Railroad Sweet And Sour Beef
Railroad Sweet and Sour Beef features tender beef cubes in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce with onions and pimento, perfect for hearty family dinners served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dredge the beef cubes in flour.
- Brown the beef on all sides in a small amount of cooking oil.
- In a separate bowl, combine water, catsup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire, salt, and chopped onion to make the sauce mixture.
- Add the sauce mixture to the browned beef in the skillet.
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Cover and cook for about 45 minutes or until the beef is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Garnish with chopped pimento or parsley.
- Serve hot over rice or cooked noodles.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker sauce, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour to the sauce mixture before combining it with the beef. If you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor, consider using honey instead of brown sugar. For a healthier twist, use leaner beef cuts or substitute with chicken. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking during the simmering process.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot over a bed of rice or cooked noodles for a comforting meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. For a complete dinner experience, consider serving it alongside a refreshing glass of Lemonade Iced Tea to balance the savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sweet and sour beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Railroad Sweet And Sour Beef contains roughly 677 calories, with 15g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (130% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (69% of the Daily Value), and potassium (59% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 661mg per serving (29% 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 round steak is traditional, you can substitute it with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require varying lengths to become tender.
What can I serve with sweet and sour beef?
Sweet and sour beef pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, egg noodles, or even quinoa for a healthier option. You can also enhance the meal with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad to complement the flavors.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce mixture. You could also sauté some sliced jalapeños with the onions for an extra kick. Just be mindful of the spice level to suit your palate.
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).