Stir-Fried Orange Beef Or Chicken
A vibrant stir-fry combining tender meat or chicken with sweet orange flavors, fresh cilantro, and crisp broccoli, perfect for a quick, colorful, and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lb. top round steak or chicken breast meat ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 1 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 tsp. brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sesame oil ⓘ
- 1 tsp. finely minced ginger root ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro ⓘ
- 1 can sliced water chestnuts, rinsed and drained ⓘ
- 2 oranges ⓘ
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
Instructions
- Remove peel from oranges in thin strips with a paring knife or zester; set aside.
- Section peeled oranges; set aside.
- Cut steak into 2-inch wide strips or chicken into 2-inch squares with a sharp knife.
- In a shallow dish, combine meat or chicken, 2 tablespoons orange juice, soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar.
- Stir to combine; set aside.
- In a wok or large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat.
- Add minced ginger and garlic; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the meat or chicken mixture; stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Add broccoli tops, sliced water chestnuts, and orange sections; cook for another 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Pour in chicken broth and remaining orange juice; bring to a boil and cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in chopped cilantro and the orange peel strips; cook briefly to combine flavors.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more tender meat, marinate the beef or chicken for at least 30 minutes before cooking. If you don't have sesame oil, you can substitute with vegetable oil, although it will alter the flavor slightly. Fresh ginger adds a nice zing, but ground ginger can work in a pinch. For added crunch, consider adding bell peppers or snap peas, similar to those found in Teriyaki Stir-Fried Chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or egg noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it alongside a light cucumber salad or Asian-inspired slaw for a refreshing crunch. To elevate the meal, consider a side of spring rolls or dumplings, complementing the flavors of this stir-fry.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the meat tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stir-Fried Orange Beef Or Chicken contains roughly 297 calories, with 11g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (194% of the Daily Value), iron (66% of the Daily Value), and potassium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2610mg per serving (113% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used, but you should add them at the same time as the chicken or beef to ensure they cook properly. Just be aware that they may release extra moisture, so you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly to maintain the right consistency.
How do I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider incorporating sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of red pepper flakes when sautéing the ginger and garlic. You can also serve it with a side of chili sauce for those who prefer extra spice. This will enhance the flavor profile while keeping the dish balanced.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the beef or chicken with tofu or tempeh. Ensure you marinate the tofu well for flavor and adjust the cooking time as needed. You could also add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or bok choy to enhance the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).