Spicy Orange Beef Stir Fry Flavorful and Quick Dish

Are you in the mood for a quick, tasty meal? My Spicy Orange Beef Stir Fry is a perfect option! This dish combines tender beef, fresh veggies, and a zesty orange sauce for a burst of flavor. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes! Ready to learn how to make this simple yet delicious recipe? Let’s dive into the ingredients and get started!

Ingredients

Complete List of Ingredients

- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced

- 2 tablespoons cornstarch

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 red bell pepper, sliced

- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

- 1 cup snap peas

- 2 green onions, chopped

- 3 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice

- Zest of 1 orange

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust for spice level)

- 1 tablespoon honey

- Salt and black pepper, to taste

For this spicy orange beef stir fry, the ingredients are simple yet bold. You start with beef sirloin, a tender cut that cooks quickly. The cornstarch is key; it helps the beef get a nice sear and stay juicy.

Next, you need colorful vegetables. Red and yellow bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. Snap peas give a fresh, crisp touch. Green onions bring a mild onion flavor and a pop of green.

Aromatics like garlic and ginger will fill your kitchen with amazing scents. The sauce mixes fresh orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, sriracha, and honey. This combination gives a sweet and spicy kick. Lastly, you'll need salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors.

Gather these ingredients, and you are on your way to a delicious meal. The bright colors and fresh ingredients make this dish not just tasty but also inviting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Beef

First, coat the beef with cornstarch. Take 1 pound of thinly sliced beef sirloin. Place it in a medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Toss until the beef is well coated. This step helps tenderize the beef and gives it a nice sear.

For cooking, use a large skillet or wok. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until it turns brown. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This helps the beef cook evenly. Remove the beef and set it aside.

Sautéing the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Now, it’s time to sauté garlic and ginger. Use 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger. Add them to the hot oil. Sauté for about 30 seconds. You want them to become fragrant, not burnt. This step builds great flavor for the dish.

Cooking the Vegetables

Next, it’s time for the vegetables. Add 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced yellow bell pepper, and 1 cup of snap peas to the skillet. Stir-fry them for 3-4 minutes. You want them to be crisp-tender. This keeps their bright colors and crunch. Stir constantly to avoid burning.

Combining Ingredients

Now, let’s make the stir-fry sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh juice of 1 orange, the zest of that orange, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sriracha, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Mix well to combine.

Return the beef to the skillet. Pour the orange sauce over the beef and vegetables. Toss everything to coat well. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the sauce thicken. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Finally, remove from heat. Stir in 2 chopped green onions just before serving. Enjoy your flavorful and quick Spicy Orange Beef Stir Fry!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Sear

To get the best sear on your beef, cook it in a single layer. This helps the beef brown evenly. If you crowd the pan, the beef will steam instead. Use a hot skillet or wok. This will help seal in the juices and give your beef a nice, brown crust.

Adjusting Spice Level

Want to change the heat? You can easily adjust the spice with sriracha. Add more for a fiery kick, or use less for a milder taste. Start with one tablespoon and taste the sauce. If you want more heat, add a little extra. It’s your dish, so make it how you like it!

Enhancing Flavor

To boost the flavor, think about adding more seasonings. Try sesame oil for a nutty taste, or a splash of rice vinegar for tang. You can also toss in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for extra freshness. Get creative and make this dish truly yours!

Variations

Protein Alternatives

You can swap the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Chicken breast works well and cooks quickly. Shrimp adds a nice touch and cooks fast too. If you prefer vegetarian, tofu is an excellent choice. Press and cube it before cooking to get rid of extra water. This way, it absorbs the flavors better.

Vegetable Substitutions

Feel free to mix in other vegetables. Broccoli, carrots, or bok choy all fit nicely. You can also use snow peas or mushrooms for extra texture. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and blend well with the sauce.

Sauce Variations

You can change up the sauce to suit your taste. For a sweeter kick, add more honey or use maple syrup. If you want a tangy punch, try adding rice vinegar. You can also use teriyaki sauce or hoisin sauce for a different flavor. Adjust the sriracha based on your spice preference.

Storage Info

Short-term Storage

To store leftovers, let the stir fry cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in your fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you keep track of freshness.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to freeze the stir fry, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Portion the stir fry for easy meals later. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before using.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water for moisture. Heat it on low and stir often. This keeps the beef tender and the veggies crisp. If using a microwave, cover the dish with a lid. Heat in short bursts of one minute. Stir in between to heat evenly. Enjoy the same great flavors!

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef. Flank steak or ribeye works well. Just make sure to slice the beef thinly. This helps it cook quickly and stay tender.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce. Regular soy sauce contains gluten. Check the labels on the sauce to be sure.

How can I make it less spicy?

To lower the spice, reduce the sriracha. You can also leave it out entirely. Add a little more honey for sweetness if you want.

What can I serve with Spicy Orange Beef Stir Fry?

This stir fry pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of fresh salad or spring rolls for a tasty meal.

How long does the dish last in the fridge?

The Spicy Orange Beef Stir Fry lasts up to three days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for best freshness.

This blog post covered how to make a delicious Spicy Orange Beef Stir Fry. We explored the key ingredients, from beef sirloin to vibrant veggies. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing the beef, sautéing aromatics, and stir-frying vegetables. Tips for perfecting flavor and spice levels were shared, along with storage methods for leftovers.

In closing, this dish offers simple steps to a tasty meal. I encourage you to make it your own with variations and enjoy the cooking process!