Orange-Flavored Beef

Submitted by Shawnee TX

"From America's Test Kitchen. Crispy beef in a spicy-sweet sauce. Serve over rice for a delicious alternative to Chinese Take-out."

 

• Ready In: 45mins
• Ingredients: 19
• Serves: 4

ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 lbs blade steaks, trimmed and cut in 1 1/2-inch pieces
• 3⁄4 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 3⁄4 cup orange juice
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons grated orange zest, plus
• 8 pieces orange peel, 2-inch x 1/2-inch strips
• 6 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1⁄4 cup soy sauce
• 1⁄2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
• 3 medium garlic cloves, minced (about 1 Tablespoon)
• 1 tablespoon fresh gingerroot, grated (about 1 Tablespoon)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 5 teaspoons cornstarch, separated
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• 8 small whole dried chilies (optional)

• For frying the beef

• 3 large egg whites
• 1 1⁄2 cups cornstarch
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• peanut oil

directions

1. FOR THE MARINADE AND SAUCE: Place beef in zipper bag; set aside. Combine chicken broth, orange juice, grated zest, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger and cayenne in large sauce pan and whisk until sugar is fully dissolved. Measure out 3/4 cup of mixture and pour into bag with beef. Seal bag, making sure that all pieces of beef are coated with marinade. Refrigerate 30 - 60 minutes, but no longer. Bring remaining mixture to boil in sauce pan over high heat. In a small bowl, combine 3 teaspoons cornstarch with the cold water; whisk together until smooth and then whisk into boiling sauce. Simmer sauce, stirring occasionally until thick and translucent, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in orange peel and chiles. Set sauce aside.
2. FOR THE COATING: Place egg whites in pie plate; using fork, beat until frothy. In second pie plate, whisk remaining 2 teaspoons cornstarch, cayenne, and baking soda until combined. Drain beef in colander or large mesh strainer; thoroughly pat beef dry with paper towels. Place half of beef pieces in egg whites and turn to coat. Transfer pieces to cornstarch mixture and coat thoroughly. Place dredged beef pieces on wire rack, set over baking sheet; repeat with remaining beef.
3. TO FRY THE BEEF: Heat about 3 cups oil in large, deep pan to 350 degrees. Carefully place half of beef in oil one piece at a time; fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes, turning each piece with tongs half-way through cooking. Transfer beef to large plate lined with paper towels. Return oil to 350 degrees and repeat with remaining beef.
4. TO SERVE: Reheat sauce over medium heat until simmering, about 2 minutes. Add beef and gently toss until evenly coated and heated through. Serve immediately.