Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the vibrant streets of China! This Sweet and Sour Beef recipe is not just another dinner - it's a mouthwatering adventure that combines tender, perfectly seared beef with a symphony of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. In just 45 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that will have your family and friends begging for seconds, proving that gourmet cooking can be both simple and incredibly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, brown sugar, and minced garlic to create the sweet and sour sauce. Set aside.
- In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry that will help thicken the sauce. Set aside.
- Pat the beef sirloin slices dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until it shimmers and is almost smoking.
- Add beef slices to the hot skillet in a single layer, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear for 1-2 minutes on each side until nicely browned.
- Remove beef and set aside. In the same skillet, add sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add pineapple chunks to the skillet and cook for an additional minute.
- Return the beef to the skillet and pour the prepared sweet and sour sauce over the ingredients.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and vegetables.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, garnishing with chopped green onions if desired.
Tips
- Meat Preparation is Key: Always pat your beef slices dry before cooking to ensure a perfect sear and prevent steaming.
- High Heat is Essential: Use a wok or large skillet and cook on high heat to get those beautiful caramelized edges on your beef.
- Batch Cooking Matters: Don't overcrowd the pan when searing beef - cook in batches to maintain high temperature and achieve optimal browning.
- Cornstarch Slurry Trick: The cornstarch mixture is crucial for creating that glossy, thick sauce that clings perfectly to the meat and vegetables.
- Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference: Use fresh garlic and crisp vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately over steamed rice to capture the dish at its peak flavor and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
