Orange Beef Stir-Fry with Rice

This Orange Beef Stir-Fry with Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender strips of beef with a tangy and slightly sweet orange sauce. The stir-fry is loaded with fresh vegetables, including onion, carrot, sweet pepper, and a hint of chili for a bit of spice. The addition of sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar elevates the dish with a savory depth, while the creamy touch of chicken yolks and butter brings everything together perfectly. Served with fluffy white rice, this dish is sure to impress with its balance of textures and flavors.

Preparation, Cook, and Total Times

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4 people

Cuisine

This dish is inspired by Chinese stir-fry cooking, using a combination of fresh vegetables, savory soy sauce, sesame oil, and a bright orange sauce to create a well-balanced, Asian-inspired meal.

Full List of Ingredients

• 600 g beef, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• Olive oil, for frying
• 120 ml freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 50 g ginger, finely grated
• 1 sweet pepper, chopped
• 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
• Chili pepper (to taste)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 60 ml water (for thickening the sauce)
• Spring onion, for garnish
• 4 chicken yolks
• 30 g butter
• 1 cup rice, for serving
• 2 cups water, for cooking rice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the Rice
   Start by cooking the rice. In a saucepan, add 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then add the rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Beef
   In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to coat. This will help tenderize the beef and give it a nice texture when stir-fried.

3. Make the Orange Sauce
   In a small bowl, combine the freshly squeezed orange juice, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir to dissolve the sugar and set aside.

4. Sauté the Vegetables
   Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, grated ginger, and julienned carrot to the pan. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. Add the chopped sweet pepper and minced garlic, and cook for another 2 minutes.

5. Cook the Beef
   Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, and add a little more olive oil. Add the beef to the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it’s browned on all sides. Add the chili pepper to taste, depending on how spicy you want the dish to be.

6. Add the Orange Sauce
   Pour the prepared orange sauce into the pan with the beef and vegetables. Stir to coat the ingredients evenly, then let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

7. Thicken the Sauce
   In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 60 ml of water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the pan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

8. Add the Chicken Yolks and Butter
   In a separate bowl, whisk the chicken yolks with 30 g of butter until smooth and creamy. Slowly stir this mixture into the pan, cooking for another 2 minutes until the sauce becomes rich and creamy.

9. Serve
   To serve, spoon the cooked rice onto plates and top with the orange beef stir-fry. Garnish with freshly chopped spring onions for a burst of color and freshness.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 550 kcal
• Protein: 32 g
• Fat: 30 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 215 mg

The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe

This Orange Beef Stir-Fry is inspired by classic Chinese stir-fry dishes, where meats are cooked quickly in a hot wok with fresh vegetables and a flavorful sauce. Orange beef, a popular Chinese-American dish, is known for its tangy citrus sauce, which is brightened with the addition of fresh orange juice and sweetened with sugar. This recipe takes the traditional approach and adds layers of depth with the use of sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar for a balanced, savory, and sweet flavor.

Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Sweet and Savory Flavor: The combination of orange juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil creates a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors.
2. Tender Beef: The cornstarch coating and quick stir-fry method keep the beef tender and juicy.
3. Vibrant Vegetables: The addition of carrots, sweet pepper, and onions adds both color and crunch to the dish.
4. Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and easy cooking steps, this dish comes together in about 40 minutes.
5. Customizable: You can adjust the spice level and use different vegetables based on your preference.

Health Benefits

1. Beef: A great source of protein, iron, and vitamin B12, which support muscle growth and overall health.
2. Vegetables: Carrots, peppers, and onions are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, supporting immune health and digestion.
3. Ginger: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, ginger helps improve digestion and supports the immune system.
4. Orange Juice: High in vitamin C, orange juice boosts immunity and promotes healthy skin.
5. Sesame Oil: Rich in healthy fats, sesame oil supports heart health and reduces inflammation.

Serving Suggestions

1. With Steamed Vegetables: Serve this dish with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for added nutrition.
2. With Noodles: For a more filling meal, serve the orange beef stir-fry over a bed of rice noodles or soba noodles.
3. With Pickled Vegetables: Serve with a side of pickled vegetables to balance the sweetness of the orange sauce.

Cooking Tips

1. Slice the Beef Thinly: For the best texture, slice the beef thinly against the grain so it cooks quickly and evenly.
2. Adjust the Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar depending on how sweet you like your sauce.
3. Use Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice gives the dish a more vibrant flavor compared to store-bought juice.
4. Control the Spice: Adjust the amount of chili pepper based on your spice tolerance.

Variations to Try

1. Add More Vegetables: Feel free to add broccoli, mushrooms, or snap peas to the stir-fry for extra crunch and nutrition.
2. Spicy Orange Beef: Increase the chili pepper or add chili paste for an extra spicy kick.
3. Substitute Chicken: If you prefer chicken, substitute the beef with boneless chicken breast or thigh, sliced thinly.
4. Make It Vegetarian: Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish.

Conclusion

This Orange Beef Stir-Fry with Rice is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The tender beef and crunchy vegetables are enveloped in a tangy, sweet sauce that’s both savory and refreshing. Paired with fluffy rice, this dish is sure to become a favorite for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you keep it as is or experiment with variations, this recipe will leave everyone at the table satisfied and impressed.

10 Comprehensive FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of meat?
   Yes, you can substitute the beef with chicken, turkey, or tofu for a different variation of the dish.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time, then stir-fry the beef and vegetables just before serving.

3. Can I use bottled orange juice?
   Freshly squeezed orange juice will give the best flavor, but bottled juice will work in a pinch. Look for a variety with no added sugar.

4. Can I make this dish spicier?
   Yes, add more chili peppers or chili flakes to increase the spice level to your liking.

5. Can I freeze leftovers?
   Yes, you can freeze the stir-fry for up to 2 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

6. How do I know when the beef is cooked through?
   The beef should be browned on all sides and no longer pink in the center.

7. Can I substitute the rice with noodles?
   Yes, you can serve this dish over noodles for a different texture.

8. Can I use vegetable oil instead of olive oil?
   Yes, you can use vegetable oil or any neutral oil in place of olive oil.

9. What can I serve this with?
   Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or a simple salad to complete the meal.

10. How do I store leftovers?
    Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.