Tender, savory, sweet and insanely easy to make, this pineapple beef stir-fry has everything you and your kids will love.
I have always been a fan of Chinese takeout. And its sweet and sour dishes are my summer favorite. The bold, mixed flavors and aromas of Asian cuisine never fail to impress me. And pineapple beef stir-fry is one of my favorites of all time.
This mouth-watering dish has everything you will want for dinner: the tender and savory beef and juicy pineapple in a rich sauce packed with flavors. After trying it once, I knew I had to learn to make it at home.
And to my surprise, it didn’t take long to figure out how to recreate the unforgettable dish. In fact, it’s so easy and delicious that it makes me wonder why it’s not as popular as orange chicken. Plus, it wins the hearts of both adults and kids, perfect as a quick dinner recipe for a big family.
Whether you’re a fan of Chinese takeout or just looking for a new Asian-inspired recipe, this dish will surely impress. Follow my simple steps and enjoy the delicious combination of beef and pineapple mixed with the rich flavors of the marinade. Once you’ve made it yourself, you’ll never want to order takeout again.
How to make pineapple beef stir-fry
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef tenderloin, cut into 2-inch dice
Choose tender cuts such as beef tenderloin. Freeze for 30 minutes before cutting. This will firm up the meat and make it easier to cut into uniform cubes.
- 1/2 small pineapple (about 150 grams), diced into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon cooking wine
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- A pinch of pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 teaspoons cooking oil (divided)
Step-by-step instructions
- Take the beef and cut it into cubes that are approximately 2 inches in size.
Use a sharp knife and cut the beef against the grain to ensure it remains tender when cooked.
Alternatively, you can freeze the beef for 30 minutes before cutting. This will firm up the meat and make it easier to cut into uniform cubes.
- Transfer the beef to a bowl. Then add 1 tablespoon of cooking wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, a pinch of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of cooking oil. Mix the ingredients well to ensure that they are evenly combined. Let the beef sit and marinate for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Take the pineapple and cut it into cubes that are approximately 2 inches in size. Make sure to remove the tough core before dicing.
- Rinse the pineapple and place it in a bowl of water. Add two teaspoons of salt to the water and let it soak for 10 minutes.
Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain that can break down proteins and make the texture of the fruit soft and mushy when cooked. Soaking it in salted water will help reduce the tangy, acidic taste of the pineapple and improve its texture.
- After 10 minutes, remove the pineapple from the water and dry it with a paper towel. This will help remove excess moisture and prevent the pineapple from getting too watery when cooked.
- Heat a teaspoon of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced pineapple and sauté it until it releases its juice. Then, remove the pineapple from the pan and transfer it to a plate.
- Add two teaspoons of cooking oil to the same pan and heat it over medium heat. Add the marinated beef and sear it until brown.
- Add the sautéed pineapple back to the pan and stir-fry for another 5 minutes until the ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer the beef and pineapple to a plate and serve with rice or noodles.
What to serve with this recipe?
- Steamed white rice
This classic side dish is a great option to pair with the stir-fry. It’s simple, easy to prepare, and helps to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Stir-fried vegetables
Vegetable stir-fries are a great way to add nutrients and fiber to your meal. Whether it’s bok choy, lettuce or morning glory vegetable, pick your favorite greens to match with this pineapple beef recipe.
- Fried rice
If you’re looking for a heartier option than plain white rice, fried rice can be a great choice. The combination of rice, vegetables, and protein makes for a filling and flavorful side dish.
- Noodles
Another option to soak up the sauce would be noodles. You can use egg noodles, rice noodles, or even soba noodles for a delicious and filling meal. Alternatively, you can also serve with Chow Mein to increase the flavor of your meal.
Tips to making the perfect pineapple beef
The pineapple beef stir-fry recipe is definitely easy to pull off. But the following tips will help you nail the dish on your first try.
- Use a good quality cut of beef.
For the best texture and flavor, choose a tender cut of beef, such as tenderloin, sirloin, or flank steak.
- Freeze before cutting
As mentioned above, freezing the beef for 30 minutes will help the meat to keep its form, making it easier to dice.
- Use a non-stick pan
A non-stick pan will prevent the beef and pineapple from sticking and burning. If you don’t have a non-stick pan, make sure to heat up the pan with oil before adding the meat and pineapple.
- Drain and dry the pineapple.
Drain and dry the pineapple pieces thoroughly after soaking them in salt water so they don’t get too moist and soft in the cooking process.
Sweet and Sour Pineapple Beef Stir-fry
Tender, savory, sweet and ridiculously easy to make, this pineapple beef stir-fry has everything you and your kids will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef tenderloin, cut into 2-inch dice
- 1/2 small pineapple (about 150 grams), diced into 2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon cooking wine
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- A pinch of pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 3 teaspoons cooking oil (divided)
Instructions
- Cut beef into 2-inch dices.
- Mix together 1 tbsp each of cooking wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and oyster sauce, along with a pinch of pepper and 1 tsp of cooking oil in a bowl.
- Add the beef to the bowl, mix well to coat it with the marinade, and let it sit for 20 minutes.
- Dice the pineapple into 2-inch pieces and soak them in a bowl of water with 2 tsp of salt for 10 minutes.
- Drain the pineapple and pat it dry with a paper towel.
- Heat 1 tsp of cooking oil in a pan and sauté the pineapple until it releases juice, then transfer it to a plate.
- Heat 2 tsp of cooking oil in the same pan and sear the marinated beef until brown.
- Add the pineapple back to the pan, stir-fry for another 5 minutes, and then transfer to a plate. Serve with rice or noodles.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 558Total Fat: 42gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 21gCholesterol: 129mgSodium: 2315mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 37g
Have you tried this pineapple beef recipe?
If so, let me know how it goes. Also, check out these Chinese beef recipes for more dinner inspirations. And if you have any questions, leave them in the comment below. Happy cooking!
