Flank steak, vibrant peppers, and crisp onions come together in this mouthwatering Orange Zest Steak Stir Fry with Peppers. The unexpected addition of fresh orange zest elevates this stir-fry, creating a delightfully bright and unique flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional recipes.
If you love the convenience and incredible flavors of stir-fries, be sure to explore more of our favorites like this Asian Rice and Beef Stir Fry Recipe, our tantalizing Orange Teriyaki Beef with Noodles, or the comforting Peanut Chicken Stir Fry. Each offers a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight.
Discover the Zesty Delight of Orange Steak Stir Fry with Peppers
This Orange Zest Steak Stir Fry with Peppers is not just another dinner recipe; it’s a culinary journey that promises both convenience and an explosion of flavors. Whether you’re planning your meals in advance or seeking a quick, no-fuss dinner solution, this recipe hits all the right notes. We love serving this vibrant steak stir fry over fluffy white rice, but for those looking for a healthier twist, brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice make excellent alternatives, allowing you to tailor this delicious meal to your dietary preferences.
What truly sets this stir fry apart is its captivating sauce, distinguished by the inclusion of fresh orange zest. The moment I first tasted it, I was instantly enamored. That bright, aromatic orange zest infuses the entire dish with an unparalleled freshness and a delightful citrusy kick. It delivers a robust punch of orange flavor, creating a symphony of sweet, savory, and tangy notes that awaken the palate. If you’re not typically a fan of prominent orange flavors, you might consider reducing the amount or omitting it, but for citrus enthusiasts, this ingredient is an absolute game-changer. It transforms a simple stir-fry into an extraordinary dining experience, and I can confidently say I am completely obsessed with this Orange Zest Steak Stir Fry with Peppers!
Essential Ingredients for Your Zesty Steak Stir Fry
Crafting the perfect stir fry begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component in this recipe plays a crucial role in building its complex and satisfying flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- Rice Vinegar: Opt for unseasoned rice vinegar to maintain control over the overall seasoning of the dish. Its mild acidity adds a pleasant tang to the sauce without being overpowering. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar can serve as a suitable substitute, though it has a slightly stronger flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Low sodium soy sauce is recommended to prevent the dish from becoming overly salty, allowing you to adjust the seasoning to your preference. It provides the essential umami depth characteristic of Asian-inspired dishes.
- Orange Zest: This is the star ingredient that truly sets our stir fry apart. Freshly grated orange zest introduces a bright, aromatic, and slightly sweet citrus note that complements the savory steak and vegetables beautifully. It adds an unexpected layer of freshness and makes this recipe uniquely flavorful.
- Sugar: A touch of sugar balances the acidity from the vinegar and the saltiness from the soy sauce, contributing to the sweet and savory harmony of the sauce. It also helps achieve that desirable sticky, glossy texture that coats the steak and vegetables so well.
- Cornstarch: Used both in the sauce and to coat the steak, cornstarch is vital for thickening the sauce to a perfect consistency, ensuring it clings beautifully to every piece of meat and vegetable. When coating the steak, it also helps create a wonderfully browned and slightly crispy exterior.
- Flank Steak: Flank steak is an ideal choice for stir-fries due to its lean nature and ability to absorb marinades well. Slicing it thinly against the grain ensures tenderness. Other excellent alternatives include skirt steak, flat iron steak, or sirloin steak, all of which offer great flavor and texture when prepared correctly.
- Salt and Pepper: Fundamental for seasoning. Don’t underestimate the power of a good pinch of salt and a grind of fresh black pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the steak before cooking.
- Oil: A high smoke point oil, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil, is essential for stir-frying at high temperatures without burning. This allows for quick cooking and a beautiful sear on the steak.
- Onion, Bell Peppers, and Garlic: These form the aromatic base and vibrant vegetable component of the stir fry. Thinly sliced yellow onion and red bell peppers add sweetness, crunch, and a pop of color. Fresh minced garlic provides a pungent, savory foundation. While this recipe keeps it simple, feel free to add other stir-fry friendly vegetables like broccoli florets, snow peas, sliced mushrooms, or carrots for added nutrition and variety.
- Ginger: Freshly grated or minced ginger is crucial for an authentic Asian flavor. Its pungent, spicy, and aromatic notes add warmth and depth to the dish, pairing wonderfully with garlic and orange zest.
- Cilantro: Added as a fresh garnish at the end, cilantro brightens the overall flavor and adds a touch of herbaceousness. If cilantro isn’t to your taste, you can simply omit it or substitute with chopped green onions.
- Rice: The traditional accompaniment for stir-fries. Cooked white rice is a classic choice, but feel free to explore other options like brown rice for more fiber, noodles for a different texture, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
How to Master Your Orange Zest Steak Stir Fry with Peppers
Stir-frying is a fast-paced cooking method, so having all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start is key to success. This culinary concept, known as “mise en place,” ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience, allowing you to focus on technique rather than scrambling for ingredients.
- Prepare the Zesty Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, low sodium soy sauce, grated orange zest, sugar, and one teaspoon of cornstarch until smooth. Set this flavorful sauce aside. This combination creates the unique sweet, savory, and tangy base that truly defines this dish.
- Season and Coat the Steak: Take your thinly sliced flank steak strips and place them in another bowl. Season generously with salt and pepper. Next, add the remaining one tablespoon of cornstarch and toss thoroughly, ensuring each strip of meat is evenly coated. This cornstarch coating will help the steak brown beautifully and retain its moisture, resulting in tender, succulent bites.
- Sear the Steak to Perfection: Heat a large wok or a heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat until it’s very hot. Add the vegetable oil and let it shimmer. Working in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan (which can steam the meat instead of searing it), add the seasoned steak strips. Stir fry quickly, for about 2 minutes per batch, until the steak is nicely browned on the outside but still slightly rare in the center. The goal isn’t to cook it all the way through at this stage. Transfer the browned steak to a clean plate and set aside.
- Stir Fry the Vibrant Vegetables: To the same hot wok or skillet, add the thinly sliced onion, bell peppers, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Continue to stir fry for approximately 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp – they should still have a slight bite to them. This ensures they maintain their vibrant color and texture.
- Combine and Finish the Steak: Return the seared steak strips to the wok with the cooked vegetables. Stir and cook for just 1 more minute, allowing the flavors to meld and the steak to finish cooking to your desired doneness.
- Thicken the Zesty Sauce: Give your prepared orange zest sauce another quick whisk to ensure the cornstarch is fully incorporated. Pour the sauce evenly over the steak and vegetable mixture in the wok. Continue to stir fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and achieved a glossy, coating consistency. This process happens quickly due to the hot pan and cornstarch.
- Serve and Garnish: Immediately spoon the hot steak and vegetable stir fry over a bed of freshly cooked rice. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro for a final burst of color and herbaceous flavor. Serve piping hot and enjoy!
Tips for Stir-Fry Success
Achieving a restaurant-quality stir fry at home is easier than you think with a few simple tips:
- High Heat is Key: Always cook stir-fries over high heat. This ensures that ingredients sear quickly and develop a delicious caramelized crust, rather than steaming and becoming soggy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Wok: This is a common mistake. Cooking in batches prevents the temperature of the pan from dropping too much, which leads to steaming instead of searing. This is especially important for the steak.
- Mise en Place is Crucial: Have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go before you even turn on the stove. Stir-frying is a fast process, and you won’t have time to chop garlic while the steak is searing.
- Slice Against the Grain: For flank steak, always slice thinly against the grain. This breaks up the muscle fibers, resulting in incredibly tender meat that’s easy to chew.
- Perfectly Tender-Crisp Vegetables: Don’t overcook your vegetables. They should retain some of their crunch and vibrant color. This usually takes only a few minutes on high heat.
Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations
While this Orange Zest Steak Stir Fry is fantastic served over white rice, don’t hesitate to get creative with your meal presentation and additions:
- Alternative Grains: For a heartier or healthier meal, try serving it over brown rice, quinoa, or even farro.
- Noodle Bowls: Transform it into a noodle bowl by serving it over lo mein noodles, rice vermicelli, or even spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a fresh, light meal, serve the stir fry in crisp lettuce cups, such as butter lettuce or romaine.
- Extra Veggies: Boost the nutritional content by adding more vegetables. Broccoli florets, sliced carrots, snow peas, baby corn, water chestnuts, or sliced mushrooms are all excellent additions. Add them with the bell peppers and onions, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Spice it Up: For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger, or drizzle with sriracha before serving.
- Protein Swaps: While flank steak is fantastic, this sauce would also work wonderfully with thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs, shrimp, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Storage and Reheating
This stir fry makes for great leftovers, perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
- Storage: Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to store the stir fry and rice separately if possible, to prevent the rice from becoming soggy.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions about making steak stir fry:
- What is the best type of steak for stir fry? Flank steak is highly recommended for its flavor and tenderness when sliced thinly against the grain. Skirt steak, flat iron steak, or sirloin steak are also excellent choices.
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, you can use frozen stir-fry vegetable mixes. Thaw them first and pat them dry to remove excess moisture, which can cause steaming instead of searing. Add them to the wok when you’d typically add fresh vegetables, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Can I make this stir fry gluten-free? Absolutely! Simply substitute regular soy sauce with tamari (a gluten-free alternative) and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time? Yes, the stir-fry sauce can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Give it a good whisk before using, as the cornstarch may settle.
- How do I prevent my steak from being tough? Key factors are slicing the steak thinly against the grain, not overcrowding the pan (which causes steaming), and not overcooking it. Stir-fry the steak quickly until just browned, then add it back in at the end to finish cooking.
More Asian Inspired Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, explore other delightful Asian-inspired dishes from our kitchen:
- Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
- Fresh Green Bean Salad with Asian Dressing
- Asian Slow Cooker Pork Roast
- Orange Chicken
- Easy Egg Roll Recipe
- Pressure Cooker Cashew Chicken
- Kung Pao Chicken Recipe
Tools I Used to Make this Steak Stir Fry Recipe
- You’ll need either a wok or a large skillet to make this stir-fry.
- You can make the rice on the stove top, but I love my rice cooker for perfectly consistent rice every time!
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Orange Zest Steak Stir Fry with Peppers
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Ingredients
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 1/4 lbs flank steak, cut across the grain into thin strips
- salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 medium red peppers, seeded and thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated or minced fresh ginger
- fresh cilantro
- 2 cups cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the rice vinegar, soy sauce, orange zest, sugar and 1 teaspoon of the cornstarch. Set aside.
- Place the steak in another bowl. Season with salt and pepper, then add the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and stir to coat the meat.
- In a large wok or skillet, heat the oil over high. Add the steak, working in batches if needed, and stir fry until browned but just short of being cooked through, about 2 minutes. Transfer the meat to a plate, then add in the onion, peppers, garlic and ginger. Stir fry until the vegetables are just tender about 5 minutes. Add the steak back into the vegetables and cook for an additional minute.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the meat and vegetables and cook until it has thickened, 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish the stir fry with cilantro and serve over rice.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 477 kcal (24%),
Carbohydrates: 43g (14%),
Protein: 34g (68%),
Fat: 18g (28%),
Saturated Fat: 6g (38%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g,
Trans Fat: 0g,
Cholesterol: 94mg (31%),
Sodium: 814mg (35%),
Fiber: 2g (8%),
Sugar: 13g (14%)