Description
Sweet and sour beef features tender strips of beef sirloin or flank steak sautéed with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and juicy pineapple chunks, all coated in a flavorful homemade sweet and tangy sauce. This quick and easy skillet recipe brings classic Asian-inspired takeout flavors right to your kitchen and is perfect served over steamed rice for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 lbs beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
Sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
Instructions
- Coat the beef: Place the thinly sliced beef in a bowl and toss with cornstarch until it is lightly and evenly coated. This helps create a crispy texture when cooked.
- Brown the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the beef slices in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned. Remove the cooked beef and set it aside to rest.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the sliced onion. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Prepare the sauce: While the vegetables cook, whisk together ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and pineapple juice in a small bowl until well combined.
- Combine beef and pineapple: Return the browned beef to the skillet and add the pineapple chunks, stirring everything together.
- Add the sauce and simmer: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir to coat all ingredients thoroughly. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef evenly.
- Serve: Serve the sweet and sour beef hot over freshly steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain for a more tender texture.
- Add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Chicken or pork can be substituted for the beef if desired.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like carrots or broccoli to increase the dish’s nutrition and texture variety.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
