Ingredients

1 lb beef round steak or 1 lb sirloin , thinly sliced and cut into 3-inch strips
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
2 organic oranges , zest of
2 garlic cloves , minced
1 knob fresh ginger , peeled and minced
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons dry sherry or 2 tablespoons white wine
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
2 teaspoons sesame oil
3 cups vegetable oil
green onion , thinly sliced for garnish
Chinese Take-Out Orange Beef is a popular dish in Chinese restaurants in the US, but you can make it at home without the added sodium, MSG, and preservatives. This dish is a perfect combination of crispy beef, sweet and tangy orange sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger. It is also a versatile dish that you can customize by adding your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or green beans. Overall, this dish is a crowd-pleaser and a healthier version of the restaurant version that you can make at home.

Instructions

1.In a large bowl, combine the beef with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and mix well.
2.Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or wok on high heat until it reaches 350°F.
3.In batches, add the beef to the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels.
4.In a small bowl, whisk the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
5.Discard the excess oil from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
6.Add the garlic and ginger to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
7.Add the orange zest, orange juice, sugar, hoisin sauce, sherry or white wine, sesame oil and remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and mix well.
8.Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly, and let the sauce thicken for 2-3 minutes.
9.Add the beef back to the pan and stir to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
10.Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and with rice or noodles, if desired.

PROS

Chinese Take-Out Orange Beef is a flavorful, crispy, and savory dish with a touch of sweetness from fresh orange.

It is a healthier alternative to the restaurant version because it is made with fresh ingredients and less oil.

This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion and it is easy to make with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

CONS

The only downside of this dish is that it is not suitable for those who are allergic to soy or wheat, which are common ingredients in the sauce.

However, you can use gluten-free soy sauce or substitute the soy sauce altogether with coconut aminos for a soy-free version.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Beef is an excellent source of protein and various vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin B12.
Oranges are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for our immune system and collagen synthesis.
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with digestion and nausea.
Garlic is a natural antibiotic and has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer.
Sesame oil is a good source of healthy fats and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

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