Spicy Orange Zest Beef

This spicy orange zest beef recipe is not supposed to be Chinese food, or even Americanized Chinese take-out food. It is a lower-fat alternative while still a quick, easy, and surprisingly flavorful meal.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 5 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 267 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ cup water
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons grated orange zest
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• cooking spray
• 1 tablespoon hot chile paste (such as sambal oelek)
• 1 pound beef tenderloin, cut into 1/2 inch strips
• ¼ cup seasoned rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar, or to taste
• 1 bunch green onions, sliced - white parts and tops separated

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine beef, orange juice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, hot chili paste, brown sugar, and garlic in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.

Step 2

Strain beef in a colander set over a large bowl, allowing beef to drain thoroughly, about 5 minutes. Reserve marinade.

Step 3

Stir water and cornstarch into the bowl of marinade. Whisk until cornstarch is dissolved, set aside.

Step 4

Spray skillet with cooking spray and place over high heat. Cook beef for 1 minute without stirring; cook and stir for an additional minute.

Step 5

Stir in light parts of green onion and orange zest; cook for 30 seconds.

Step 6

Stir in marinade and green onion tops; cook and stir until beef is no longer pink inside and sauce is reduced and thick, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 7

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.