CRISPY ORANGE BEEF

Crispy Orange Beef is a deliciously bold and flavorful dish that combines crispy strips of beef with a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy orange sauce. The beef is battered and fried to perfection, creating a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the zesty citrus sauce. The sauce, made with fresh orange juice, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of ginger, brings out a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. This dish is perfect for serving over steamed rice and is an excellent choice for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. Crispy Orange Beef is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves Asian-inspired flavors with a little bit of crunch!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Orange Sauce:

• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (from about 2 oranges)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Garnish:

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain into bite-sized strips. In a large bowl, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dip each piece of beef into the beaten egg, then coat it in the cornstarch-flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
2. Fry the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef in batches and fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the beef from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Make the Orange Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the sauce starts to bubble, add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Coat the Beef: Add the crispy beef strips to the pan with the orange sauce. Toss gently to coat the beef evenly in the sauce. Allow the beef to cook in the sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat through.
5. Serve: Transfer the Crispy Orange Beef to a serving platter and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately with steamed rice or your favorite vegetable side dishes.

Crispy Orange Beef is a satisfying and flavorful dish that combines the perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and heat, with the satisfying crunch of the beef. It’s a wonderful way to bring the vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine to your dinner table!