Beef & Citrus Stir-Fry
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The beef and citrus stir-fry is a delightful fusion of savory and tangy flavors. This dish combines tender strips of beef with a bright citrus sauce, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Let’s dive into how to create this enticing entrée and its accompanying sides.
The Recipe:
Beef & Citrus Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, grated
- Zest and juice of 1 orange
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix orange zest, juice, soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch in a bowl.
- Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add beef and stir-fry until browned.
- Remove beef, add vegetables and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
- Return beef to wok, add sauce mixture. Cook until sauce thickens.
- Serve hot over rice.
Detailed Preparation:
- To achieve the perfect beef and citrus stir-fry, start by selecting a high-quality cut of beef sirloin. Slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Prepare your mise in place by having all ingredients chopped and ready before heating the wok.
- The key to a great stir-fry is high heat and quick cooking. Ensure your wok is smoking hot before adding oil.
- Cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of searing. When stir-frying the vegetables, maintain a crisp texture by not overcooking.
- The citrus sauce should be a balance of sweet, sour, and savory. Adjust the ratios of orange juice, soy sauce, and honey to suit your taste.
- For a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of cornstarch slightly.
Variations:
- Use chicken or shrimp instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
- Incorporate other citrus fruits like lemon or lime for different flavor profiles.
- Try different vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or water chestnuts.
Tips:
- Prep ingredients in advance and store in the refrigerator.
- Use pre-cut stir-fry beef from the grocery store.
- Make extra sauce and store it for future use.
- For the best experience, serve the stir-fry immediately while it’s hot and the vegetables are still crisp.
- Pair it with steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
The Side Dishes:
Steamed Snap Peas:
- Steam fresh snap peas for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp.
- Season with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of sesame oil.
Fried Rice:
- Cook rice in advance and cool completely.
- In a wok, stir-fry cold rice with beaten eggs, diced vegetables, and soy sauce for a quick and delicious side.
Mandarin Orange Segments:
- Simply peel and separate fresh mandarin oranges, or use canned segments for convenience.
- Drain well before serving.
Equipment & Ingredients:
To create your very own sizzling beef stir-fry dish, you may consider purchasing most of the following items on Amazon:
Equipment:
- Wok
- Rice Cooker
- Citrus Zester
- Quality Chef’s Knife
- Bamboo Steamer
Ingredients:
- Soy Sauce
- Sesame Oil
- Cornstarch
- Mandarin Oranges
- Rice
By gathering these ingredients and tools, you’ll be well-equipped to create this delicious and balanced meal. The combination of the zesty beef stir-fry with the fresh sides makes for a nutritious and satisfying dining experience.
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Beef & Citrus Stir-Fry Recipe
A zesty and savory stir-fry combining tender beef strips with a bright citrus sauce, creating a delightful fusion of flavors perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef sirloin thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper sliced
- 1 onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger grated
- 1 zest and juice of orange
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together orange zest, orange juice, soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add beef to the wok and stir-fry until browned, about 2-3 minutes. Remove beef and set aside.
- In the same wok, add bell pepper, onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Return beef to the wok and add the prepared sauce mixture.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables, about 1-2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot over steamed rice.
Notes
- For best results, slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the sauce by varying the amounts of honey and orange juice.
- This dish is best served immediately to maintain the crisp texture of the vegetables.