Sweet 'N Sour Stew
Sweet 'N Sour Stew offers a savory and tangy flavor profile, with tender beef cubes simmered in a tangy ketchup and vinegar sauce, complemented by onions and carrots. Perfect for hearty comfort food lovers, it combines sweet and sour elements for a satisfying meal suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Coat the beef cubes with flour, salt, and pepper.
- Brown the coated meat in hot oil.
- Add water, ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and salt to the meat.
- Add chopped onion to the mixture.
- Cover and cook for 45 minutes.
- Add carrots to the stew.
- Continue cooking until the carrots are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker stew, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it towards the end of cooking. If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can work as a substitute. You can also use chicken or pork instead of beef for a different flavor profile. Adding bell peppers or pineapple can enhance the sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Sweet 'N Sour Stew over fluffy rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad pairs nicely, balancing the flavors. For a comforting meal, consider serving it alongside garlic bread or crusty rolls. This dish also complements well with American recipes like Hamburger Noodle Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stew in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, ensuring it's heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet 'N Sour Stew contains roughly 169 calories, with 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (14% of the Daily Value) and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2073mg per serving (90% 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 stew in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the beef first, then add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
What vegetables can I add to the stew?
You can add a variety of vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or even peas for added color and nutrition. Just make sure to add them at appropriate times to ensure they cook through but don’t become too mushy.
Is it possible to make this stew gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this stew gluten-free, simply substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for coating the beef. Ensure your ketchup and Worcestershire sauce are also gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat.
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).