Citrus Sesame Roast Beef

This topside or sirloin beef joint is seasoned with Chinese five-spice powder and brushed with a citrus glaze made with Seville orange marmalade, zest and juice of an orange, Worcestershire sauce and sesame seeds for an oriental style twist to your roast.

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Serves: 6 people

To Cook Rare: 20 minutes per 450g plus 20 minutes

To Cook Medium: 25 minutes per 450g plus 25 minutes

To Cook Well Done: 30 minutes per 450g plus 30 minutes

Average Cooking Time for 3lb: 0 Minutes

Ingredients

  • 1.3kg lean topside or sirloin joint
  • 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder

  • For the citrus glaze:

  • 1 tablespoon rapeseed or olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons Seville orange marmalade
  • Grated zest and juice of ½ orange
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sesame seeds

  • For the gravy:

  • 1 tablespoon plain flour
  • 600ml good, hot beef stock
  • 2 tablespoons sweet sherry (optional)

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 180-190°C, 160-170°C, Fan, Gas mark 4-5.
  2. Place the joint on a chopping board and make several slashes over the surface.  Season and coat with the Chinese 5 spice powder all over.
  3. Place on a rack in a roasting tin and open roast for the preferred, calculated cooking time, basting occasionally with any rich meat juices.  Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
  4. For the citrus glaze; in a small bowl mix all the ingredients together.
  5. 20 minutes before the end of the cooking time remove the joint from the oven and brush with the glaze.  Return to the oven for the remaining cooking time.
  6. Remove the beef from the oven; cover and leave to rest for 15-20 minutes.  Meanwhile, make the gravy; spoon off any excess fat from the roasting tin and discard.
  7. Place the roasting tin over a medium heat and sprinkle over the flour.  Stir well with a small whisk or spoon, add a little stock and stir again, scraping the base of the pan to release any rich, beefy sediment.
  8. Add the remaining stock, sherry and any meat juices,  adjust the seasoning if required and simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until reduced to a well-flavoured gravy.  Strain before serving.
  9. Serve the beef with seasonal vegetables such as roasted asparagus, creamy mash and the gravy.