Orange Beef

Materials

 For the Beef:

 Flank steak or sirloin, cut into thin strips against the grain

 Cornstarch

 Light soy sauce

 Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

 Sesame oil

 White pepper

 Baking soda

 Orange zest

 For the Sauce:

 Light soy sauce

 Orange juice

 Brown sugar

 Chicken stock (or water)

 Orange zest

 Crushed red pepper

 Distilled white vinegar

 Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water)

 Aromatics:

 Garlic, minced

 Ginger, minced

 For Frying:

 Neutral oil (vegetable or canola)

 Production Steps

 Preparing the Beef:

1. Cut the beef: Slice the flank steak or sirloin into thin strips against the grain.

2. Marinate: In a bowl, combine the beef with white pepper, light soy sauce, baking soda, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, cornstarch, and orange zest. Marinate for at least 20 minutes.

 Making the Sauce:

1. Combine ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together light soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, chicken stock, orange zest, crushed red pepper, and distilled white vinegar.

2. Create cornstarch slurry: In a separate small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to form a slurry.

 Cooking the Orange Beef:

1. Heat oil: In a large wok or deep skillet, heat neutral oil over high heat.

2. Fry beef: Add the marinated beef to the hot oil and stir-fry until cooked through and slightly crispy. Remove from the wok and set aside.

3. Saute aromatics: In the same wok, add minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the wok and bring to a boil.

5. Thicken sauce: Gradually add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.

6. Combine beef and sauce: Return the cooked beef to the wok and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.

7. Serve: Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

 Tips for Perfect Orange Beef:

 Cut the beef thinly: This ensures even cooking and a tender result.

 Marinate adequately: The marinade tenderizes the beef and adds flavor.

 Control the heat: High heat is essential for crispy beef, but avoid burning.

 Balance the flavors: Adjust the amounts of sugar, vinegar, and soy sauce to your taste.

 Serve hot: Orange beef is best enjoyed fresh and hot.

 Additional Notes:

 For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper.

 You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the dish.

 For a thicker sauce, use more cornstarch slurry.

By following these steps and tips, you can create a delicious and authentic Orange Beef dish at home.