Chinese Sweet 'N Sour Beef
A vibrant Chinese sweet 'n sour beef dish featuring tender meat, colorful vegetables, and a tangy sauce, perfect for a flavorful, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. top round steak or lean boneless pork ⓘ
- Natural meat tenderizer ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 large onion
- 1 cup water chestnuts (8 1/2 oz.) drained and sliced ⓘ
- 1 green pepper ⓘ
- 1 (13 1/4 oz.) can pineapple chunks undrained ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. ketchup ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. wine vinegar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. cold water ⓘ
- 2 firm, ripe tomatoes ⓘ
- hot cooked rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Trim fat from the meat and tenderize it.
- Cut the meat into thin slices on a diagonal across the grain.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet until hot.
- Quickly brown the beef over high heat, stirring rapidly, for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Remove the beef to a platter, leaving drippings in the skillet.
- Add the onion, water chestnuts, and green pepper to the skillet and cook until vegetables are slightly tender.
- Add the pineapple chunks (undrained), ketchup, wine vinegar, soy sauce, and sugar to the skillet. Stir well.
- Mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry, then add it to the skillet to thicken the sauce.
- Add the tomato wedges and cook briefly until heated through.
- Serve the sweet 'n sour beef hot over cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the tenderness of the beef, consider using a natural meat tenderizer like pineapple juice. If you prefer a twist, substitute the beef with chicken or tofu for a different protein option. For a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes or fresh ginger. Ensure to cut the vegetables uniformly for even cooking, and stir-fry quickly to maintain their crunch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sweet 'N Sour Beef over hot cooked rice for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken Egg Rolls for an authentic Chinese feast. For a well-rounded dinner, consider adding a side of stir-fried vegetables or a simple cucumber salad to balance the dish's sweetness. Garnish with sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Sweet 'N Sour Beef contains roughly 489 calories, with 8g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1810mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! While top round steak is traditional, you can easily substitute it with lean boneless pork or even chicken for a lighter option. Tofu is also a great alternative for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly, as different proteins may require varying lengths to cook through.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha when you add the sauce ingredients. Fresh ginger or minced garlic can also boost the flavor profile. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding sliced jalapeños for an extra kick that complements the sweet and sour elements beautifully.
What can I serve with Sweet 'N Sour Beef?
This dish is delightful on its own but pairs well with various sides. Consider serving it alongside Chicken Egg Rolls or a refreshing cucumber salad. For a complete meal, you might also include Vegetable Stir-Fry Deluxe or fried rice. These accompaniments enhance the flavors and offer a variety of textures to enjoy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).