Orange Vegetable Beef Stir Fry

This vibrant Orange Vegetable Beef Stir Fry is a flavorful twist on a classic Asian-inspired dish. Orange zest and juice add a burst of fresh citrus flavor, while beef strips and a variety of colorful vegetables – broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas – come together in a sweet and savory soy sauce-based sauce.

Ingredients

• orange zest, 2 tablespoons
• orange juice, 2 tablespoons
• vegetable oil, 2 tablespoons
• onion, 1 medium, sliced
• garlic, 2 cloves, minced
• ginger, 1 tablespoon, grated
• beef strips, 1 pound, sliced
• broccoli, 2 cups, florets
• carrots, 1 cup, peeled and sliced
• bell pepper, 1 cup, sliced
• snow peas, 1 cup, sliced
• soy sauce, 2 tablespoons
• honey, 1 tablespoon
• cornstarch, 1 tablespoon
• salt, to taste
• black pepper, to taste

Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch; set aside. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat; add beef strips and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes.

Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for an additional minute.

Add the broccoli, carrots, bell pepper, and snow peas to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.

Return the cooked beef to the skillet; pour in the orange juice mixture and stir everything together to combine.

Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Serve hot and divide among 4 plates.

Notes

Use fresh and high-quality ingredients, especially the oranges, to get the best flavor out of this dish.

Adjust the amount of chili flakes or red pepper flakes to suit your desired level of spiciness.

Make sure to slice the beef strips against the grain to achieve tender and juicy results.

You can also use other protein sources like chicken, pork, or tofu for a variation.

Don’t overcook the beef; 3-4 minutes per side should be enough to get a nice brown color.

Remove the beef immediately to prevent it from getting tough.

Chop the vegetables uniformly so they cook evenly.

You can customize the vegetables to your liking, but this combination provides a nice mix of textures and flavors.

Whisk the orange juice mixture well to avoid any cornstarch lumps.

If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more orange juice.

If it’s too thin, add a bit more cornstarch.

Taste and adjust the seasoning as you go, especially when adding the soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch mixture.

You can also add other seasonings like grated orange zest or chopped green onions for extra flavor.

This recipe makes 4 servings, but feel free to scale it up or down depending on your needs.

Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Nutrional Value

• Calories: 360
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 30g