Name: Sweet & Sour Beef and Pineapple Stir Fry
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: US
Ingredients: 1 pound beef round or top sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain; 1/4 cup cornstarch, divided; 1 (14-ounce) can pineapple chunks in juice, drained, juice reserved; 1/2 cup beef broth, preferably low-sodium; 1/2 cup soy sauce, preferably low-sodium; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons sambal oelek or sriracha, or to taste (adjust for desired heat); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, or peanut oil; 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup julienned carrots; 1 (7-ounce) package fresh snow peas, trimmed; 1/2 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated; Fresh chives, for garnish (optional); Hot cooked rice, for serving (optional)

A symphony of sweet, savory, and spicy notes dance across your palate in this vibrant Beef and Pineapple Stir Fry. Tender beef mingles with juicy pineapple and crisp vegetables, all coated in a luscious, flavorful sauce. A quick and easy weeknight meal that's sure to impress.

Follow The Directions

01

Step

In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Toss well to ensure the beef is evenly coated. This will help tenderize the beef and create a beautiful sear. (5 minutes)

02

Step

In a separate bowl, whisk together the reserved pineapple juice (about 1/4 cup), beef broth, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sambal oelek (or sriracha). Set aside. (2 minutes)

03

Step

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the beef and sliced red onion. Stir-fry until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.

04

Step

Add the julienned carrots, snow peas, and sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 1 minute, until the vegetables are slightly tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger and stir-fry for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. (2 minutes)

05

Step

Pour in the reserved sauce and add the pineapple chunks. Stir well to combine. (1 minute)

06

Step

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened, about 1-2 minutes. (3 minutes)

07

Step

Serve immediately over hot cooked rice, garnished with fresh chives, if desired. (1 minute)

For extra flavor, marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Adjust the amount of sambal oelek or sriracha to your desired spice level.
Feel free to add other vegetables to the stir fry, such as broccoli florets, mushrooms, or bok choy.
If you don't have fresh pineapple, you can use canned pineapple, but be sure to drain it well before adding it to the stir fry.
Serve with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
For a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with firm tofu or tempeh.