If you love bold flavors paired with irresistible crunch, this Crispy Orange Beef Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort dish. With tender slices of beef fried to golden perfection and tossed in a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy orange sauce, it delivers an unbeatable combination of textures and tastes that will have you savoring every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing friends, or just craving a satisfying restaurant-style meal at home, this recipe is as approachable as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Crispy Orange Beef Recipe plays a vital role, from the tender beef for the perfect chew to the fresh orange that brightens the sauce with zesty sweetness. These simple, fresh components come together to create a dish rich in flavor, texture, and color.
- 1 ½ pounds stir fry steak slices or sirloin steak, thinly sliced: Choose thin strips to ensure quick frying and that perfect crispy exterior with tender insides.
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce: Enhances the beef’s natural umami without overpowering the orange flavors.
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch: The secret to achieving that mouthwatering crispiness on the beef’s surface.
- 4 cups canola oil: Essential for deep frying the beef to golden, crunchy perfection.
- 1 medium navel orange: Use both zest and juice for a fresh citrus burst that forms the heart of the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Adds depth and saltiness to the sauce, balancing the sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons molasses: Brings rich sweetness and a touch of complexity to the orange glaze.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Its tang cuts through the sweetness to create harmony in the sauce.
- 1 ½ teaspoon sesame oil: Imparts a toasty aroma that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 jalapeño, de-seeded and thinly sliced: Provides a gentle heat to keep things exciting.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds savory depth and aroma to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger: Offers subtle warmth and earthy spice.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a spicy kick to awaken the palate.
- 2 scallions, chopped: For a fresh, crisp garnish and a pop of color when serving.
How to Make Crispy Orange Beef Recipe
Step 1: Coat and Freeze the Beef
First, toss those tender beef slices with a tablespoon of soy sauce, then coat them thoroughly with cornstarch. Spreading the pieces out on a wire rack and freezing them for 45 minutes is a game changer—it dries the surface and helps the beef crisp up beautifully when fried.
Step 2: Prepare the Orange and Sauce Mix
While the beef chills, zest your navel orange and slice the peels into thin strips. Juice the orange to get a fresh 1/4 cup of juice. Combine the zest, juice, remaining soy sauce, molasses, rice vinegar, sesame oil, jalapeño, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Whisk until the sauce mixture is well blended, locking in layers of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavor.
Step 3: Heat the Oil for Frying
Bring your canola oil to 375°F in a heavy-bottomed pot—this is the perfect temperature to get that crisp without soaking up too much oil. Keep a plate handy lined with paper towels to drain the crispy beef once fried.
Step 4: Fry the Beef
Fry the beef in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Each batch will take about 3 minutes to achieve a golden, crunchy exterior. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef onto the paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain off and preserve the crunch.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
Pour the orange-soy sauce mixture into a skillet over medium-high heat and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer gently for 3 minutes until it thickens slightly; this sauce will beautifully cling to every crispy bite.
Step 6: Toss Beef in Sauce
Add your freshly fried beef strips to the skillet and toss everything together so each piece is coated evenly. This step is where the magic happens: crisp meets citrusy glaze in the best way imaginable.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your crispy orange beef immediately, sprinkle those bright chopped scallions on top, and get ready to dig in. For a classic finish, serve it over fluffy white rice so the sauce can soak right in.
How to Serve Crispy Orange Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped scallions add a burst of green freshness and a mild bite that contrasts with the sweetness of the sauce, while thin strips of orange zest scattered on top bring a delightful pop of color and citrus aroma.
Side Dishes
To complement the bold flavors and crunchy texture, consider serving this dish alongside jasmine or basmati rice, steamed broccoli, or sautéed snap peas. Each side dish helps balance the meal with subtle, fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your crispy orange beef over a bed of crispy lettuce leaves to create a handheld wrap. Alternatively, add toasted sesame seeds as a final sprinkle or pair the dish with fried rice or noodles to mix things up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover crispy orange beef to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days to maintain the texture and flavor integrity.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this dish by placing the beef and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the crispy texture as much as possible.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, tossing frequently to avoid sogginess. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to soften the crisp coating that makes this Crispy Orange Beef Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While sirloin or stir fry steak slices are recommended for their tenderness and quick cooking time, flank steak or ribeye cut thinly also work well for this recipe.
What can I substitute for molasses?
If you don’t have molasses, dark brown sugar or honey can be used as substitutes, though molasses adds a unique depth and richness that complements the orange flavor beautifully.
Is it necessary to freeze the beef before frying?
Freezing the coated beef helps dry the surface, which enhances the crispiness when fried. If you’re short on time, patting the beef dry and frying immediately can work, but the texture might be a bit less crunchy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative and ensure your cornstarch is pure and free of any additives. This makes the dish accessible while keeping the signature crisp.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe includes jalapeño and red pepper flakes for a mild heat that adds excitement without overwhelming the sweet citrus notes. You can adjust the spice levels by reducing or increasing these ingredients to suit your preference.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope this Crispy Orange Beef Recipe becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet is surprisingly simple to prepare, with every bite bursting with vibrant flavors and tantalizing textures. So don’t hesitate—grab those ingredients and experience just how satisfying homemade orange beef can be!
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Crispy Orange Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Crispy Beef recipe features thinly sliced sirloin steak coated in cornstarch, double-fried to golden crispiness, then tossed in a vibrant, tangy orange-soy sauce with a hint of heat from jalapeños and red pepper flakes. Perfectly balancing sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, it’s an irresistible dish that can be served over steamed white rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Beef
- 1 ½ pounds (680 g) stir fry steak slices or sirloin steak, thinly sliced (about 1/4-inch thick), pre-sliced
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 cups (946 ml) canola oil, for frying
Orange Sauce
- 1 medium-sized navel orange (zest peeled and sliced, then juiced for 1/4 cup juice)
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 jalapeño, de-seeded and thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 scallions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Coat and Freeze Beef: In a large bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef strips with 1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce until evenly coated. Sprinkle 6 tablespoons of cornstarch over the beef and toss thoroughly to coat each piece. Lay the coated beef in a single layer on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Place the tray in the freezer for 45 minutes to dry the surface and help achieve maximum crispiness during frying.
- Prepare Orange and Sauce Mix: Using a vegetable peeler, peel strips of zest from the navel orange and slice them into thin strips. Juice the orange to obtain 1/4 cup of fresh juice. In a medium bowl, combine the orange zest and juice with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 3 tablespoons molasses, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 ½ teaspoons sesame oil, sliced jalapeño, minced garlic, grated ginger, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Whisk all ingredients until well combined.
- Heat Oil: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, pour 4 cups of canola oil and heat it to 375°F (191°C). Prepare a large plate lined with two layers of paper towels for draining the fried beef.
- Fry the Beef: Once the oil reaches 375°F, carefully add about one-third of the coated beef strips into the hot oil, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for approximately 3 minutes or until the beef is golden brown and crispy. Using a slotted spoon or spider strainer, remove the beef and transfer it to the prepared paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat the frying process in batches with the remaining beef.
- Make the Sauce: While the beef is frying, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pour the prepared orange-soy sauce mixture into the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens, then remove from heat.
- Toss Beef in Sauce: Add all the crispy fried beef strips to the skillet with the thickened orange sauce. Toss well to ensure every piece is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the sauced crispy beef onto serving plates. Garnish with chopped scallions for freshness and color. Serve warm, ideally over cooked white rice for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Notes
- Freezing the beef after coating helps to dry the surface, resulting in a crispier texture when fried.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 375°F to ensure the beef crisps without absorbing excess oil.
- Do not overcrowd the pan during frying to preserve oil temperature and cooking quality.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or jalapeño to modify the spiciness of the dish.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice or simple stir-fried vegetables.
