Zesty Orange Beef Recipe: Bold Flavors in Every Bite

Sizzling woks and bold flavors dance together in this mouthwatering spicy orange beef recipe that promises a culinary adventure.

orange zest and fiery chili peppers create an electrifying combination that will tantalize your taste buds.

The sauce bursts with tangy and robust notes, coating tender strips of beef in a glossy, vibrant glaze.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat and citrusy brightness that makes this dish irresistible.

Fragrant garlic and ginger add depth to the marinade, infusing the meat with complex layers of flavor.

Restaurant-quality results await you with just a few simple ingredients and some quick cooking techniques.

This recipe transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into an extraordinary feast that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serving Suggestions for Spicy Orange Beef Dishes

• Zesty Dinner Delight: Pair this spicy orange beef with steamed white rice to soak up the delicious citrusy sauce and balance the bold flavors.
• Family-Style Feast: Create a colorful plate by adding a side of crisp Asian-style cucumber salad with sesame seeds for a refreshing crunch that complements the rich beef.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra layer of texture and a pop of fresh, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Spice Lover's Dream: Serve with a small dish of extra chili garlic sauce on the side for those who want to kick up the heat and customize their meal's spice level.

Storing and Reheating Spicy Orange Beef Meals

• Quick Batch Cooking: Prepare double the beef strips and sauce for easy weeknight meals. Store extra portions in airtight containers, separating meat and sauce to maintain crispiness.
• Refrigerator Smart Storage: Keep leftovers in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Allow dish to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal texture.
• Freezer Friendly Option: Freeze uncooked seasoned beef strips and sauce separately in freezer-safe bags. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat quickly in a hot skillet for maximum flavor retention.
• Lunch Prep Hack: Pack this dish in meal prep containers with rice on the bottom and beef mixture on top. Keeps ingredients separate and prevents soggy rice, ensuring a delicious midday meal that tastes freshly cooked.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 606 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Needed for Spicy Orange Beef Recipe

• Sirloin: Lean and tender cut perfect for quick stir-frying with robust beef flavor, choose well-marbled meat for juiciness and select fresh, bright-colored cuts.

• Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Brings bright citrusy notes and natural sweetness, selecting ripe, fragrant oranges ensures maximum zesty punch.
• Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami complexity and rich saltiness, opt for low-sodium versions for better control of dish's salt levels.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: Delivers spicy kick and aromatic heat, choose authentic brands for genuine robust flavor profile.
• Brown Sugar: Provides caramelized sweetness and helps create glossy sauce, select high-quality brands for deeper molasses undertones.

• Cornstarch: Creates silky sauce texture and helps beef pieces crisp beautifully, use pure cornstarch without additives for best results.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies overall dish flavor, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Coconut Oil: Ensures high-heat cooking with subtle nutty undertone, select refined oil for neutral taste.

• Broccoli Florets: Adds nutritious green crunch, choose fresh, vibrant green florets with tight clusters.
• Sticky Rice: Optional classic accompaniment that absorbs sauce perfectly, select short-grain varieties for authentic texture.

Tools for Preparing Spicy Orange Beef at Home

• 9-inch cast iron pan: Perfect for searing beef and creating a flavorful sauce.
• Paper towel-lined plate: Helps drain excess oil from cooked beef strips.
• Whisk: Essential for blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: Used for slicing beef and zesting oranges.
• Sharp knife: Needed to cut sirloin into strips and prepare ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient portions.

How to Cook Spicy Orange Beef Without Fuss

• Meat Preparation

Generously season sirloin with salt and thoroughly dust with cornstarch, ensuring an even coating that will create a crispy exterior when cooked.

• Sizzling Cooking Surface

Select a robust cast iron pan and heat coconut oil until smoking hot, preparing for a high-temperature searing experience.

• Beef Browning

Carefully place beef strips into the pan, allowing each piece to develop a golden-brown crust without overcrowding, then transfer to a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

• Flavor Foundation

Deglaze the pan with orange juice and brown sugar, whisking continuously to create a glossy, caramelized sauce that will coat the meat beautifully.

• Sauce Complexity

Introduce soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, and vibrant orange zest, stirring to blend the tangy and spicy elements into a harmonious mixture.

• Final Fusion

Gently fold the crispy beef strips and fresh broccoli florets into the sauce, cooking until the vegetables reach a tender-crisp perfection.

• Serving Suggestion

Present the spicy orange beef over a bed of sticky rice, allowing the aromatic sauce to seep into every grain for a truly satisfying meal.

Spicy Orange Beef Tips and Ingredient Ideas

• Add a splash of rice wine or mirin to the sauce for deeper complexity and authentic Asian-style richness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure sirloin reaches perfect medium-rare without overcooking, keeping those strips juicy and tender.
• Replace broccoli with snow peas, bell peppers, or baby bok choy for exciting texture and color variations that complement the spicy orange sauce.
• Dial up the heat by adding extra chili garlic sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes for those who love an intense flavor punch, or reduce for milder palates.
• Transform remaining spicy orange beef into a quick stir-fry lunch by tossing with fresh greens or wrapping in lettuce cups for a light, refreshing meal.

Savory Orange Beef Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory spicy orange beef brings bold Chinese-American flavors to home kitchens with tender strips of marinated meat glazed in zesty citrus sauce. Home cooks can quickly master this restaurant-style dish that delivers complex, satisfying flavor profiles.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 grams) sirloin, cubed or cut into thin strips
• 2 cups (475 milliliters) broccoli florets
• 1 cup (240 grams) brown sugar
• ⅔ cup (80 grams) cornstarch
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) orange juice
• 16 oz (454 grams) coconut oil
• 2 tbsps (30 milliliters) soy sauce
• 2–3 tbsps (30–45 milliliters) chili garlic sauce
• 1 tsp (5 grams) salt
• Zest of 1 orange
• Sticky rice (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Generously season sirloin steak with salt and coat thoroughly with cornstarch, ensuring an even, crispy exterior for optimal caramelization.
2. Searing: Heat cast iron skillet on high, adding coconut oil until it shimmers. Strategically place beef strips to develop a rich golden-brown crust, working in batches to prevent overcrowding.
3. Sauce Creation: Reduce skillet heat to medium-high, introduce brown sugar and orange juice, whisking vigorously until the liquid transforms into a glossy reduction. Integrate soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, and orange zest, stirring to create a harmonious flavor profile.
4. Final Assembly: Return seared beef strips and broccoli florets to the skillet, gently tossing to coat with the vibrant sauce and allow vegetables to reach perfect tenderness.
5. Serving: Plate the aromatic spicy orange beef over fluffy sticky rice, creating a dynamic culinary experience that balances sweet, spicy, and savory notes.

Notes

• Maximize Meat Texture: Pat sirloin steak completely dry before seasoning to ensure optimal cornstarch adhesion and achieve maximum crispiness.
• Control Skillet Temperature: Use high heat for initial searing to develop a perfect golden-brown crust, preventing meat from becoming tough or rubbery.
• Batch Cooking Strategy: Cook beef strips in small portions to maintain high skillet temperature and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Sauce Consistency Tips: Whisk sauce ingredients continuously to prevent burning and create a smooth, glossy coating that clings perfectly to beef and broccoli.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 606
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 836 mg
• Fat: 44 g
• Saturated Fat: 38 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg