Zesty Tangerine Beef Stir-Fry with Snow Peas
Indulge in this vibrant stir-fry featuring succulent flank steak complemented by the citrusy brightness of fresh tangerine juice and zest. This dish is a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors, with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. Snow peas and onions add a wonderful crunch and color, making this meal both appealing and nourishing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, serve it over fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal. The delightful combination of garlic, ginger, and black bean sauce enhances the overall flavor profile, ensuring every bite transports you to a culinary paradise. Ideal for food enthusiasts who enjoy a touch of zest in their cooking, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
4
Servings
143.5
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
soy sauce
4 tablespoons (divided into 2 tablespoons for marinade and 2 tablespoons for sauce)
light brown sugar
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon (divided for marinade and sauce)
flank steak
12 ounces (cut into 2-inch wide strips, then sliced across the grain into 1/8-inch-thick slices)
tangerine juice
3/4 cup (freshly squeezed from 3 to 4 tangerines)
tangerine zest
1 teaspoon (grated from the tangerines)
sesame oil
1 teaspoon (none)
cornstarch
1 teaspoon (none)
garlic cloves
3 medium (minced, about 2 tablespoons)
fresh ginger
1 tablespoon (minced)
black bean sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
red pepper flakes
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
onion
1 large (halved and cut into 1/2-inch wedges)
snow peas
10 ounces (ends trimmed, strings removed)
water
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar. Add the sliced flank steak, toss well to coat, and allow to marinate for at least 10 minutes up to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
2
In another medium bowl, prepare the sauce by whisking the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, the remaining tablespoon of brown sugar, tangerine juice, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Set aside.
3
For the zest-garlic mixture, mix together tangerine zest, garlic, minced ginger, black bean sauce, red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a small bowl.
4
Remove the beef from the marinade and discard the liquid. Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet or wok over high heat until just smoking. Add half of the marinated beef in a single layer, breaking up any clumps. Cook for 1 minute without stirring, then stir and cook until the beef is browned, about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer beef to a clean bowl.
5
Repeat the cooking process for the remaining beef, adding an additional teaspoon of vegetable oil if necessary, then rinse the skillet and dry it with paper towels.
6
In the now-empty skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil and heat until just smoking. Add the halved onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they begin to brown, about 3 to 5 minutes.
7
Add the snow peas and continue to stir-fry until they develop a spotty brown color, approximately 2 minutes longer. Pour in the water and cook until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 1 minute.
8
Push the vegetables to the sides of the skillet to create a well in the center. Add the zest-garlic mixture to this clearing and cook, mashing it with a spatula until it becomes fragrant, about 15 to 20 seconds. Stir to combine the mixture with the vegetables.
9
Return the beef and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Stir well and whisk the sauce once more before adding it to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 30 seconds. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
12g
Carbs
12.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef is best for this stir-fry?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of flank steak, cut into 2-inch wide strips and then sliced across the grain into 1/8-inch-thick slices.
How long should I marinate the beef?
The beef should be marinated in soy sauce and brown sugar for at least 10 minutes, up to a maximum of 1 hour.
What provides the citrus flavor in this dish?
The zest and juice from 3 to 4 fresh tangerines provide the vibrant citrus flavor profile.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 143.5 calories.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
This recipe provides 12.25 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this meal?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving in this beef stir-fry.
How many carbohydrates are per serving?
There are 12 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
What are the main vegetables used?
The recipe uses 1 large onion and 10 ounces of trimmed snow peas.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is portioned to serve 4 people.
What aromatics are used for the seasoning?
The recipe features a blend of minced garlic, minced fresh ginger, tangerine zest, and black bean sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild heat provided by 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.
Why is cornstarch used in the sauce?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent to give the sauce a glossy, rich consistency.
What type of oil should I use for stir-frying?
Vegetable oil is recommended for its high smoke point, while sesame oil is used in the sauce for flavor.
How should the onions be prepared?
The onion should be halved and then cut into 1/2-inch wide wedges.
How do I prepare the snow peas?
The ends of the snow peas should be trimmed and the tough strings removed.
What is the purpose of cooking the beef in batches?
Cooking in batches ensures the skillet remains hot enough to brown the beef quickly without steaming it.
How long does it take to cook the snow peas?
Snow peas are stir-fried for about 2 minutes until they develop a spotty brown color, then cooked for 1 more minute with water.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 15 ingredients used in this recipe, including seasonings and oils.
Should I use fresh or bottled tangerine juice?
The recipe specifies using 3/4 cup of freshly squeezed juice from 3 to 4 tangerines for the best flavor.
What is the role of black bean sauce?
Black bean sauce adds a deep, savory, and salty umami flavor to the aromatic base.
How long should the aromatics cook?
The zest-garlic mixture should be mashed and cooked in the center of the pan for only 15 to 20 seconds until fragrant.
What side dish is recommended?
This stir-fry is best served hot over a bed of fluffy steamed rice.
How do I thicken the sauce at the end?
Once the sauce is added to the pan, cook it while stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until it thickens.
What type of sugar is used?
Light brown sugar is used in both the marinade and the sauce to balance the savory flavors.
What size pan is recommended?
A 12-inch nonstick skillet or a wok is ideal for this stir-fry.
Can I substitute the flank steak?
While flank steak is specified for its texture, other quick-cooking beef cuts like sirloin or flat iron could be used as substitutes.
How much soy sauce is needed?
A total of 4 tablespoons of soy sauce is required, divided equally between the marinade and the sauce.
Is this considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner and a healthy recipe suitable for weeknights.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
You will need 3 medium garlic cloves, minced to yield approximately 2 tablespoons.
What do I do with the marinade after soaking the beef?
The marinade liquid should be discarded once the beef is removed for cooking.