Sweet and Sour Beef

Introduction

Sweet and Sour Beef is a beloved takeout classic, featuring tender strips of beef tossed in a vibrant, glossy sauce that’s equal parts tangy and sweet. This dish stands out thanks to its bold flavors and iconic sauce, making it a real crowd pleaser for family meals, dinner parties, or when you simply crave that irresistible balance of savory and zesty.

Why Sweet and Sour Beef is a Home Favorite

What makes Sweet and Sour Beef so special? Unlike other stir-fries, this recipe harmoniously blends fresh veggies, juicy pineapple, and perfectly seared beef with a crave-worthy sauce that dances on your palate. The simple steps, approachable ingredients, and ability to customize the veggies make this dish a must for home cooks wanting to bring restaurant-level flavor to their own kitchen.

Mastering the Signature Sweet and Sour Sauce

The key to authentic Sweet and Sour Beef lies in the sauce. Balancing ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, and pineapple juice creates a sauce that’s tangy, sweet, and impossibly glossy. Simmering the sauce until thickened ensures it clings beautifully to each piece of beef and vegetable, delivering maximum flavor in every bite.

Building Layers of Texture and Flavor

Begin by quickly stir-frying strips of beef until just browned, then remove from the pan to keep them tender. Stir-fry bell peppers, onion, and pineapple chunks to maintain their crispness and juiciness. Finally, return the beef to the pan, pour over the sauce, and toss everything together—coat, caramelize, and serve hot for the best results.

Delicious Serving Suggestions for Sweet and Sour Beef

Serve Sweet and Sour Beef over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a healthier twist, try serving it with cauliflower rice or a crunchy Asian slaw. A sprinkle of sliced green onions or sesame seeds makes a stunning and tasty garnish.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 hearty servings. Each serving contains approximately 350–400 calories, depending on the size and cut of beef used, and how much sauce is enjoyed. Pair it with plenty of vegetables to create a balanced, wholesome meal.

Sweet and Sour Beef (Recap)

With its mouthwatering sauce, crisp-tender veggies, and tender beef, Sweet and Sour Beef always delights. Its simplicity, versatility, and visual appeal make it a dish you’ll want to return to again and again.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and seamless meal planning.

Instructions

1. Season the sliced beef with salt and pepper, then toss with 1 tablespoon cornstarch to coat each piece lightly.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add beef in an even layer and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just browned. Remove beef and set aside.
3. Add remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Stir-fry bell peppers and onion for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Add the garlic and pineapple chunks, cooking for another minute.
4. In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, vinegar, soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and Worcestershire sauce. In a separate small bowl, mix remaining 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry.
5. Return the beef to the pan. Pour the sauce mixture over everything. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1–2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and everything is glossy and well coated.
6. Remove from heat. Serve immediately over hot steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

Sweet and Sour Beef is ideal for weekly meal prep and planning. Save and schedule this recipe to plan your cooking days and instantly generate a shopping list that consolidates ingredients across all your weekly meals.

Planning Benefits:

• Calculates total ingredient quantities across multiple recipes
• Groups items on your shopping list by grocery store aisle
• Prevents duplicate purchases, saving you money and reducing food waste
• Keeps your weekly meal prep organized and stress free

Pro tip: When planning several dinners, schedule this recipe to see overlapping ingredients—for example, bell peppers or rice—so you’ll pick up just the right amounts. Efficient, budget-friendly, and easy!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Sweet and Sour Beef—delicious, versatile, and perfect for any home cook’s meal planning rotation!