Orange Beef

Directions

1. 1
   In a medium bowl, toss the meat with 2 T of soy sauce, 1 T cornstarch and the pepper.
2. 2
   Marinate the meat at room temperature while you assemble the rest of the ingredients.
3. 3
   Combine the orange zest, garlic, and ginger in a small bowl and reserve the remaining t of cornstarch with the orange juice, sugar, sherry, hoisin and sesame oil.
4. 4
   Set aside.
5. 5
   Heat the oil in a heavy wok or pot to 360F Add 1/3 of the beef to the oil, one piece at a time (it's important not to add all the beef at once as the temperature of the oil will plummet and the beef will absorb more oil than necessary).
6. 6
   Scrape the bottom of the pot as some of the meat may stick.
7. 7
   Cook for 2 minutes or until crispy and brown.
8. 8
   Transfer the meat with a slotted spoon to paper towels to drain and repeat with the rest of the meat.
9. 9
   Discard all but 2 T of the oil.
10. 10
    Add the orange zest, garlic and ginger mixture to the wok and cook for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
11. 11
    Stir the orange juice mixture and add it to the wok, along with the fried beef.
12. 12
    Stir until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes
13. 13
    Serve garnished with green onions.
14. 14
    Variation: for a faster dish with less fat, stir-fry the beef instead of deep-frying it.
15. 15
    You can also substitute chicken, pork or shrimp for the beef.