrus that danced on our taste buds.

From that moment on, Orange Sesame Beef Stir Fry became a regular feature on our dinner table. I made it for special occasions and family gatherings, each time marveling at the way a simple recipe could bring us all together in shared joy and appreciation for good food.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own touch with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a dash of chili flakes for an extra kick. But the heart of the dish remains the same – a testament to the power of tradition and the stories that live within each recipe we cook.

As I write this, I can't help but think back to that chilly autumn day when I first discovered the Orange Sesame Beef Stir Fry recipe. It feels like a lifetime ago, yet the memory of that moment is as vivid and dear to me as ever.

I am grateful for the journey that led me to this recipe, for the stories and traditions that have enriched my life, and for the joy of sharing good food with those I love. And I hope that as you read this story and try your hand at making the Orange Sesame Beef Stir Fry yourself, you will feel the same sense of connection and wonder that I have experienced in my own culinary adventures. Bon appétit!