Known for its vibrant colors and bold flavors, stir-fried orange beef is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine. It’s typically served over steamed rice or noodles for a quick weeknight dinner that is sure to please all palates.

Ingredients

• 1 lb of beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (such as canola or avocado oil)
• 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
• 1 tablespoon of orange zest
• 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, mixed with 2 tablespoons of water (for thickening)
• 1/4 cup of sliced green onions for garnish
• 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   • In a bowl, combine orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Mix well.
2. Marinate the Beef:
   • Add the sliced beef into the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
3. Cook the Beef:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
   • Remove beef from marinade, saving the marinade for later, and stir-fry in the pan until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
4. Create the Sauce:
   • In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Pour in the saved marinade and bring it to a simmer.
   • Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook until the sauce thickens.
5. Combine:
   • Return the beef to the pan, tossing it in the thickened sauce to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Serve:
   • Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over steamed brown rice or your choice of grain.