Craving a dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory? Look no further than this mouthwatering Ginger Beef with Mandarin Oranges recipe that transforms an ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure! Imagine tender beef strips caramelized to perfection, kissed with zesty ginger, and studded with juicy mandarin orange segments that burst with tropical brightness. This Chinese-inspired dish is not just a meal—it's a sensory experience that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Asia with every single bite.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 can mandarin oranges
- 2 tbsp ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by thinly slicing beef sirloin against the grain into 1/4-inch strips. Ensure meat is at room temperature for even cooking.
- Drain mandarin oranges and reserve 1/4 cup of the liquid. Pat beef slices dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.
- In a small bowl, whisk together grated ginger, soy sauce, cornstarch, and reserved mandarin orange liquid to create a marinade. Coat beef strips in this mixture and let sit for 10 minutes.
- Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and wait until it shimmers.
- Quickly stir-fry marinated beef in batches to prevent overcrowding, cooking for 2-3 minutes until edges are caramelized and meat is medium-rare. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, stir-fry sliced bell peppers for 2 minutes until slightly crisp.
- Return beef to the pan, add mandarin orange segments, and toss quickly to warm through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately over steamed rice.
Tips
- Meat Preparation is Key: Always slice beef against the grain and at room temperature to ensure maximum tenderness and even cooking.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-fry beef in batches to achieve that coveted caramelized exterior. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of searing.
- High Heat is Your Friend: Use a wok or heavy skillet on high heat to get those beautiful, slightly charred edges on your beef.
- Cornstarch Magic: The cornstarch in the marinade helps tenderize the meat and creates a silky sauce that clings perfectly to each beef strip.
- Fresh Ginger Matters: Use fresh grated ginger for the most vibrant, punchy flavor—avoid pre-minced versions if possible.
- Quick Cooking is Crucial: The entire stir-fry should take just minutes to preserve the meat's juiciness and vegetables' crisp texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 249kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 21g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 60mg
