Crispy beef is a flavorful dish with the perfect mix of crunch and tenderness. Each bite delivers juicy beef coated in a golden, crispy layer, making it both satisfying and visually appealing.
Why We Love This Crispy Beef Recipe
There are numerous reasons this crispy beef recipe stands out as a favorite. First and foremost, the impeccably balanced flavors are what keep you coming back for more. The salty umami of soy sauce, paired with the sweet notes of molasses and the refreshing citrus from the orange, creates a delectable sauce that clings perfectly to the crispy beef. The addition of spicy jalapeño and fragrant garlic enhances the flavor experience, making every bite a burst of satisfaction.
Moreover, this dish is versatile. Whether you’re serving it at a festive gathering, a family dinner, or simply for yourself on a cozy night in, crispy beef is a crowd-pleaser. The dish is also customizable; you can adjust the heat level or add extra vegetables to your liking. Finally, it’s an excellent way to impress your guests or family with minimal effort while showcasing your culinary skills.
Ingredients about Crispy Beef
To create this wonderful crispy beef, you need specific ingredients to ensure the best flavor and texture. Below is a list of what you’ll need to gather before starting your culinary journey:
- 1 1/2 pounds stir fry steak slices or sirloin steak cut into thin slices
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce, divided
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 medium-sized navel orange
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 jalapeño, de-seeded and thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (or substitute with 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups canola oil, for frying
- 2 scallions, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Crispy Beef Directions
Creating crispy beef is an enjoyable culinary project that you can easily manage in your kitchen. Here’s how you can make it:
Start by preparing your beef. In a large bowl, toss the beef strips with one tablespoon of soy sauce. Once coated, sprinkle the cornstarch over the beef strips and toss them again until they are evenly covered. This cornstarch layer is crucial for getting that enviable crispiness. After coating, place the beef on a wire rack atop a baking sheet and put it in the freezer for about 45 minutes. Freezing helps firm up the beef and ensures a better texture when frying.
While the beef gets chilled, use a vegetable peeler to peel the outer zest of the orange into long strips, then slice them thinner. Cut the orange in half and juice it until you have about 1/4 cup of fresh orange juice.
In a medium bowl, mix together the orange zest strips, orange juice, the remaining two tablespoons of soy sauce, molasses, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sliced jalapeño, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk everything until it’s well combined, forming a flavorful marinade and sauce for your beef.
Heat canola oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 375°F (191°C). To test if the oil is hot enough, you may drop a small piece of bread or a drop of the beef coating. If it bubbles, the oil is ready.
Carefully add one-third of the beef strips to the hot oil, making sure not to crowd the pot. Fry for about three minutes, or until the beef turns a lovely golden brown. Once done, carefully remove the crispy beef with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Repeat this step with the remaining beef strips.
In a large skillet, combine the soy sauce mixture you prepared earlier with the fried orange zest strips. Bring this mix to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for around three minutes. This step allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Finally, add your crispy beef strips to the skillet, tossing them gently to ensure they’re evenly coated in the glorious sauce. Serve your crispy beef warm, preferably over a bed of fluffy white rice, and garnish it with chopped scallions for an extra pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Crispy Beef
When it’s time to serve, presentation goes a long way. Ladle your crispy beef over a generous scoop of fluffy white rice. The rice acts as a neutral canvas, soaking up the vibrant flavors of the sauce and creating a delightful experience with each bite.
Consider serving with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the beef. If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing crispy beef with a light Asian-style slaw that combines crunchy vegetables and a zesty dressing. The contrasting textures will elevate your meal to a whole new level.
For gatherings, serve crispy beef on a large platter, allowing guests to help themselves. You could also provide toothpicks if you wish to serve it as an appetizer, making it easy for your guests to enjoy while mingling.
Expert Tips: Crispy Beef
To ensure your crispy beef turns out perfect, here are some expert tips:
- Choosing the Right Cut: Opt for a tender cut of beef, such as sirloin steak or flank steak. These cuts are easy to slice into thin strips and yield great flavor when cooked properly.
- Marinating Time: While the recipe allows for a quick marination, letting the beef soak in the soy sauce for longer can enhance the flavor. If you have time, marinate the beef for at least an hour or even overnight in the refrigerator.
- Maintaining Crispiness: To keep the beef crispy, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil temperature is too low, the beef will absorb excess oil and lose its crunch.
- Batch Cooking: Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Overcrowding leads to a temperature drop in the oil, causing the beef to steam rather than fry.
- Serving Immediately: Serve the crispy beef as soon as possible after cooking to enjoy it at its best. The longer it sits, the less crisp it becomes.
How to Store Crispy Beef
If you happen to have leftovers (though they are rare with this dish!), store your crispy beef properly. Allow it to cool to room temperature, and then transfer it to an airtight container. It’s important to keep the sauce separate until you’re ready to eat, as this will help maintain the beef’s crispiness.
When storing in the refrigerator, your crispy beef should last for about 2-3 days. If you wish to extend its life, consider freezing it. For freezing, place the cooled beef in a freezer-safe container, layering it with parchment paper to prevent sticking, and it should stay good for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat the beef in an oven at a low temperature to help regain some of its original crispiness, rather than using a microwave which can make it soggy.
Variation of Crispy Beef
Feel free to mix things up with your crispy beef! Here are a few variations to consider:
- Spicy Kick: Want more heat? Add extra sliced jalapeños to the marinade or sprinkle additional red pepper flakes over the finished dish.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate thinly sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or snap peas into the sauce along with the beef for a nutritious boost.
- Zesty Lime Twist: Swap out the orange juice for lime juice for a tangy twist. Lime can impart a refreshing brightness that complements the beef.
- Orange Chicken Style: Try using chicken instead of beef for a similar approach. Chicken thighs, marinated and fried with the same method, can yield equally delicious results.
- Different Proteins: This recipe can also be adjusted to include tofu for a vegetarian version. Instead of beef, use firm tofu, cut into strips, and follow the same coating and frying method.
FAQs
What type of beef is best for crispy beef?
For the best results, choose tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak. These cuts hold up well to frying and offer great flavor.
Can I make crispy beef ahead of time?
While crispy beef is best served fresh, you can prepare the beef and sauce in advance. However, fry it just before serving for maximum crispiness.
How can I ensure my beef stays crispy?
Keep the fried beef in a single layer and serve immediately after frying to maintain its texture. Avoid covering it, as that can create steam and make it soggy.
Can I substitute the soy sauce?
Yes, if you need a gluten-free version, opt for tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. These alternatives will still impart flavor while adhering to dietary restrictions.
Is this recipe healthy?
The recipe can be part of a balanced diet. By using low-sodium soy sauce and plenty of fresh ingredients, you can enjoy this crispy beef in moderation. Moreover, serving it with vegetables on the side increases its nutritional value.
Crispy Beef
Ingredients
Beef Preparation
- 1.5 pounds stir fry steak slices or sirloin steak cut into thin slices Choose a tender cut for best results.
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce Divided use.
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch For coating the beef.
- 4 cups canola oil For frying.
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 medium-sized navel orange Zested and juiced.
- 3 tablespoons molasses
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1.5 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 jalapeño de-seeded and thinly sliced Adjust for heat preference.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger Or substitute with 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Garnish
- 2 scallions chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, toss the beef strips with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Sprinkle cornstarch over the beef strips and toss until evenly covered. Place the beef on a wire rack atop a baking sheet and put it in the freezer for about 45 minutes.
- Peel the zest of the orange into long strips, then slice them thinner. Cut the orange in half and juice it until you have about 1/4 cup of fresh orange juice.
Make the Sauce
- In a medium bowl, mix the orange zest strips, orange juice, remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, molasses, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sliced jalapeño, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until well combined.
Cooking
- Heat canola oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (191°C).
- Carefully add one-third of the beef strips to the hot oil and fry for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat with remaining beef strips.
- In a large skillet, combine the soy sauce mixture with the fried orange zest strips. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 3 minutes.
- Add the crispy beef strips to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce. Serve warm over fluffy white rice, garnished with chopped scallions.
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