Imagine a dish that combines the tangy zest of orange, the tender juiciness of perfectly seared beef, and the vibrant crunch of fresh broccoli - all in one mouthwatering stir fry that's ready in just 25 minutes! This Orange Beef Broccoli Stir Fry isn't just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that transforms your kitchen into a gourmet Chinese restaurant, without the hefty takeout price tag. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality dish that's surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef sirloin, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by slicing beef sirloin into thin strips against the grain, ensuring even cuts for quick and uniform cooking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, and cornstarch until smooth, creating the sauce base for the stir fry.
- Mince garlic cloves finely to release maximum flavor during cooking.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or wide skillet over high heat until the oil is shimmering and almost smoking.
- Add sliced beef to the hot pan in a single layer, allowing meat to sear and develop a golden-brown crust without overcrowding the pan.
- Stir and cook beef for 2-3 minutes until it's browned on all sides but still slightly pink in the center.
- Remove beef from pan and set aside on a clean plate, keeping warm.
- In the same pan, add broccoli florets and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they become bright green and slightly tender with crisp edges.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return beef to the pan and pour the prepared orange sauce over the meat and broccoli.
- Stir continuously and cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats ingredients evenly.
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving platter, ensuring even distribution of beef, broccoli, and sauce.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips
- Meat Cutting Technique: Slice beef sirloin against the grain and as thinly as possible to ensure tenderness and quick cooking.
- High Heat is Key: Use a wok or large skillet and ensure it's scorching hot before adding ingredients to achieve that authentic stir-fry sear.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook beef in a single layer to promote proper browning and prevent steaming.
- Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, glossy sauce.
- Broccoli Texture: Aim for bright green, crisp-tender broccoli - avoid overcooking to maintain nutritional value and appealing crunch.
- Timing Matters: Add garlic last to prevent burning and preserve its aromatic flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Stir fry is best enjoyed hot and fresh, so time your cooking to serve right away.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 80mg