During the recharge of my blog battery I had an interesting idea for recipe formatting.  I know personally I hate having to go out and buy specific ingredients for a recipe knowing I already have a fridge full of food.  And that food I shop closely to get the best price.  It’s my attempt to try and save money on grocery shopping.  I shop Sprouts on Wednesdays.  Double deal days!  A lot of times I get a better deal on produce than at HEB.  This all leads me to my new recipe format.  Now I will still continue to post recipes that do need the specific listed ingredients, but I will also be posting “flex-ipes” that give you the freedom to use what is in your fridge and still have a delicious dish.

With no further ado I present: Orange Stir Fry!  This recipe only requires you follow the orange sauce recipe below.  Otherwise pull out any stir fry vegetables you have on hand.  I recommend onions (white or green), leeks, kale (if you are a health nut like me), celery, carrots, water chestnuts, sprouts, sugar snap peas, asaparagus, etc.  Use as many or as few as you’d like.  You also need a lean protein: chicken, beef, shrimp, white fish, tofu.  I used shrimp but anything would work great.  And lastly you need a carbohydrate base: brown rice, white rice, soba noodles, brown rice noodles, vermicelli, ramen, thin spaghetti.  Anything you have on hand will do.  I used soba noodles.

Gather up all of your desired ingredients (along with the orange stir fry sauce ingredients) and follow along!

Orange Stir Fry
  • Sauce:
  • juice of a medium orange (or 3 tbsp orange juice)
  • 1 tbsp orange zest (optional)
  • 2 tbsp local honey
  • 1-2 tbsp grated fresh ginger (depends on your palate)
  • 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • salt to taste
  • 1-2 tbsp whole wheat flour
  • 4 servings of lean protein (sliced into small cubes if necessary, ready to fry)
  • stir fry vegetables (diced, sliced, cleaned, ready to fry)
  • 4 servings of a carbohydrate base cooked to package directions
  • 2-3 tbsp oil (I used a combo of sesame and safflower)
  • sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Cooking Directions

In a small bowl whisk together orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. If desired microwave for 10-15 seconds to melt honey. Refrigerate until ready to stir fry.

Prepare your carbohydrate base to package directions. If using noodles I recommend tossing them in 1 tbsp of oil and garnishing with sesame seeds. Set aside. Also, prepare your vegetables and lean protein. Set aside.

Heat your oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once oil is translucent add in your vegetables and fry until they are mostly cooked. Add your lean protein and continue to fry until meat is cooked through and incorporated into vegetables. Pour in your orange sauce and toss to coat all ingredients. Add in flour 1/2 tsp at a time until sauce has reached desired thickness. Slowly add in your carbohydrate base and toss to coat evenly with sauce. Continue cooking 1-2 minutes and remove from heat. Enjoy!