Spicy-Sweet Orange Beef Stir Fry with Sugar Snap Peas

Posted on August 14, 2022 by Jennifer FIsher

Spicy-Sweet Orange Beef Stir Fry with Sugar Snap Peas is proof you can make an amazing, delicious, nutritious beef dinner in 15 minutes. I used a strip steak, but sirloin or even flank steak would be amazing too!

Vibrant and citrus-y, this lightly spicy-sweet orange beef stir-fry made with steak is sure to please on busy nights! It comes together in just 15 minutes, lots of veggie goodness with the sugar snap peas, and 100% beats going for takeout!

Portioned to serve two generously, this steak stir fry recipe can easily be doubled for a family of four. Also, it’s not very spicy, so the kids should love it. If you crave spicy heat, just add extra dried red pepper and Sriracha to the sauce step.

steak sliced thin for stir fry - thefitfork.com — *Slice the steak thinly, between 1/8 and 1/4-inch thick!*

Another reason why I love this beef and vegetable stir fry is that the macros are just so great to fuel my active lifestyle. One very generous sized portion fills me up and has 336 calories, 15g fat, 23g net carb, 30g protein. This 15-minute beef dinner isn’t including the macros (or time) for the rice/quinoa blend I usually serve it on. However, I love to meal prep that and have these cooked whole grains on hand in the freezer. Restaurant preparation of a similar orange beef recipe would come in at typically 3x the calories, fat and sugar – they usually coat the beef in cornstarch and use more oil (basically frying.

Check out the 15-second video tutorial!

PRO TIPS FOR ORANGE BEEF STIR FRY:

Have all ingredients before starting. Once you turn on the heat, the cooking process happens very fast
Slice beef across grain thinly, into 1/8-inch to ¼-inch slices are best.
For easier slicing, use a sharp knife and set meat in freezer for 10 minutes beforehand to firm up.
If following recipe as written for 2, use a 10-inch skillet. If doubling, use a 12-inch or larger skillet OR a 14-inch wok. If halving the recipe to just serve one, use an 8″ skillet.
Cook meat first and remove from skillet to rest while cooking vegetables.
Cook meat quickly in a single layer, flipping strips once until pink is JUST gone (because will continue to cook while resting on the plate).
Substituting similar vegetables is allowed! If you don’t have sugar snap peas, use something similar like green beans or snow peas. Broccoli would be amazing too!
If you MUST, you can use orange juice from a carton and skip the zesting step, but the fresh juice and zest really adds a huge splash of flavor.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission on sales, however price to you remains the same. Proceeds offset operating costs for The Fit Fork. Thank you!

5 from 3 votes

Spicy-Sweet Beef Stir Fry with Sugar Snap Peas (for Two)

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

8 mins

Total Time

13 mins

Vibrant and citrus-y, this lightly spicy-sweet beef stir-fry made with steak is sure to please on busy nights! It comes together in just 15 minutes and 100% beats going for takeout!

Course: dinner

Cuisine: Asian, Chinese

Keyword: 15 minute dinner, beef, snap peas, stir fry

Servings: 2 people

Calories: 336 kcal

Ingredients

1 medium orange
2 tbsp soy sauce or coconut aminos
2 tbsp coconut sugar
½ tsp red pepper flakes
½ tsp minced ginger
½ tsp minced garlic
8 oz strip or sirloin steak sliced across grain to 1/8” thickness
4 tsp sesame oil
2 green onion bulb + stalk sliced thinly
8oz sugar snap peas (1 1/2 to 2 cups(

Instructions

Wash and dry orange; use zesting tool or microplaner to remove 1 to 2 teaspoons of zest from peel. Set aside. Slice orange in half; squeeze out 1/3 cup of juice into small bowl. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, ginger, garlic and ½ of orange zest. Stir to combine and set aside.
Add oil to a 10 to 12” skillet and bring to medium-high heat. Add steak strips and sear for 2 minutes without turning. Use tongs to flip strips and cook on opposite side for about 2 more minutes until “just” cooked. Transfer to plate to rest.
Reduce heat to low and add sugar snap peas and sauce mixture to skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until thickened and snap peas crisp-tender. Toss back in cooked beef and stir for another 1 minute until warmed. Sprinkle sliced green onion and remaining orange zest over beef, serve with rice if desired.

Recipe Notes

Easy Protein Powder Cottage Cheese Waffles – Gluten-free, Vegetarian

Posted on May 7, 2022 by Jennifer FIsher

I’m still on a serious protein waffle kick, and have been refining my go-to easy waffle recipe with each batch! The outcomes have just been getting tastier and more nutritious! For example, with this protein waffle meal prep, I’ve added a bit of cottage cheese to the batter for a little extra rich flavor and protein.

These easy gluten-free protein waffles feature a plant-based protein, eggs, cottage cheese and amaranth flour for a powerful punch of protein. Only 184 cal, 13g net carb, 6g fat for a THREE WAFFLE serving that totals 20g protein! Boom! Freezer friendly, meal prep a batch for a breakfast solution on busy mornings.

In fact, I’ve packed SO MUCH protein for the modest calorie count into these waffles with cottage cheese. In addition to cottage cheese, other ingredients include egg, a plant-based protein powder and amaranth flour. The result is a 3-waffle serving for 184 calories 13g net carb, 6g fat and 20g protein. That’s 62 calories and almost 7g protein per waffle! Boom! (note: nutrition could vary some based on exact protein powder used and % fat content of cottage cheese and milk used).

Seriously, 23g protein for a 216-calorie waffle stack?! These protein powder waffles even beats my favorite protein bar and is so much more satisfying to eat than a protein bar snack. This is a real meal, on a plate, with endless topping possibilities.

The flour in this recipe can be either an all-purpose flour or a gluten-free baking blend (with a similar texture of flour, not heavy like almond flour or coconut flour). When I make gluten-free waffles, I almost always use Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 Gluten Free Baking Flour for that light texture I want. I’ve also had luck with amaranth flour as an alternative.

For convenience, I like to mix the batter in a blender (don’t over blend) and pour out into my mini waffle maker. This protein waffle meal prep makes about 12 waffles (4 servings). If you don’t have a single waffle maker (which is undeniable cute), it is actually even more efficient to make in most standard 4-slice waffle irons.

Also, to moderate the carb count yet still speak to me sweet tooth, I add stevia liquid sweetener drops to the batter. If you’d like more savory waffles, just omit.

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I use the Clean Lean Protein power from Nuzest, it’s plant-based, paleo-friendly, gluten-free, non GMO. The Smooth Vanilla flavor is delicious and a very versatile option. Use Nuzest coupon code: FITFORK to save 15% .

As per toppings, when a three-waffle stack only has 184 calories, I feel liberated to pile on the toppings. Fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries is always a favorite – along with a drizzle of a sugar free syrup and dollop of whipped cream or Greek yogurt. Sometimes even some mini chocolate chips!

Many of my other protein waffle recipes have been single serve. This batch makes four servings, suitable for a family breakfast or to meal prep for eating through the week. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days or slide the 3-waffle servings into storage containers and keep in the freezer for busy-day breakfasts.

Heat up in the toaster or air-fryer. Honestly, after a few minutes in the air fryer, they are crispier and maybe even more delicious than ever!

This recipe is very easy to customize by swapping the protein powder flavor. And, I recently made a batch with Matcha Cottage Cheese Protein Waffles, so delicious and a fun change. The only thing I did different was add 2 teaspoons of matcha green tea powder to the batter.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission from purchases through links, however price to you remains the same. Proceeds are used to help offset operating costs for The Fit Fork. Thank you!

5 from 4 votes

Easy Cottage Cheese Protein Powder Waffles

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

15 mins

Simple, freezer-friendly, gluten-free and vegetarian. Only 216 calories for THREE WAFFLES – 23g protein!

Course: Breakfast

Keyword: breakfast, cottage cheese, meal prep, protein powder, waffles

Servings: 4 3 waffles each

Ingredients

3 eggs
1/3 cup unsweetened milk of choice I used unsweetened almond milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp olive oil or oil of choice
½ cup 2% cottage cheese
1/2 cup vanilla Nuzest protein powder (or powder of choice) 60 grams
½ cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free baking flour (like bob's red mill gluten free baking blend)
¼ tsp liquid stevia drops or to taste (or not needed, depending on your sweet preferences).
1/4 tsp baking powder

Instructions

Whisk eggs with milk, vanilla and oil, stir in cottage cheese (or, you can blend all together in small blender for a smoother result – either method yields yummy waffles)..
Toss together protein powder flour and baking powder. Mix into egg mixture a little bit at a time, or until incorporated You can also pulse wet and dry mixtures together in the blender until smooth.
Mix in stevia drops to taste, more or less depending on your sweetness preference.
Heat waffle iron (either a mini waffle iron or larger 4-square iron).
Pour in batter and cook for several minutes, until indicator light goes off.
Repeat for remaining batter.
Should make 12 single waffles (or three 4-square waffles).

Recipe Notes

Serving size: 3 waffles
216 calories, 8g fat, 13g carb, 23g protein.

Double Chocolate Protein Waffles | No-added-sugar, Gluten-free

Posted on March 1, 2022 by Jennifer FIsher

Begin your day with Double Chocolate Protein Waffles, a breakfast that tastes decadent enough to be dessert yet is packed with protein, lower in carbs, and boasts no added sugar. Plus, gluten-free, vegetarian and paleo-friendly.

Power into the day fueled by chocolatey waffles made with protein powder. Only takes minutes to make, is gluten-free, has no added sugar, and moderate in carbs. A single-serve recipe, but simple to scale up for meal prep. Enjoy 28 grams of protein per serving!

A single-serve protein waffle recipe, one batch makes either four waffles in a mini waffle iron, or one large waffle in a traditional (4-square) waffle iron.

Check out the video!

A serving (4 mini waffles) of these chocolate waffles with protein powder will fill you up with the nutrients you need to take on the day — and you likely won’t be hungry again until lunch, thanks to the 28g of protein! Leftover waffles also make a great post-workout snack!

The primary ingredient in this chocolate protein powder waffle is, drumroll . . . protein powder! Use the product of your choice, but I am a fan of the plant-based Clean Lean Protein from Nuzest (I used the Rich Chocolate flavor for this recipe). Here’s a Nuzest protein powder coupon (also good for their other nutrition products) – FITFORK

Ingredients for Double Chocolate Protein Waffles:

Green Banana Flour: This alternative “flour” is packed with minerals, loaded with gut-helping prebiotics and can help reduce your glycemic load. It’s also naturally gluten-free. You may swap in an equal amount of another flour, if preferred.
Egg: The incredible, edible egg adds 6g of protein to this recipe and helps the waffles puff up
Almond Milk: Or, another unsweetened milk alternative
Sugar-free , Dairy-free Chocolate Chips: Mini-sized are preferred, they disperse better in the waffles – but you can chop down regular-sized chips or even a sugar-free bar, if needed.

Making Double Chocolate Protein Waffles:

Simply whisk the egg in a small bowl and then stir in the remaining ingredients.
The batter should be a medium consistency, meaning “pourable” but not too runny. If your batter seems too thick, add more almond milk (a teaspoon at a time). If too thin, add a little more green banana flour, a half-teaspoon at a time.
Make sure to pre-heat waffle iron. My waffles did not stick to the iron at all, but it was a new mini waffle iron, with non-stick coating. If needed, oil or spray the waffle iron plates as needed.

Freezing and Meal Prepping Protein Waffles:

To freeze chocolate protein waffles, allow them to cool completely, in a single layer. If you used a large waffle iron, pull them apart along the perforation to make single pieces. Place waffles on pan in the freezer for about an hour to “pre freeze.” This will keep them from ultimately sticking together in the bag.
Transfer partially frozen chocolate waffles into a zip-top bag or storage container and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
You can reheat frozen waffles in the toaster. Or, also in an oven preheated to 350F for 10 minutes, or air-fryer set at 390 F for 5 minutes or until thoroughly warmed and crispy.
Although this chocolate protein powder waffle recipe is written for a individual portion, you can meal prep it my simply multiplying how many servings you’d like. For example, 1 1/3 cup of protein powder, 4 eggs, 1 cup almond milk, ¼ cup green banana flour and 1 tsp baking soda would allow you to meal prep protein waffles and stock your freezer for busy mornings.

Note: this post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission on sales generated through links, but price to you remains the same. Proceeds help offset operating costs at The Fit Fork – thank you for your support.

5 from 2 votes

Double Chocolate Protein Waffles

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

5 mins

Total Time

10 mins

Power into the day fueled by chocolatey waffles made with protein powder. Only takes minutes to make, is gluten-free, has no added sugar, and moderate in carbs. A single-serve recipe, but simple to scale up for meal prep.

Course: Breakfast, brunch, Dessert, Snack

Keyword: chocolate, protein powder, waffles

Servings: 1 serving

Calories: 330 kcal

Ingredients

1 egg
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk* *a splash more if batter seems TOO thick
1/3 cup chocolate protein powder I used Nuzest plant-based Clean Lean Protein.
1 tbsp banana flour
1 tbsp sugar free chocolate chips

Instructions

Wisk egg, stir in almond milk. Mix in protein powder, flour and baking soda until combined. Batter will be a little thicker than traditional waffle mix. BUT, if it seems too thick, stir in more almond milk (a tablespoon) at a time, until spoonable consistency achieved.
Stir in chocolate chips.
Heat mini waffle iron (or large iron). If not using non stick, spray with a bit of cooking spray.
Pour ¼ batter into mini iron (or all batter into large 4-section iron), close lid and cook until indicator light goes off. Repeat with remaining batter. Top as desired.
Makes 4 mini waffles or 1 large waffle (4 section).
May be frozen for up to 3 months.

Recipe Notes

Macros for entire recipe (without topping) 330 cal, 28g carb, 14g fat, 28g protein,

Cranberry Orange Pecan Sheet Pan Pancakes |Low-carb, Paleo, Gluten-free

Posted on November 18, 2021 by Jennifer FIsher

Making Cranberry Orange Pecan Sheet Pan Pancakes is the perfect solution to holiday morning madness! Say goodbye to being sequestered in the kitchen, standing over a hot griddle flipping hot cakes endlessly while family and guests are having all the fun.

Per serving: 336 calories, 29g fat, 10.7g total carbs (4.3g fiber, 0.3g sugar, 6.4g net carb), protein 10.6g

12.3 ounce package low carb pancake mix (I used Nush. Recipe should work with appox 3 cups of any other type pancake mix)
½ cup vanilla collagen hydrolysate (or protein powder)
2 2/3 cups water
1 ¼ cups fresh cranberries
½ cup pecan pieces
1 tbsp. orange zest
Optional: syrups, extra nuts, whipped cram

Pre-heat oven to 350F.
Mix together pancake mix and collagen hydrolysate powder.
Add water and stir until combined (a little lumpy better than over-stirring).
Mix in cranberries.
Pour into approximate 13” x 18” rimmed baking sheet
Sprinkle with pecan pieces and orange zest.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until set and top is turning golden. Remove and let cool in pan for 5 minutes.
Slice into 12 “squares,” and serve with syrup of choice and any extra toppings (or eat plain). Can be meal-prepped by freezing in single portions and thawed and reheating when ready.
.

Just whip up the cranberry pecan pancake batter in minutes (or even the night before) and pour into a rimmed baking sheet and pop into the oven for 25 minutes. After that, your work is done! Easy pancake recipes using mix are one of my favorite Christmas morning breakfast ideas

I used a low carb pancake mix from Nush, it makes this type of sweet breakfast doable for keto, low-carb, sugar-free, Paleo, and gluten-free diets. However, three cups of any type pancake mix could be substituted.

These low-carb sheet pan pancakes feature cranberries to add a sweet-tart flavor and a pop of bejeweled color. A cup of raw cranberries has about 8g net carb, so spread across a keto cranberry pancake recipe with more than 12 servings, the result is almost insignificant. HOWEVER, do not substitute dried cranberries, they are more carbohydrate concentrated (100g+ per cup) and can have added sugars.

For a traditional recipe, some might add orange juice to the recipe. But, a bit of fresh orange peel removed using a citrus zester on top provides all the citrus-y goodness while keeping calories and carbs much, much lower. In a pinch, I also swear by Valencia Orange Peel from McCormick’s – it’s shelf stable, always read, and can be stored in the spice cabinet.

Are these cranberry orange sheet pan pancakes healthy and nutritious? I’m glad you asked – because YES, they are. Each serving has 336 calories, 29g fat, 10.7g total carbs (4.3g fiber, 0.3g sugar, 6.4g net carb), and protein 10.6g. I like to serve with some warm sugar-free maple syrup and sometimes even a little whipped cream!

5 from 3 votes

Cranberry Orange Pecan Sheet Pan Pancakes | Low Carb, Gluten-free

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

25 mins

Total Time

30 mins

Minimize holiday morning stress with this easy sheet pan pancake recipe! In celebration of the season, it’s bursting with sweet tart cranberries and orange zest. Prep to plate in under 30minutes, and is made with a low-carb pancake mix (or traditional mix, too) for added convenience. Feed a crowd, or meal prep and store in single-portion servings in the freezer of busy day breakfast.

Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

12.3 ounce package low carb pancake mix I used Nush. Recipe should work with appox 3 cups of any other type pancake mix
½ cup vanilla collagen hydrolysate or protein powder
2 2/3 cups water
1 ¼ cups fresh cranberries
½ cup pecan pieces
1 tbsp. orange zest
Optional: syrups extra nuts, whipped cram

Instructions

Pre-heat oven to 350F.
Mix together pancake mix and collagen hydrolysate powder.
Add water and stir until combined (a little lumpy better than over-stirring).
Mix in cranberries.
Pour into approximate 13” x 18” rimmed baking sheet
Sprinkle with pecan pieces and orange zest.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until set and top is turning golden. Remove and let cool in pan for 5 minutes.
Slice into 12 “squares,” and serve with syrup of choice and any extra toppings (or eat plain). Can be meal-prepped by freezing in single portions and thawed and reheating when ready.
.

Recipe Notes

Per serving: 336 calories, 29g fat, 10.7g total carbs (4.3g fiber, 0.3g sugar, 6.4g net carb), protein 10.6g

Note: This post contains affiliate links.

Toasted Quinoa-Oat-Pecan Apricot Bites (with Collagen)

Posted on July 20, 2021 by Jennifer FIsher

Time to get toasty in the middle of summer! My Toasted Quinoa-Oat-Pecan Apricot Bites (with Collagen) are a versatile, balanced energy balls that are easy to make and keep on-hand for healthy snacking.

Nourishing and delicious, these little wholesome balls of goodness feature toasted quinoa, oats and pecans -- along with apricots, maple syrup and collagen for a protein boost! A great breakfast on the go, anytime snack or for after workouts instead of a protein bar!

I like to pop one, two or three (depending on my hunger and energy needs) of these apricot pecan balls in my mouth on the way to my pre-dawn boot camp, or later in the day for a satisfying between-meal snack. Whole grains, nuts and dried fruit for the win. . . plus a little collagen powder for my joint support, general wellness and a protein boost!

Great Lakes Wellness discount code THEFITFORK10OFF

Not added sugar in this apricot protein bites recipe! Dried apricots (look for the unsweetened and unsulfured variety) add sweetness, along with a sugar-free maple syrup alternative. If you’d rather use real maple syrup, honey, agave syrup or another “sticky sweetener”, that’s fine too! Just swap in using the same measurements – do note that it will change the macro, adding more carbohydrates.

Toasting the quinoa, oats and pecans before chopping up in the food process gives them an amazingly satisfying texture and aroma. You can skip this step if absolutely pressed for time, but it’s well worth the extra 5 minutes each of cooking/cooking time for the elevated flavor. Toasting quinoa is also kinda fun! The dry quinoa also starts to “pop” in the pan, which is an indication only a minute or more needed before you can pulse the remaining ingredients in the food processor. And, the scent of toasting oats, quinoa, pecans and the cinnamon is AMAZING!

If the majority of the mixture isn’t pulling off the sides of the food processor, you can add in a tablespoon or two more of uncooked oats and pulse to make less sticky. You’ll still want it moist and sticky enough to keep the balls holding shape as you roll between your palms.

Save 10% at GreatLakesGelatin.com with code THEFITFORK10OFF

As I mentioned, unflavored collagen in this oat quinoa energy balls recipe for my joint/bone and general wellness support – plus a protein boost! For these no-bake collagen bites, I like the Great Lakes Wellness brand and you can save with code THEFITFORK10OFF

5 from 2 votes

Toasted Quinoa-Oat-Pecan Apricot Bites (with collagen)

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

5 mins

cool

5 mins

Total Time

20 mins

Toasted Quinoa-Oat-Pecan Apricot Bites (with collagen) make a nourishing anytime snack — even a breakfast on the go or post-workout refuel. Gluten free.

Course: Snack, workout

Keyword: apricot, energy bar, pecan, protein bar, quinoa

Servings: 24 balls

Ingredients

½ cup uncooked quinoa rinsed
3/4 cup rolled oats
1 cup chopped pecans
¼ tsp cinnamon
2/3 cup unflavored collagen powder
8 oz dried apricots set 2 aside for garnish
½ cup sugar-free maple syrup substitute or “sticky” sweetener of choice like honey, agave, etc.*

Instructions

In skillet, over medium-high heat, toast pecans, oats, quinoa and cinnamon for about minutes, stirring frequently, until turning lightly brown. You will hear the quinoa “popping. Remove from heat and let cool down a few minutes.
Place toasted mixture in food processor along with collagen and couple pinches of salt. Pulse a few times to combine.
Add dried apricots and syrup in to food processor and process for a minute or so until a sticky mixture forms and is pulling away from sides. If seems to sticky, add a up to two tablespoons of oats (they don’t need to me toasted).
Form a heaping tablespoon into a ball by rolling between your hands. Repeat with remaining mixture to make 24 total.
Cut the two reserved apricots up into small pieces for garnish on top.
Store bites in refrigerator for 4–5 days. * changing sweetener may affect the macros.

Recipe Notes