Crispy Citrus Beef with Spicy Chili Infusion
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Crispy Citrus Beef with Spicy Chili Infusion. This dish brings a perfect balance of tenderness and crunch, accompanied by the vibrant taste of orange or tangerine peel and a spicy kick from dried red chili peppers. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe serves 2-3 and pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles. Impress your guests with the combination of savory beef, citrus notes, and an addictive crispy texture!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
flank steak
1 lb (sliced into thick pieces and pounded to 3/8 inch thickness)
dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon (for marinating and sauce)
sugar
5 tablespoons (2 for marinating and 4 for sauce)
egg
1 (beaten)
flour
6 tablespoons (for coating the beef)
oil
2-4 cups (for deep frying, plus additional for cooking)
dried red chili peppers
10 (adjust according to preferred heat level)
dried orange peel or tangerine peel
1/4 cup (soaked in hot water for 15 minutes, then drained)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (dissolved in water for thickening sauce)
frozen orange juice concentrate
2 tablespoons (thawed)
catsup
1 tablespoon
water
4 tablespoons (for sauce)
orange extract
1/4 teaspoon (optional for enhanced flavor)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Citrus Beef with Spicy Chili Infusion?
It is a flavorful dish that balances tender and crunchy beef with vibrant orange or tangerine notes and a spicy kick from dried red chili peppers.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe serves approximately 2 to 3 people.
What type of beef is recommended for this recipe?
One pound of flank steak is the recommended cut for this dish.
How should the beef be prepared before cooking?
The flank steak should be sliced into thick pieces and then pounded to a thickness of about 3/8 inch.
What makes the beef crispy?
The beef is coated in a mixture of beaten egg and six tablespoons of flour before being deep-fried in oil.
Is this dish very spicy?
The spice level comes from 10 dried red chili peppers, which can be adjusted according to your personal heat preference.
How do I prepare the dried orange or tangerine peel?
Soak the dried peel in hot water for 15 minutes and then drain it before adding it to the recipe.
What is used to thicken the citrus sauce?
A mixture of one tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in water is used as a thickening agent for the sauce.
Why is frozen orange juice concentrate used?
Thawed frozen orange juice concentrate provides a concentrated, vibrant citrus base for the sauce.
What side dishes go well with Crispy Citrus Beef?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed white rice or noodles.
Can I use tangerine peel instead of orange peel?
Yes, the recipe allows for either dried orange peel or dried tangerine peel.
What ingredients are used in the beef marinade?
The beef is marinated using dark soy sauce and sugar before the coating process.
What is the purpose of the orange extract?
The orange extract is an optional ingredient used to further enhance the citrus flavor profile of the dish.
Is catsup really an ingredient in this Asian-style dish?
Yes, one tablespoon of catsup is included in the sauce to provide a hint of sweetness and tanginess.
How much oil is required for frying?
You will need between 2 to 4 cups of oil for deep frying the beef.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish is characterized by savory beef, bright citrus notes, a touch of sweetness, and a spicy chili finish.
Can this be prepared as a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is noted as being ideal for a quick weeknight dinner despite its restaurant-quality flavor.
What type of cuisine is this?
This recipe is categorized under Asian cuisine, specifically featuring traditional stir-fry and deep-frying techniques.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients listed, including the optional orange extract.
What is the role of the egg in the recipe?
The beaten egg acts as a binder to help the flour coating stick to the beef for a better crunch.
Is dark soy sauce necessary?
Dark soy sauce is used for both marinating and the sauce to provide a deep color and rich savory flavor.
How long should the orange peel soak?
The peel should be soaked in hot water for exactly 15 minutes.
How much sugar is used in the entire recipe?
A total of 5 tablespoons of sugar is used: 2 for the marinade and 3 for the sauce.
What is the thickness of the beef after pounding?
The beef should be pounded to a uniform 3/8 inch thickness.
Can I make this for a special occasion?
Yes, its impressive texture and flavor combination make it suitable for special events or dinner guests.
What provides the 'infusion' in the name?
The infusion refers to the spicy heat from the dried red chili peppers and the citrus oil from the peels permeating the sauce.
Is water used in the sauce?
Yes, 4 tablespoons of water are added to the sauce mixture.
What kind of flour is used for coating?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to coat the beef.
Is this dish gluten-free?
No, this recipe contains flour and soy sauce, which typically contain gluten.
Can I adjust the citrus intensity?
Yes, you can adjust the citrus level by varying the amount of orange peel or using the optional orange extract.