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Sweet and Sour Beef

Sweet and Sour Beef: Your Quick, Flavorful Takeout Fix

Sweet and Sour Beef is a delicious and quick takeout fix that combines tender beef, colorful veggies, and a tangy sauce.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 1 pound flank steak or sirloin Tender strips
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch For coating the beef
  • 1 teaspoon salt For seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper For seasoning
For the Stir-Fry
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil For cooking
  • 1 cup bell peppers Red and green, chopped
  • 1 medium onion Chopped
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks Fresh or canned
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce For umami flavor
  • 1/4 cup ketchup For sweetness
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar For tanginess
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar For balancing flavor
  • 1/4 cup pineapple juice For sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch slurry For thickening

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by slicing your tender beef into thin strips against the grain. Season with salt and black pepper, then coat with cornstarch.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until it shimmers.
  3. Add coated beef in batches and fry for 2-3 minutes until browned and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  4. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed, then stir-fry onions, garlic, and bell peppers for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
  5. Pour in pineapple chunks, soy sauce, ketchup, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and pineapple juice. Stir and let simmer for 2 minutes.
  6. Prepare a cornstarch slurry and stir into the bubbling sauce to thicken for another minute.
  7. Return the crispy beef to the skillet and gently toss to coat. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Slice beef against the grain for tenderness and avoid overcrowding the pan while frying.

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