Orange Ginger Steak Recipe

Ever had one of those days where you just crave something bold and flavorful? That’s where this Orange Ginger Flank Steak swoops in like a culinary superhero to save your taste buds from the mundane!

I love crafting recipes that bring out unique flavors, and my Orange Ginger Steak is no exception. This dish combines the tangy brightness of orange juice with the warmth of freshly grated ginger and the umami depth of soy sauce.

The flank steak absorbs this rich marinade beautifully, transforming into a succulent centerpiece. I think the addition of orange zest and a hint of brown sugar creates an irresistible caramelization, while the optional red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat for the spice enthusiasts.

Fresh green onions and sesame seeds as garnish enhance both the visual appeal and nutritional value with a refreshing crunch.

Orange Ginger Steak Recipe Ingredients

• Flank Steak: Lean protein source, rich in iron and vitamins.
• Orange Juice: Adds sweetness and tanginess, rich in vitamin C.
• Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness, balances flavors with a caramel note.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami, saltiness, and depth to marinades.
• Fresh Ginger: Provides zing and warmth, aids digestion and inflammation.
• Orange Zest: Intensifies citrus flavor, enhances aroma and freshness.
• Garlic: Adds pungency, antimicrobial properties, boosts immune health.

Orange Ginger Steak Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 ½ pounds flank steak
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnishing)

How to Make this Orange Ginger Steak Recipe

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, rice vinegar, grated ginger, orange zest, minced garlic, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to create the marinade.

2. Place the flank steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for more flavor.

3. When ready to cook, remove the steak from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Pat the steak dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt.

4. Preheat a grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil to the skillet if using.

5. Cook the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time according to your preferred level of doneness.

6. Remove the steak from heat and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

7. While the steak is resting, pour the remaining marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Cook until slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.

8. Thinly slice the steak against the grain.

9. Arrange the sliced steak on a serving platter, pouring the thickened marinade over the top.

10. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy your Orange Ginger Steak!

Orange Ginger Steak Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Medium bowl
2. Whisk
3. Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
4. Grill or large skillet
5. Tongs or spatula
6. Paper towels
7. Cutting board
8. Chef’s knife
9. Small saucepan
10. Serving platter or plate

FAQ

• What cut of meat can I substitute for flank steak? You can use skirt steak or hanger steak as substitutes for flank steak while maintaining a similar texture and flavor.
• How long should I marinate the steak? It’s best to marinate the steak for at least 4 hours, but overnight will allow better absorption of the flavors.
• Can I make the marinade ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
• Is there a gluten-free alternative for soy sauce? You can use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute to keep this recipe gluten-free.
• Do I need to peel the ginger before grating? Yes, peeling the ginger helps avoid any fibrous texture in your marinade.
• Can the red pepper flakes be omitted? Yes, they are optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
• What’s the best way to cook the steak after marinating? For optimal flavor, grill the steak over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, adjusting as needed for other doneness levels.

Orange Ginger Steak Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of flank steak, you can use skirt steak or sirloin steak for a different texture.
• If you don’t have vegetable oil, you can substitute with canola oil or grapeseed oil.
• For a gluten-free option, replace soy sauce with tamari.
• Instead of rice vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.
• If fresh ginger isn’t available, you can use 1 teaspoon of ground ginger.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate Longer for More Flavor Although 2 hours is sufficient, marinating the steak overnight will allow the flavors to penetrate deeper, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

2. Pat the Steak Dry Before cooking, ensure the steak is thoroughly patted dry. This helps achieve a better sear and caramelization when it’s cooked, enhancing the flavor and texture.

3. Use Fresh Ingredients Freshly grated ginger and fresh orange zest can significantly elevate the flavor profile of the dish. Their aromatic qualities are more pronounced compared to pre-packaged options.

4. Rest Before Slicing Letting the steak rest for at least 5-10 minutes after cooking is crucial. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicier and more tender.

5. Customize the Heat Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. You can also add different types of chili for variation, such as a touch of Sriracha or fresh sliced chili peppers.