
My youngest son chose this recipe from a list of ones that I want to try. I think he chose it because of its similarity to the beef stew with mushrooms that I always cook for him. Both dishes use the same kind of meat and are cooked slowly at a relatively low temperature. This recipe is different in the sense that it uses Asian ingredients like five spice powder, green onions and cilantro. It uses orange juice and orange marmalade thus giving certain sweetness to the gravy. The trick in making this dish is to slowly cook the meat for a long time until they are melt-in-your-mouth tender. In the end, my son ended up loving this delicious dish! 😀
Cooking Tips for Perfect Orange Ginger Beef
To achieve the best texture and flavor in your orange ginger beef, take your time with the marinating process. A good marinade can elevate the dish significantly, so consider letting the beef sit in the marinade for at least a couple of hours or even overnight. This will help the meat absorb all those delicious flavors. If you have a slow cooker, use it for this recipe. Cooking the beef on low for several hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures that the meat becomes incredibly tender. Just be sure to check the meat occasionally to make sure it’s cooking evenly. Another tip is to sear the beef in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker. This step adds a nice depth of flavor and a beautiful caramelization to the meat. Lastly, don’t rush the cooking process. The longer you cook the beef at a low temperature, the more tender it will become, so patience is key.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Orange ginger beef pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, enhancing your meal experience. A bowl of fluffy jasmine rice is a classic choice and will soak up all that flavorful gravy. If you want something a bit more adventurous, try serving it with stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and broccoli tossed in sesame oil. For a lighter option, consider a fresh cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame seeds. If you want to mix things up, you can easily swap out the beef for chicken or tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken cooks faster than beef. If you want a spicier kick, add some sliced chili peppers to the marinade or garnish the finished dish with crushed red pepper flakes. You could also play with the sweet and sour balance by adding a splash of soy sauce or a hint of lime juice for an extra layer of flavor. These variations keep the dish exciting and allow you to cater to different tastes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat?
If you want to switch things up, you can use chicken or pork, but keep in mind the cooking time may vary. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning and cooking method accordingly.
What can I substitute for orange juice?
If you’re out of orange juice, using pineapple juice or a mix of lemon and lime juice can work in a pinch. Just remember that it may change the flavor profile a bit.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it, and it should last for about three months.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Making this dish ahead of time is a great idea! You can cook it a day in advance and let the flavors develop even more, just reheat it gently before serving.
What are some good sides to serve with orange ginger beef?
Pair this dish with steamed rice or some fluffy jasmine rice for a perfect combo. You could also serve it with stir-fried veggies or a fresh green salad to balance the sweetness.
Orange Ginger Beef
Ingredients
- 2 lbs stewing beef cubed
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 2 onions peeled and chopped
- 1 thumb size ginger peeled and sliced
- One 10 oz 284 ml can of beef broth
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese five spice powder
- 1 bunch of green onions chopped
- A handful of cilantro chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sprinkle beef with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. In a dutch oven, heat oil over medium high heat. Brown beef in batches. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the onions and ginger. Stir fry for a few minutes until they are lightly browned.
- Return the meat to the pan and add the beef broth, orange juice, marmalade, soy sauce and five-spice powder. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat, cover and let simmer for an hour or until the meat are tender. Taste and season the broth with salt and pepper.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Just thought I’d leave a comment to say I love this recipe! It’s become a staple at our house. The only thing I do different is use Apricot jam instead of marmalade. May sound a bit odd, but it was too bitter with the marmalade. It’s yum 🙂
Hi,
I am glad you love this recipe. Great idea with the apricot jam; I will try it next time 🙂
This looks absolutely delicious. I love the ease of one pot meals in my dutch oven!
Hi Kimberly,
Aren’t dutch oven great? I use mine a lot 🙂