Air Fryer Orange Sesame Beef and Broccoli
Air Fryer Orange Sesame Beef and Broccoli is a quick and easy dinner idea that is healthier and just as delicious as take out!
This air fryer quote has been blowing up the internet lately and for good reason – it’s hilarious and accurate! Air Fryers seem to be the hot kitchen item of 2019 and I’m not mad about it. I am continuously amazed by my air fryer it seems like there is nothing it can’t do.
Since getting an air fryer we have definitely been ordering less take out. It’s just so easy to make things like this Air Fryer Orange Sesame Beef and Broccoli you don’t need take out.
Why Is Air Fryer Orange Sesame Beef and Broccoli better than take out?
It’s healthier – The air fryer allows you to make crispy beef without needing a deep fryer. Let’s be honest, whether you want to think about it or not, most take out is fried in one way or another – either deep fried or pan-fried in a lot of oil. In this recipe we use very little oil, the beef is “fried” in the air fryer using very hot air. This allows us the same great texture and taste, without all the extra fat.
It’s quicker – If you have a hectic household and find yourself picking up take out more than you would like to get dinner on the table, this recipe is for you! Marinate the beef the night before and then throw it in the air fryer while you quickly make the sauce and you’ll have a dinner you can feel good about on the table in less than 30 minutes.
How to make the Orange Sesame Sauce
While the beef is frying you’ll make the orange sesame sauce. It’s made with orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, ginger paste, sesame oil, garlic and orange rind. Throw all of that into a sauce pan and bring it to a rapid boil. Add in a cornstarch slurry to thicken it and reduce it to a simmer. Once the beef is ready, pour on the sauce! The sauce is thick and sticky to easily coat the beef. Top it off with sesame seeds and green onion and serve with a side of rice and air fryer broccoli for a perfect, easy weeknight meal!
Air Fryer Orange Sesame Beef and Broccoli
Description
Air Fryer Orange Sesame Beef and Broccoli is a quick and easy dinner idea that is healthier and just as delicious as take out!
Ingredients
Beef
1 pound beef, sliced for stir-fry
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 tsp salt
pinch of black pepper
Sauce
1/2 cup orange juice, fresh squeezed
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 tsp ginger paste
1 tsp sesame oil
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 tsp orange rind
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 cup cold water
2 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tbsp green onion (optional garnish)
pinch orange rind (optional garnish)
Broccoli
4 cups broccoli florets
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
pinch of black pepper
Instructions
Beef
Put the beef in a medium sized bowl
Add the soy sauce and sesame oil
Put in the refrigerator, allow to marinate for at least 1 hour*
Add the cornstarch, salt and pepper. toss to coat
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes
Spray air fryer basket with non-stick spray
Add the beef to the basket of the air fryer
Fry for 10 minuts
Remove basket and toss the beef
Return to the air fryer and cook for 5 more minutes
Remove from fryer and put in a clean bowl
Sauce
While the beef is in the air fryer, add the orange juice, soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, ginger paste, sesame oil, garlic and orange rind to a small, heavy bottomed sauce pan
Whisk vigorously until the honey dissolves
Bring to a boil over medium heat
While it comes to a boil, in a small bowl whisk together the cornstarch and cold water forming a slurry
Pour the cornstarch slurry into the pan, whisk
Lower heat to low and allow sauce to simmer and thicken
When the beef is ready, add 1 tbsp sesame seeds to the sauce and then pour the sauce over the beef and mix to evenly coat
Serve the beef over plain brown or white rice and with a side of the broccoli, sprinkle with remaining sesame seeds, green onions and orange rind, if desired
Broccoli**
Toss the broccoli with the olive oil, salt and pepper
Spray the basket of the air fryer with non-stick spray
Add the broccoli to the basket
Fry for 12-15 minutes at 400°F, remove the basket and toss the broccoli every 3-4 minutes
Notes
*If you are in a rush you can skip the marinating, it adds flavor to the beef but is not entirely necessary
**Depending on the size of your air fryer you can cook the broccoli with the beef if you have enough room
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Looking for more Air Fryer Recipes? Check these out!
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If you make this Air Fryer Orange Sesame Beef with Broccoli, let me know how you like it! Leave a comment here and/or give it a star rating! If you snap a photo I’d love to see it – share it over on Instagram and tag me @sprinklesandseasalt!