If you’re craving a flavorful twist on the classic beef and broccoli, this orange beef and broccoli recipe is exactly what you need. With the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and citrusy flavors, this dish comes together quickly and easily in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking to make a tasty weeknight dinner or want to impress guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into how to make this simple and delicious dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 pound of top sirloin (or any cut of beef you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce (or regular soy sauce)
For the Sauce:
- ¾ cup chicken stock (for a lighter, more neutral flavor)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (you can also use white sugar)
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (store-bought or fresh)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Zest from 1 orange (avoid going too deep into the peel to prevent bitterness)
- 1 orange, juiced (about ½ cup of fresh orange juice)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon oil (for frying)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
To Serve:
- Steamed rice
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Step 1: Preparing the Beef
Start by slicing your beef into thin, razor-thin pieces, cutting against the grain. This helps the beef stay tender when cooked. Once sliced, place the beef in a bowl and season with ground black pepper, cornstarch, and soy sauce. Toss the beef in the marinade until everything is evenly coated. You can let it marinate for 20 minutes or even overnight if you have the time. However, if you’re in a hurry, you can proceed right away.
Step 2: Making the Orange Sauce
To create the flavorful orange sauce, combine the chicken stock, brown sugar, ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and orange zest in a bowl. Squeeze in the juice from half an orange, ensuring that you get about ½ cup of fresh juice. Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth. The aroma of the fresh orange and ginger will already have you excited for the finished dish.
Step 3: Cooking the Beef and Broccoli
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef to the pan, stirring frequently, and cook until the beef is browned. Since the beef is sliced thinly, it won’t take long to cook—just a few minutes.
Once the beef is browned, add in the broccoli florets. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the broccoli begins to tenderize. If you prefer your broccoli more tender, you can cook it a little longer or even blanch it beforehand.
Step 4: Adding the Sauce
Now, pour the prepared orange sauce over the beef and broccoli mixture. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and become glossy. If the sauce thickens too much, you can adjust it by adding a splash of water or stock.
Step 5: Serving the Dish
Once the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat. Serve your orange beef and broccoli over a bed of steamed rice, and garnish with sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
Conclusion: A Perfect Meal in 30 Minutes
This orange beef and broccoli dish is a delicious and quick meal that combines the savory goodness of beef, the crisp freshness of broccoli, and the tangy sweetness of orange. The tender beef and vibrant sauce come together beautifully in just 30 minutes, making this the perfect meal for busy nights. It’s an easy, satisfying dinner that will quickly become a family favorite.
