Craving a mouthwatering Chinese-inspired dish that will transport your taste buds straight to flavor paradise? Get ready to revolutionize your weeknight dinner with this irresistible Orange Beef and Broccoli Noodles recipe that combines tender, seared beef, crisp broccoli, and a tangy orange sauce that will make your family beg for seconds. In less time than it takes to order takeout, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that's not just delicious, but also surprisingly easy to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef, sliced thin
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 8 oz noodles
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by thinly slicing beef against the grain into 1/4-inch strips. Cut broccoli into uniform florets about 1-inch in size.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, cornstarch, and minced garlic to create the sauce. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil and swirl to coat the surface.
- Add beef strips to the hot pan in a single layer. Allow to sear without moving for 1-2 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust.
- Stir and continue cooking beef for an additional 2-3 minutes until mostly cooked through. Remove beef and set aside.
- In the same pan, add broccoli florets. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until bright green and slightly tender with crisp edges.
- Return beef to the pan. Pour prepared sauce over beef and broccoli, stirring quickly to coat and allow sauce to thicken.
- Add cooked noodles to the pan, tossing everything together. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and well combined.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for additional flavor and presentation.
Tips
- Slice beef against the grain: This ensures maximum tenderness and prevents tough, chewy meat.
- Use high heat for searing: A hot pan is crucial for developing a golden-brown crust on the beef.
- Don't overcook the broccoli: Aim for bright green, crisp-tender florets to maintain nutrients and texture.
- Reserve pasta water: This starchy liquid can help adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Prepare ingredients in advance: Have everything chopped and measured before you start cooking for a smooth process.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sesame oil at the end.
- Invest in a good wok or large skillet for even heat distribution and better stir-frying results.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 85mg
