Zesty Orange Beef Stir-Fry with Sweet Peppers & Jasmine Rice

A vibrant late-summer dish bursting with citrus, ginger, and a light touch of heat

This dish is inspired by the Chinese-American favorite, crispy orange beef — but we lighten things up, keeping the beef tender with a pan-sear instead of deep-frying. Juicy strips of beef mingle with red bell peppers, sweet onions, and a fragrant orange-ginger sauce over fluffy jasmine rice. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner or weekend crowd-pleaser that brings brightness to the table without the takeout box.

Recipe: 🍊 Zesty Orange Beef Stir-Fry with Sweet Peppers & Jasmine Rice

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Ingredients

For the beef & vegetables:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (plus more for stir-frying)
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small yellow or sweet onion, sliced into wedges
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated or finely minced
• 4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the beef:
In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch until evenly coated. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

2️⃣ Mix the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, zest, soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, hoisin (if using), and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

3️⃣ Sear the beef:
Heat 1–2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches (avoid overcrowding) for about 1–2 minutes per side until browned and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4️⃣ Sauté the vegetables:
In the same pan, add a splash more oil if needed. Stir-fry the garlic, ginger, onion, and bell pepper for 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp.

5️⃣ Combine & sauce it up:
Return the beef to the pan. Pour in the orange sauce and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and veggies.

6️⃣ Serve:
Spoon over warm jasmine rice and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Add extra orange wedges on the side for a citrus pop.

🌿 Chef’s Notes

✅ Look for flank steak with good marbling — it stays tender when seared hot and fast.
✅ Fresh orange juice is key — bottled lacks the same brightness.
✅ To make it spicier, add sliced fresh chilies or an extra pinch of red pepper flakes.
✅ For extra crunch, top with toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts.

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep beautifully! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water.

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