Sweet and Sour Beef is a flavorful dish that features tender strips of beef coated in a glossy sauce that perfectly balances tangy, sweet, and savory notes. Paired with crisp vegetables and served over rice or noodles, this dish is a beloved takeout favorite that you can easily recreate at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sweet and Sour Beef offers a wonderful combination of taste, texture, and versatility. Here’s why this recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Balanced flavor: The sauce blends sweetness, acidity, and savory depth for a taste that keeps you coming back for more.
- Tender beef: Thinly sliced beef cooks quickly and stays juicy, soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Colorful and crisp vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, and pineapple add vibrant color and crunch.
- Quick and easy: This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Better than takeout: Homemade means you control the ingredients, ensuring fresher taste and fewer additives.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
beef (such as flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain)
cornstarch (for coating the beef)
salt
black pepper
vegetable oil (for frying)
bell peppers (red and green, chopped)
onion (chopped)
pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
garlic (minced)
soy sauce
ketchup
rice vinegar
brown sugar
pineapple juice (or water)
cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water, for thickening the sauce)
Directions
- Prepare the beef: Toss the sliced beef with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until coated evenly.
- Sear the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the beef in batches until browned and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the garlic, bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks until just tender but still crisp.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and pineapple juice.
- Combine: Return the beef to the skillet. Pour in the sauce and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
- Serve: Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 4 servings. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and cooking time is about 15 minutes.
Variations
Sweet and Sour Beef is easy to adapt:
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for heat.
- Different protein: Substitute beef with chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu.
- Extra vegetables: Add snap peas, broccoli, or carrots for added nutrition and color.
- Low-sugar version: Reduce the brown sugar or use a natural sweetener such as honey or maple syrup.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. This dish is not ideal for freezing as the vegetables may become mushy upon thawing.
FAQs
What cut of beef works best for sweet and sour beef?
Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak are ideal because they are flavorful and tender when sliced thinly against the grain.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, and ensure all other ingredients (like ketchup) are gluten-free.
How do I keep the beef tender?
Slice the beef thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking. A quick sear over high heat keeps the beef juicy.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be mixed ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
What is the best way to thicken the sauce?
A cornstarch slurry added at the end of cooking provides a glossy, thick sauce that clings to the beef and vegetables.
Is fresh pineapple better than canned?
Both work well. Fresh pineapple provides a slightly brighter flavor, while canned is more convenient.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth or water in the sauce.
How do I avoid soggy vegetables?
Cook the vegetables over high heat just until crisp-tender to maintain their texture.
What sides pair well with sweet and sour beef?
Steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or stir-fried noodles make great accompaniments.
Can I add cashews or peanuts?
Yes, toasted cashews or peanuts add a nice crunch and extra flavor.
Conclusion
Sweet and Sour Beef is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines juicy beef, crisp vegetables, and a tangy-sweet sauce for a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. With its quick preparation and easy customization, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you’re craving a homemade version of your favorite takeout. Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying dinner.
PrintSweet and Sour Beef
Sweet and Sour Beef is a flavorful dish featuring tender strips of beef coated in a glossy sauce with balanced tangy, sweet, and savory notes. Paired with colorful vegetables and served over rice or noodles, this dish is a perfect homemade version of a beloved takeout classic.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
- Beef (such as flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain)
- Cornstarch (for coating the beef)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Bell peppers (red and green, chopped)
- Onion (chopped)
- Pineapple chunks (fresh or canned, drained)
- Garlic (minced)
- Soy sauce
- Ketchup
- Rice vinegar
- Brown sugar
- Pineapple juice (or water)
- Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water, for thickening the sauce)
Instructions
- Toss the sliced beef with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the beef in batches until browned and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the garlic, bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks until just tender but still crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and pineapple juice.
- Return the beef to the skillet. Pour in the sauce and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or chili oil for heat.
- Substitute beef with chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein.
- For extra nutrition, add snap peas, broccoli, or carrots to the vegetables.
- For a low-sugar version, reduce the brown sugar or use honey or maple syrup.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg