Sweet And Sour Steak
Sweet and sour steak combines tender beef with a tangy fruit sauce, offering a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and citrus flavors. Perfect for a family dinner or special occasion, it pairs well with rice or vegetables for a satisfying meal with vibrant taste sensations.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the steak on both sides in oil in a frying pan.
- Combine salt, pepper, dry mustard, minced onion, water, and vinegar, then pour over the steak.
- Cover tightly and cook over low heat for about 1 1/2 hours.
- Drain the mandarin orange sections and pineapple chunks, reserving 3 tablespoons of liquid.
- Blend the reserved liquid with brown sugar and cornstarch to make a sauce.
- Remove the steak from the pan and keep warm on a platter.
- Add the drained fruit and sugar mixture to the pan drippings and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Pour the fruit sauce over the steak and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more tender steak, consider marinating it in the vinegar mixture for a few hours before cooking. You can substitute the steak with chicken or tofu for a different protein. If you're looking to reduce sugar, use less brown sugar or a sugar alternative. Adding some bell peppers or snap peas can enhance the dish's color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Sweet and Sour Steak over a bed of white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce. It pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. For a unique twist, consider serving it alongside Easy Tomato Soup for a comforting dinner combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the steak and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals until warmed through, ensuring the steak remains juicy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Steak contains roughly 105 calories, with 0g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1756mg per serving (76% 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 steak for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts like flank steak or sirloin. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the cut. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat is tender and cooked through.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the sauce for an extra kick. This will complement the sweet and sour flavors beautifully.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, ensure that your soy sauce (if used) is gluten-free and replace any cornstarch with a gluten-free thickener, like arrowroot powder. Always check labels on canned fruits to avoid hidden gluten.
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).