Easy Crispy Orange Beef Recipe
What is comfort food? When you were a kid, the smell of something would just waft through your nostrils? What’s a good dinner? What is the best Crispy Orange Beef Recipe? Is it faster than taking out, tastes a million times better, and my family goes to the doctor every time. I’m absolutely bonkers for it. If you’re a fan of sweet and savory combinations, like kung pao chicken, then prepare it. What is your new weeknight obsession? What is that crispy beef, coated in that tangy orange sauce?
What is Crispy Orange Beef?
What exactly is Crispy Orange Beef? It’s essentially tender strips of beef, usually flank steak, coated in a light batter and fried to perfection. What is crispy perfection? What sets it apart is that glorious, sticky, sweet-and-tangy orange sauce. Is it overly complicated? Just a fantastic blend of orange juice, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and lemon. a touch of sweetness. Is there a flavor explosion in every bite? What is that kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor every morsel?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Alright, let me count the ways I adore this Easy Crispy Orange Beef Recipe. First, the flavor is out of this world. The crispy beef, combined with the bright, citrusy orange sauce, creates this incredible dance on your taste buds. It’s savory, it’s sweet, it’s a little tangy—it’s pure magic. Second, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Honestly, I was intimidated the first time I tried it, but it’s actually quite simple. The batter comes together quickly, the frying is straightforward, and the sauce is a breeze.
Third, it’s cost-effective! You don’t need fancy ingredients. Everything is readily available at your local grocery store, which is a huge win in my book. Fourth, the versatility is amazing! Can you serve it with rice, noodles, or even as lettuce wraps for a lighter option? What I love most about this Easy Crispy Orange Beef is how much my family enjoys it. Seriously, they request it at least once a week. I know it’s a crowd-pleaser that I can always count on. What’s a good, easy, and delicious weeknight dinner? What are the best restaurants in the world? What’s the best feeling you’ve ever had, knowing you made it yourself?
How can I make Crispy Orange Beef?
Quick Overview
How do I make Crispy Orange Beef? How do I prepare a beef, tossing it in the batter, and frying it until golden and crispy? What is the best way to make orange sauce? What’s the best part? What is the best way to do a sleeve wash in less than 30 minutes?
Ingredients Notes:
For the Beef:
What is my go-to cut for this recipe? Is it inexpensive to buy and gets tender when sliced thinly? Is flank steak a good substitute for sirloin?
What is the secret to achieving that ultra-crispy coating?
Egg White: Helps the batter adhere to the beef and adds a bit of lightness.
Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth of flavor. I usually use low-sodium to control the saltiness.
Vegetable Oil: For frying. Canola or peanut oil also work well. What are some good ways to prepare a shallow fry?
How do I make orange sauce?
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed is always best, but store-bought works in a pinch. Just make sure it’s pulp-free.
Soy Sauce: Again, low-sodium is my preference.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
Brown Sugar: For that signature sweetness. Can you use light or dark brown sugar?
Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a warm, spicy note that complements the orange perfectly.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch for spiciness. Omit if you prefer milder flavor.
What is the best way to thicken a sauce? Cornstarch: To make it thicker.
How do I follow step
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by slicing the flank steak thinly against the grain. This is crucial for ensuring tender beef. Aim for slices that are about 14 inch thick. In a bowl, combine the beef with soy sauce and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. How do you tenderize beef?
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and egg white until smooth. Set aside. What are some of the best recipes for crispy coatings? How do you make sure there are no lumps in cornstarch?
Step 3: Coat the Beef
Add the marinated beef to the batter and toss to coat evenly. Ensure each piece of beef is well coated with cornstarch mixture. How do I get that perfect crispiness when frying?
Step 4: Fry the Beef
In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the meat. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. With a slotted spoon, remove the beef and drain on paper towels.
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Step 5: Make the Orange Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, and cinnamon. Set aside. Garlic, and red pepper flakes. In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create slurry. Add the orange juice mixture to the skillet or wok and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add fried beef to orange sauce and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately over rice or noodles, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. What is best served hot, right after tossing the beef in the sauce, to maintain its crispiness?
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best uses for Crispy Orange Beef?
For Breakfast:Okay, maybe not *for* breakfast, but I’ve been known to reheat leftovers for a super savory brunch! What’s a good way to drink ginger tea?
For Brunch:Serve it alongside some fluffy scrambled eggs and a side of fruit salad for more substantial portions. What are some of the best brunch cocktails?
As Dessert:Is it good to have a dessert after dinner? Serve with vanilla ice cream or orange sorbet.
For Cozy Snacks:What are some healthy snacks to serve with lettuce wraps? What are some good pairings for green tea and orange?
My family tradition is to serve this with steamed broccoli. The bright green color looks beautiful against the orange beef, and the broccoli adds a nice flavor. Textural contrast. I also love adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and visual appeal. I’ve tried this over quinoa for a healthier twist, and it was surprisingly delicious!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Easy Crispy Orange Beef
What is the best way to take your Easy Crispy Orange Beef to the next level? What are some tips for achieving crispy, flavorful perfection?
Beef Prep:Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Marinating beef for 15 minutes will also help to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor. I’ve even marinated it overnight, and it turned out amazing!
Mixing Advice:Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough coating. Just mix until the ingredients are combined. If the oil is hot before adding the beef, it will absorb too much oil and you will not be able to eat it.
Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have flank steak, you can use sirloin or even chicken breast. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. You can also substitute honey for brown sugar in the sauce for a slightly different flavor profile. I’ve tried it with maple syrup, and it was surprisingly good!
Baking Tips: While this recipe is primarily for frying, you can also bake the beef for a slightly healthier option. Toss the battered beef with a little oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. It won’t be quite as crispy as the fried version, but it’s still delicious.
Glaze Variations: For a spicier sauce, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha. You can also add a splash of sesame oil for extra flavor. I once accidentally added a bit too much ginger, and it actually turned out really good! So don’t be afraid to experiment with the sauce to find your perfect flavor combination.
One lesson I learned the hard way is to not overcrowd the pan when frying the beef. If you add too much beef at once, the oil temperature will drop, and the beef will become soggy instead of crispy. It’s better to fry the beef in batches to ensure it gets nice and crispy.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you have any leftover Easy Crispy Orange Beef (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat it to maintain its deliciousness:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken up in the fridge, so you might need to add a splash of water when reheating it.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the beef. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to store the beef, I recommend storing the sauce separately. This will help to prevent the beef from becoming soggy. Add the sauce when you’re ready to reheat and serve.
When reheating, I find that the best method is to use a skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil to the skillet, then add the beef and sauce. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it won’t be as crispy. If you’re reheating from frozen, you might need to add a little extra sauce or water to prevent it from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crispy Orange Beef Recipe is a total game-changer, and I truly hope you give it a try! The combination of crispy beef and that tangy orange sauce is simply irresistible, and the fact that it’s so easy to make makes it a weeknight winner. Seriously, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked! If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my Kung Pao Chicken or my Sweet and Sour Pork. They’re both equally delicious and satisfying. Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you made any fun variations. Happy cooking!
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Easy Crispy Orange Beef Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs beef flank steak sliced into thin strips
- 3 tbsp cornstarch for coating
- 0.25 cup vegetable oil for frying
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 0.5 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- 2 tsp garlic minced
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 tbsp scallions sliced for garnish
- 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Toss the beef strips with cornstarch in a bowl and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef strips and fry until crispy and golden brown. Remove and drain excess oil.
- In the same skillet, remove excess oil leaving about a tablespoon. Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the orange juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and orange zest. Stir and simmer until sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the beef to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
