Imagine sinking your fork into tender, juicy beef glazed with a tangy orange sauce, perfectly complemented by crisp broccoli – all without the heavy calories of traditional takeout. This Lighter Orange Beef and Broccoli recipe is about to revolutionize your home cooking, bringing restaurant-quality flavor right to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves delicious meals that don't compromise on taste, this recipe is your new weeknight hero!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all the ingredients. Thinly slice 1 lb of beef sirloin against the grain into bite-sized pieces. This will help ensure the meat remains tender during cooking.
- Rinse and cut 2 cups of broccoli florets into smaller pieces if necessary, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of orange juice, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Whisk together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This mixture will serve as your sauce.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a small amount of oil (like vegetable or canola oil) to the pan, swirling to coat the surface.
- Add the sliced beef sirloin to the skillet in a single layer. Allow it to sear for about 2-3 minutes without stirring to develop a nice brown color. Then, stir-fry the beef for another 2-3 minutes until it is browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
- Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. If necessary, add a splash of water to help steam the broccoli.
- Once the broccoli is cooked to your liking, return the beef to the skillet. Pour the prepared orange juice and soy sauce mixture over the beef and broccoli.
- Stir everything together, ensuring the beef and broccoli are well coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and glaze the ingredients.
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve the lighter orange beef and broccoli immediately over steamed rice or noodles, if desired. Enjoy your delicious and healthier take on this classic dish!
Tips
- Slice the beef against the grain and as thinly as possible to ensure maximum tenderness and quick cooking.
- Use a high-heat cooking method like stir-frying to maintain the meat's juiciness and create those delicious caramelized edges.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef – cook in batches if necessary to achieve proper searing.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sesame oil to the sauce.
- Make sure your cornstarch is fully dissolved in the sauce to prevent lumpy texture.
- Have all ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking, as stir-frying moves quickly.
- For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 70mg
