Crispy Beef Orange Sauce: 5 Simple Steps to Flavor

Crispy Beef Orange Sauce

Crispy Beef Orange Sauce is a culinary delight that brings the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine right to your kitchen. Imagine perfectly crispy strips of beef enveloped in a sweet and tangy orange glaze that tantalizes your taste buds. This dish is not only quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes, but it also offers a satisfying crunch and a burst of citrusy goodness that makes it a favorite among both adults and kids alike. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Beef Orange Sauce

Here are a few reasons to adore this dish:

  • Quick and easy preparation — ready in under 30 minutes!
  • Bold flavors from a combination of garlic, ginger, and fresh oranges.
  • Perfectly crispy beef that stays crunchy even when coated with sauce.
  • Versatile dish that works well as a main course or over rice.
  • Customizable for spice — add chili flakes or sriracha for a kick!
  • Gluten-free option available with simple ingredient swaps.

This orange sauce beef recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights and an excellent way to impress guests at dinner parties!

Ingredients for Crispy Beef Orange Sauce

Gather these items:

  • 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Juice and zest of 2 oranges (fresh for best flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes or sriracha (optional)
  • Sliced green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Extra orange zest
  • Steamed jasmine rice or noodles
  • Stir-fried broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas

How to Make Crispy Beef Orange Sauce Step-by-Step

  1. Step 1: Slice beef thinly across the grain. Toss with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Marinate for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Drain any excess liquid. Sprinkle cornstarch over the beef and mix until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Heat oil in a wok or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry beef in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until crispy and golden. Drain on a rack.
  4. Step 4: In a clean pan, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Simmer 3–4 minutes, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until thick and glossy.
  5. Step 5: Add the crispy beef to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and extra orange zest.
  6. Step 6: Enjoy immediately with rice or noodles while the beef is still crispy.
Crispy Beef Orange Sauce: 5 Simple Steps to Flavor - Crispy Beef Orange Sauce - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Perfect Crispy Beef Orange Sauce

Keep these in mind:

  • Use fresh oranges for the best flavor in your sauce.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the beef; this keeps it crispy.
  • Adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar based on your taste.

Best Ways to Serve Crispy Beef Orange Sauce

What goes well with crispy beef in orange sauce? Here are some ideas:

  • Serve over a bed of steamed jasmine rice for a comforting meal.
  • Pair with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or bok choy for a balanced dish.
  • Use as a filling in lettuce wraps for a fun appetizer option.

How to Store and Reheat Crispy Beef Orange Sauce

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, be cautious as the beef can lose its crispiness. A quick reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes can help restore some of that crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Beef Orange Sauce

What’s the secret to perfect Crispy Beef Orange Sauce?

The secret lies in the marinating process and ensuring the beef is coated in cornstarch before frying. This creates a delightful crunch and allows the sauce to adhere perfectly. Using fresh orange juice enhances the overall flavor profile.

Can I make Crispy Beef Orange Sauce ahead of time?

While you can prepare the sauce in advance, it’s best to fry the beef just before serving to maintain its crispiness. If you want to prepare it ahead, consider storing the sauce separately until you’re ready to heat and serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crispy Beef Orange Sauce?

Avoid overcooking the beef, as it can become tough. Also, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that perfect crunchy texture. Lastly, don’t skip the marinating step; it greatly enhances the flavor.

Variations of Crispy Beef Orange Sauce You Can Try

Here are a few creative twists on this dish:

  • For a spicy kick, add more chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce.
  • Try using chicken or tofu instead of beef for a different protein option.
  • Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for added nutrition and color.

This Asian-style crispy beef orange sauce is sure to become a staple in your home cooking repertoire!

Crispy Beef Orange Sauce: 5 Simple Steps to Flavor - Crispy Beef Orange Sauce - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe category or try making spaghetti with garlic and oil for a quick meal. If you’re interested in more Asian-inspired dishes, consider making pappardelle with beef ragu.

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Crispy Beef Orange Sauce: 5 Simple Steps to Flavor

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Irresistible Crispy Beef in Orange Sauce: Sweet, Sticky, and Bursting with Flavor

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying and Simmering
  • Cuisine: Chinese
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Juice and zest of 2 oranges (fresh for best flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes or sriracha (optional)
  • Sliced green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Extra orange zest
  • Steamed jasmine rice or noodles
  • Stir-fried broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas

Instructions

  1. Slice beef thinly across the grain. Toss with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Marinate for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Drain any excess liquid. Sprinkle cornstarch over the beef and mix until evenly coated.
  3. Heat oil in a wok or skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry beef in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until crispy and golden. Drain on a rack.
  4. In a clean pan, combine orange juice, zest, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Simmer 3–4 minutes, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until thick and glossy.
  5. Add the crispy beef to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and extra orange zest.
  6. Enjoy immediately with rice or noodles while the beef is still crispy.

Notes

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 serving
    • Calories: 410
    • Sugar: 10g
    • Sodium: 800mg
    • Fat: 22g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
    • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
    • Carbohydrates: 32g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Protein: 28g
    • Cholesterol: 60mg

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    Hi! I’m Margaret!

    A passionate home cook and food lover who loves nothing more than sharing my favourite recipes with the world.

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