This Beef and Pineapple Stir-Fry combines savory, tender beef with sweet pineapple and vibrant bell peppers, all tossed in a savory sauce that’s both sweet and salty. Quick and easy to make, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something flavorful and satisfying. The marriage of beef and pineapple brings a burst of flavor, while the sauce ties everything together for a deliciously balanced dish. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The combination of beef, pineapple, and bell peppers offers a wonderful balance of savory, sweet, and crunchy textures. The stir-fry method keeps the beef tender and juicy while the pineapple and vegetables cook up just right. The sauce, with a touch of brown sugar, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, coats everything perfectly. This dish comes together in 30 minutes and delivers an irresistible burst of flavor. Plus, it’s customizable, so you can adjust the sweetness or spice level according to your taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Sesame seeds and green onions (for garnish)
Variations
This stir-fry recipe is very versatile, and you can customize it with different vegetables and proteins to suit your preferences:
- Vegetables: Add in sliced onions, carrots, snap peas, or baby corn to enhance the flavor and texture of the stir-fry.
- Protein: Swap out the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different take on this dish.
- Spice it Up: Add some red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers for a little heat.
- No Pineapple: If you prefer, you can omit the pineapple and substitute with mango or a different sweet fruit for a similar burst of sweetness.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes. The cornstarch helps the beef become tender and slightly crispy when stir-fried.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, water, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir-fry the red and green bell peppers for about 2 minutes, just until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Add Pineapple
Toss in the pineapple chunks and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until they begin to caramelize and release their sweet juices.
Step 6: Combine and Sauce
Return the cooked beef to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce. Toss everything together and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the beef and vegetables.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve the stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Thin Slices of Beef: For the best stir-fry texture, slice the beef thinly against the grain. This ensures the beef cooks quickly and remains tender.
- High Heat: Cooking on high heat is key to getting that perfect stir-fry texture with a slightly crispy exterior on the beef and a nice sear on the vegetables.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter stir-fry, feel free to add a bit more brown sugar. If you like it saltier, increase the soy sauce.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the sauce if you want some heat.
How to Serve
Serve this Beef and Pineapple Stir-Fry over a bowl of fluffy steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles for a hearty meal. You can also pair it with a simple side of sautéed greens, like bok choy or spinach, to complete the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply toss the stir-fry in a hot skillet or microwave until heated through.
Freezing
While stir-fry is best when fresh, you can freeze the beef and vegetable mixture (without the rice) for up to 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other tender cuts of beef like rib-eye or flank steak. Just be sure to slice it thinly so it cooks quickly and remains tender.
2. Is the pineapple necessary in this recipe?
Pineapple adds sweetness and acidity that balances the savory beef and sauce. However, you can omit it if you prefer a more savory stir-fry or substitute it with another sweet fruit like mango.
3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, to make it gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
4. How do I keep the beef tender?
Make sure to marinate the beef with cornstarch and soy sauce for at least 10 minutes before stir-frying. The cornstarch helps keep the beef tender during cooking.
5. Can I make this dish in advance?
This stir-fry is best made fresh, but you can prep the vegetables and sauce ahead of time to make the cooking process quicker.
6. Can I use frozen pineapple?
Yes, you can use frozen pineapple chunks, just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using them in the stir-fry.
Conclusion
Beef and Pineapple Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful dish that combines tender beef, sweet pineapple, and crunchy bell peppers in a savory sauce. With its balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors, this stir-fry makes for a delicious and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you need a meal that’s both delicious and easy to make. The best part? It all comes together in under 30 minutes!
PrintBeef and Pineapple Stir-Fry
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Beef and Pineapple Stir-Fry is a vibrant and flavorful dish with a perfect balance of savory beef, sweet pineapple, and crunchy bell peppers. The stir-fry is quickly cooked in a savory sauce with garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, creating a deliciously sweet and salty combination. It’s an easy-to-make, yet impressive dish, ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Sesame seeds and green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, toss the beef slices with the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, water, and sesame oil. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef in batches (to avoid overcrowding) and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Stir-fry the red and green bell peppers for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Pineapple: Toss in the pineapple chunks and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes until they begin to caramelize.
- Combine and Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the ingredients.
- Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add red chili flakes or sliced fresh chili during the stir-fry.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your sweetness preference.
- You can substitute the beef sirloin with another cut of beef, such as flank steak or tenderloin.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes