Chinese Crispy Beef in an Orange Sauce
Today, let's embark on a culinary journey to the heart of Chinese-American cuisine, where the delight of Crispy Beef in an Orange Sauce comes to life. This dish, with its crispy beef and tangy sauce, has always been a personal favorite, and I can't wait to share its magic with you.
Equipment
- 1 large pan or wok
- 1 wire rack
- 1 baking pan
- 1 vegetable peeler
- paper towels
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch
- 11/2 pounds sirloin steak cut into 1/4-inch thick strips
- 1 large navel orange
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 2 tablespoons red wine
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 11/2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
- 1 jalapeño seeds and ribs removed, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1- inch piece ginger grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 scallions chopped (optional)
- Peanut oil for frying
Instructions
- Toss beef in 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Sprinkle cornstarch evenly onto beef and mix well. Spread beef on a wire rack placed on a baking pan then put in freezer for 45 minutes to remove surface moisture from beef. This process ensures that beef will get crispy later.
- Using a vegetable peeler, get about 10 zest trips from the orange, making sure that none of the white pith is included. Set aside.
- Squeeze orange to get about 1⁄4 cup juice. In a bowl, mix orange juice, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, molasses, red wine, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk to combine. Set aside.
- Prepare a sheet pan lined with paper towels and heat oil in a deep fryer to 375°F. Fry beef in 3 to 4 batches, for about 3 minute each batch or until golden brown and crispy, making sure to stir gently so the beef doesn’t stick together. Place cooked beef on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Heat grapeseed oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add orange strips and jalapeño and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes, and stir for no longer than 30 seconds.
- Add soy sauce mixture to pan, then add cooked beef. Stir to coat beef with sauce. Garnish with the chopped scallions if desired. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
The star of this dish is the tangy and flavorful orange sauce. Prepare the sauce by combining freshly squeezed orange juice, zest, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and a hint of chili sauce for a touch of heat. Simmer the sauce until it thickens slightly, allowing the flavors to meld together. The tanginess of the orange balances perfectly with the richness of the beef, creating a taste sensation that will leave you craving more.