Orange Beef
Crispy, tender beef strips tossed in a sticky, sweet, and tangy orange sauce. This Chinese-American takeout classic is surprisingly easy to make at home and tastes even better than the restaurant version.
For 4 servings
Prepare and Coat the Beef
- If you haven't already, slice the flank steak thinly against the grain into bite-sized strips, about 1/4-inch thick.
- In a medium bowl, lightly whisk the egg white until just frothy. Add the beef strips and toss thoroughly to coat each piece.
- Add the 1/2 cup of cornstarch to the bowl and toss again until the beef is evenly and completely coated. Set aside for 5-10 minutes.
Fry the Beef
- In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or wok, heat 1 cup of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of beef sizzles immediately (around 350°F or 175°C).
- Working in 2-3 batches to avoid overcrowding, carefully add the coated beef to the hot oil in a single layer.
- Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until the beef is golden brown and crispy.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked beef to a wire rack to drain. Repeat with the remaining beef.
Prepare the Orange Sauce
- While the beef is frying, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to create a smooth slurry. Set both bowls aside.
Cook the Sauce and Combine
- Carefully pour out all but 1 tablespoon of the frying oil from the skillet. Return the skillet to medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour the orange juice mixture into the skillet and bring it to a simmer.
- Give the cornstarch slurry a quick re-whisk, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while whisking constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, gravy-like consistency.
- Remove from heat and stir in the toasted sesame oil.
- Add the crispy fried beef back to the skillet and gently toss to coat every piece in the sauce.
Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the Orange Beef to a serving platter.
- Garnish generously with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles to ensure the beef stays as crispy as possible.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For easier slicing, place the beef in the freezer for 20-30 minutes until it's firm but not frozen solid.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan when frying. Frying in batches ensures the oil temperature stays high, resulting in crispier beef.
- 3Use fresh orange juice and zest for the brightest, most authentic flavor. Bottled juice can be overly sweet.
- 4Toss the beef in the sauce right before serving. If it sits too long, the crispy coating will become soggy.
- 5For best results, drain the fried beef on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This allows air to circulate and prevents the bottom from getting steamy and soft.
- 6Ensure your aromatics (garlic, ginger) are minced finely so they incorporate well into the sauce without creating large chunks.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
This recipe works wonderfully with chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces. You can also use firm tofu; press it well to remove excess water before coating and frying.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
To make it a more complete meal, stir-fry some vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snow peas after sautéing the aromatics. Remove them from the pan, make the sauce, and then add them back in with the beef.
Spice It UpSpice It Up
For extra heat, add a few whole dried red chilies to the oil when you sauté the garlic and ginger, or increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
Gluten Free VersionGluten-Free Version
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. Ensure your cornstarch is certified gluten-free.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Protein
Beef is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs for muscle repair, growth, and maintaining overall body function.
Rich in Iron
This dish provides a significant amount of heme iron from the beef, which is more easily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron from plants. Iron is crucial for forming red blood cells and preventing anemia.
Provides Vitamin C
Using fresh orange juice adds a good dose of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps boost the immune system, supports skin health, and aids in iron absorption.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Orange Beef is estimated to have between 450 and 550 calories. The exact number can vary based on the leanness of the beef and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.