Sweet and Sour Beef

Sweet and Sour Beef is a delicious, takeout-style dish that brings together tender strips of beef, colorful vegetables, and a tangy-sweet sauce. It’s quick to prepare and full of vibrant flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish offers the perfect harmony of savory, sweet, and tangy. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal yet tastes like your favorite restaurant version. Plus, it’s highly customizable with your choice of vegetables and spice level.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Beef sirloin or flank steak
• Cornstarch
• Bell peppers
• Onion
• Pineapple chunks
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Soy sauce
• Ketchup
• Rice vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Vegetable oil

Directions

1. Slice beef thinly and coat with cornstarch.
2. In a hot skillet or wok, sear the beef until browned and set aside.
3. Stir-fry bell peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger until tender-crisp.
4. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, and brown sugar.
5. Add sauce and pineapple to the vegetables. Return beef to pan and toss everything together until well coated.
6. Simmer for a few minutes until sauce thickens. Serve hot.

Servings and timing

Serves 4 and takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

• Use chicken or tofu instead of beef.
• Add broccoli, snow peas, or carrots for variety.
• Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or chili paste.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best?

Sirloin or flank steak works well for tenderness and quick cooking.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.

Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, store the beef and sauce separately and combine when reheating.

What if I don’t have pineapple?

Use orange juice and add more sugar for sweetness.

Does it work with frozen veggies?

Yes, just thaw and drain them first to avoid extra moisture.

Can I use a different sweetener?

Honey or maple syrup can replace brown sugar if needed.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Should I marinate the beef?

Optional. A brief marinade in soy sauce and cornstarch can enhance flavor.

What goes well with this dish?

Serve with steamed rice or noodles.

How do I thicken the sauce?

The cornstarch from the beef usually thickens it, but you can add a cornstarch slurry if needed.

Conclusion

Sweet and Sour Beef delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. With its tangy sauce and tender meat, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and endlessly customizable.

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