Orange Beef
This vibrant Orange Beef recipe brings the bold, sweet-savory zest of Chinese takeout right into your kitchen—with none of the deep-frying mess. Flank steak is transformed into tender, golden slices through a simple baking soda marinade, then seared to perfection and tossed in a fragrant orange sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak sliced thinly against the grain
- 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ cup peanut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tsp minced ginger
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 green onions white and green parts separated
For the Orange Sauce:
- 1 tbsp orange zest from 1 large orange
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 3 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
Marinate the Beef
- I combine 1 lb sliced flank steak with 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp baking soda in a bowl, mixing by hand. I let it marinate for 30 minutes to tenderize, ensuring a juicy Orange Beef.
Prepare the Sauce
- I whisk 1 tbsp orange zest, ½ cup orange juice, 3 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1 tbsp cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth, setting it aside for the stir-fry.
Coat and Sear Beef
- I toss the marinated beef with ¼ cup cornstarch to coat evenly. In a large skillet over high heat, I heat ¼ cup peanut oil and sear the beef in batches, cooking 1 minute per side until golden and crispy. I remove and set aside on a plate.
Stir-Fry and Sauce
- I reduce heat to medium, leaving 1 tbsp oil in the skillet. I sauté 1 tsp minced ginger, 3 minced garlic cloves, and the white parts of 2 green onions for 30 seconds until fragrant. I stir the sauce again to dissolve cornstarch, pour it into the skillet, and cook until thickened, about 1 minute. I return the beef, tossing to coat in the glossy sauce, adjusting with a pinch of sugar if needed.
Garnish and Serve
- I sprinkle the green parts of the green onions over the Orange Beef and serve hot over steamed jasmine rice or alongside stir-fried veggies for a complete meal.