Sweet And Spicy Stir-Fry

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: Asian

A vibrant sweet and spicy stir-fry combining pineapple, peppers, green beans, and chicken in a tangy sauce, perfect for quick, flavorful weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

  • 8 oz. can pineapple chunks, undrained
  • 2 tsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 large red or green pepper, cut in strips
  • 8 oz. can cut green beans, drained
  • 4 chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
  • 3/4 cup sweet and sour sauce
  • 1/8 to 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3 to 4 cups cooked rice

Instructions

  1. Drain pineapple, reserving 1/3 cup juice.
  2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Add pepper strips and stir-fry for 2 minutes.
  4. Add green beans, cooked chicken, sweet and sour sauce, red pepper flakes, pineapple, and reserved juice to the skillet.
  5. Stir-fry for 3 minutes or until heated through.
  6. Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice.

Tips & Substitutions

For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil to the stir-fry. You can also substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option. If you like more heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños. Fresh vegetables like broccoli or snap peas can enhance the dish's nutritional value.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the stir-fry over a bed of rice, which absorbs the delicious sauce. For a balanced meal, consider pairing it with a light cucumber salad or steamed broccoli. This dish also goes well with a side of spring rolls for a delightful combination. For a more filling option, try it with 'Rice, Peanuts And Cranberries.'

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until warmed through, or stir-fry in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes. Adding a splash of water can help to rehydrate the rice and keep it from drying out.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet And Spicy Stir-Fry contains roughly 410 calories, with 20g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (54% of the Daily Value), protein (39% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 730mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).

410 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 19.7g 39% DV
Total Fat 7.7g 10% DV
Carbs 67.4g 25% DV
Fiber 6g 21% DV
Sugar 6.5g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 730mg 32% DV
Potassium 668.3mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 38mg 13% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 486.5mcg 54% DV
Vitamin C 22.9mg 25% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 86.6mg 7% DV
Iron 3.3mg 18% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

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 fresh vegetables instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, green beans, and carrots can be used instead of canned. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as fresh veggies may take a bit longer to soften.

What can I substitute for sweet and sour sauce?

If you don't have sweet and sour sauce on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing equal parts ketchup and vinegar with a bit of sugar. Alternatively, a combination of honey, soy sauce, and vinegar can also work well.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this stir-fry vegetarian by replacing the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Ensure to sauté the tofu until golden for added texture and flavor. This modification makes it a great option for plant-based diets.

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).

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