crispy orange beef recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best crispy orange beef recipe

I’m so excited to share this crispy orange beef recipe with you all. I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The dish has a rich history, originating from the Sichuan province in China, where it’s known as ‘orange beef’ or ‘zhurou’.

The name refers to the sweet and sour flavors of the dish, which is typically made with beef strips, orange marmalade, and a variety of spices. When I first tried this recipe, I was hooked – the combination of textures and flavors was like nothing I’d ever tasted before. The crispy beef strips are perfectly balanced by the tangy and slightly sweet orange sauce.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make at home. All you need is a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills.

I love serving this dish at family gatherings, as it’s always a crowd-pleaser. My kids adore helping me in the kitchen, watching me cook and learning about different cuisines. And let’s be honest – who doesn’t love food that’s both delicious and healthy?

This recipe is made with lean beef strips and plenty of vegetables, making it a great option for those looking to eat well without sacrificing flavor.

Crispy Orange Beef

4.5 from 728 votes

Crispy strips of beef are coated in a light batter, fried until golden, then tossed in a tangy orange sauce. This dish balances sweet and savory flavors with a satisfying crunch.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beef

1 lb flank steak, sliced into thin strips
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 large egg
1/4 cup water
Vegetable oil for frying

For the Orange Sauce

1/2 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

For Garnish

2 green onions, sliced
1 teaspoon sesame seeds

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a medium bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, salt, and white pepper.
2Add the egg and water, stirring until a smooth batter forms.
3The batter should be thin enough to coat the beef strips lightly.
4Add the sliced beef to the batter and toss to coat evenly.
5Let the beef rest for 5 minutes so the batter adheres.
6Meanwhile, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
7Working in batches, carefully add the beef strips to the hot oil without overcrowding.
8Fry for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
9Transfer the fried beef to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
10In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, orange zest, garlic, and ginger.
11Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
12Once simmering, whisk in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
13Return the fried beef to the skillet or wok and pour the orange sauce over the top.
14Toss quickly over medium heat for 30 seconds to coat each piece evenly.
15The sauce should cling to the beef without making it soggy.
16Transfer the crispy orange beef to a serving platter.
17Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
18Serve immediately over steamed rice for the best texture.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or wok
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Tongs
Paper towels
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 14g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For extra crispiness, double fry the beef: fry once at 325°F for 3 minutes, then increase oil to 375°F and fry again for 1 minute. You can substitute chicken or tofu for the beef.

Watch Video Of How Crispy Orange Beef Works

This crispy orange beef recipe has become a staple in our household – we love serving it at family gatherings and special occasions. And one of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish for company, this recipe delivers.

To reheat leftovers, simply heat up the sauce in a pan over low heat before adding in your pre-cooked beef strips. Serve over rice or noodles for an extra-special touch.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Orange Beef

Q: What type of beef should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using lean beef strips – such as sirloin or ribeye – as they will yield a better texture when cooked.

Q: Can I use store-bought orange marmalade?

Yes, you can use store-bought orange marmalade if you prefer – but keep in mind that homemade marmalade is much easier to make than you think!

Q: How do I achieve the perfect crispy texture on the beef?

The secret to achieving the perfect crispy texture on the beef lies in using cornstarch as a coating – simply dust your beef strips with cornstarch before cooking.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

This recipe makes a great make-ahead dish – simply cook the beef and sauce separately before assembling everything just before serving.

Q: What other ingredients can I add to this recipe?

You can customize this recipe to your liking by adding additional ingredients such as bell peppers or snow peas.

Similar Posts