Tangerine Beef is a delightful dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many food enthusiasts, particularly within the realm of Chinese-American cuisine. This vibrant dish features tender strips of beef stir-fried to perfection and tossed in a luscious tangy tangerine sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that is both sweet and savory. Known for its beautiful presentation and zesty aroma, Tangerine Beef is often a standout choice in Chinese restaurants and a popular recipe in home kitchens. As noted by culinary experts, “The combination of citrus and beef offers a refreshing twist that sets it apart from traditional beef dishes.” This unique flavor profile, along with its eye-catching color, makes Tangerine Beef a favorite for those looking to impress at dinner parties or simply enjoy a special meal at home.
Tangerine Beef Recipe
Tangerine Beef is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of beef with the zesty sweetness of tangerines. Originating from Chinese cuisine, this dish is known for its tender beef strips marinated in a tangy tangerine sauce, often served with colorful vegetables. It’s a perfect representation of how traditional flavors can be blended with the bright notes of citrus, making it both savory and refreshing.
History of Tangerine Beef
The roots of Tangerine Beef can be traced back to the culinary traditions of Southern China, where citrus fruits are widely used in cooking. The dish exemplifies the balance of sweet and savory that is characteristic of many Chinese recipes. Over time, it has been adapted in various regions and is now popular in Chinese-American cuisine, often found in restaurants across the globe.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Beef (flank steak or sirloin) | 1 pound |
| Tangerines (for juice and zest) | 2 |
| Soy sauce | 3 tablespoons |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Ginger (grated) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons |
| Vegetable oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Bell peppers (sliced) | 1 cup |
| Green onions (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Sesame seeds (for garnish) | Optional |
Preparation Steps
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, combine the beef strips with soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
- Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the Tangerine Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, mix the juice and zest of the tangerines, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef strips in batches, cooking until browned and cooked through, approximately 3-4 minutes per batch.
- Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the bell peppers for about 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Combine Everything:
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet and pour the tangerine sauce over it.
- Stir well to coat the beef and vegetables, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Serve:
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tangerine Beef?
Tangerine Beef is a flavorful dish made with tender beef strips, cooked in a tangy sauce infused with fresh tangerine juice and zest.
What ingredients are needed for Tangerine Beef?
Key ingredients include beef (usually flank or sirloin), tangerine juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and vegetables like bell peppers.
Is Tangerine Beef spicy?
Tangerine Beef is not traditionally spicy; however, you can add chili flakes or hot sauce for an extra kick.
How can I make Tangerine Beef at home?
To make Tangerine Beef, marinate beef strips in tangerine juice and soy sauce, stir-fry with garlic and ginger, and add vegetables prior to serving.
Can I substitute tangerines with other fruits?
Yes, you can use orange juice or mandarin juice as a substitute for tangerine juice.
What side dishes pair well with Tangerine Beef?
Tangerine Beef pairs excellently with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Is Tangerine Beef a healthy dish?
Tangerine Beef can be a healthy option if you use lean cuts of beef and control the amount of sauce used.
Can I use chicken instead of beef in this recipe?
Yes, you can replace beef with chicken to make a similar dish called Tangerine Chicken.
How long does it take to cook Tangerine Beef?
Cooking Tangerine Beef typically takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on the beef cut and cooking methods.
Can I make Tangerine Beef in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator for a few days.
What can I do with leftovers of Tangerine Beef?
Leftover Tangerine Beef can be reheated and served over rice or added to salads for a quick meal.
Is Tangerine Beef gluten-free?
Tangerine Beef is not inherently gluten-free; however, you can use gluten-free soy sauce to make it suitable.
Where did Tangerine Beef originate?
Tangerine Beef is commonly found in Chinese-American cuisine, influenced by traditional Chinese flavors.
