Sweet And Sour Stir-Fried Beef
Sweet and sour stir-fried beef offers a vibrant medley of tender beef, juicy pineapple, crisp green peppers, and tomatoes in a tangy, sweet, and savory sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it pairs beautifully with hot, cooked rice and appeals to fans of bold, flavorful Asian-inspired dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from beef; cut beef with grain into 2-inch strips.
- Cut strips across grain into 1/8-inch slices.
- Mix cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water to make a slurry.
- Heat oil in a 12-inch skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add beef and onion; cook and stir until beef is brown, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in pineapple, 1/2 cup water, sugar, vinegar, instant chicken bouillon, and soy sauce; heat to boiling.
- Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook for 1 minute.
- Add green pepper and tomatoes; cook and stir for 1 minute.
- Serve hot with cooked rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the beef in a mixture of soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking. If flank steak is unavailable, sirloin or skirt steak can be used as substitutes. For a healthier twist, add more Stir-Fry Vegetables like broccoli or snap peas to the dish, increasing both nutrition and color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sweet And Sour Stir-Fried Beef over a bed of fluffy cooked rice for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the flavors. For a complete spread, consider adding a side of Jim'S Sweet & Sour Chicken to impress guests.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to maintain the texture of the beef and vegetables, adding a splash of water if needed to avoid drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet And Sour Stir-Fried Beef contains roughly 256 calories, with 9g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 729mg per serving (32% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, heat the beef in a skillet and add the sauce to combine. This will help retain the flavors and texture of the beef.
What can I use instead of pineapple chunks?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute pineapple with mango chunks or bell peppers for a fresh twist. Both options will still provide a sweet and tangy balance to the dish while keeping it delicious.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Sweet And Sour Stir-Fried Beef is great for meal prep. Divide the cooked dish into portioned containers with rice, and store them in the refrigerator for easy lunches throughout the week. Just reheat and 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).