Tropical Pineapple Beef Stir-Fry
Indulge in a delightful tropical twist with this Tropical Pineapple Beef Stir-Fry. Juicy top sirloin steak is marinated in Worcestershire sauce and cornstarch for a tender bite, then combined with colorful bell peppers and sweet, tangy pineapple chunks. The dish is elevated with a savory-sweet sauce made from ketchup, sugar, and pineapple juice, serving as the perfect complement to the vibrant ingredients. Quick to prepare, this stir-fry is served over hot rice, making it a satisfying meal for any day of the week.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon (dissolved in Worcestershire sauce)
Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons (divided)
top sirloin steak
1 lb (cut into 3/4 inch cubes)
ketchup
1/4 cup (mixed with other sauce ingredients)
sugar
1 tablespoon (mixed with ketchup and Worcestershire sauce)
pineapple chunks
20 ounces (drained, juice reserved)
green or sweet red pepper
1 (cut into 3/4 inch pieces)
garlic
1-2 cloves (minced or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Add the beef cubes, tossing them to coat thoroughly. Set aside to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
2
In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, sugar, the remaining tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and the juice reserved from the pineapple can. This will form the sauce for the stir-fry.
3
In a large, oiled skillet, heat over medium-high and brown the marinated beef cubes in batches, ensuring they are seared on all sides. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
4
In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of water over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers and garlic, cooking and stirring them for 3 to 4 minutes until the water evaporates and the peppers become crisp-tender.
5
Reduce the heat to medium, then stir in the prepared sauce mixture, the drained pineapple chunks, and the browned beef, along with any juices they have released.
6
Continue to cook, stirring gently, until everything is heated through and coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
7
Serve immediately over hot, cooked rice for a hearty, flavorful meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tropical Pineapple Beef Stir-Fry?
Tropical Pineapple Beef Stir-Fry is a savory-sweet dish made with top sirloin steak, bell peppers, and pineapple chunks served over rice.
Which cut of beef is best for this recipe?
Top sirloin steak is recommended because it is tender and holds up well when cut into cubes for stir-frying.
How long should I let the beef marinate?
The beef should be marinated in the cornstarch and Worcestershire sauce mixture for at least 10 minutes.
What are the ingredients for the marinade?
The marinade consists of cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce.
How do I make the stir-fry sauce?
The sauce is made by mixing ketchup, sugar, the remaining Worcestershire sauce, and the reserved pineapple juice.
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple, but ensure you have extra pineapple juice on hand for the sauce.
What is the recommended size for the beef cubes?
The beef should be cut into approximately 3/4 inch cubes for even cooking.
What type of bell peppers should I use?
You can use either green or sweet red peppers depending on your preference.
Do I need to keep the juice from the canned pineapple?
Yes, the reserved juice is a crucial ingredient for creating the sweet and tangy sauce.
How long do the bell peppers need to cook?
Cook the peppers and garlic in the skillet with water for 3 to 4 minutes until they are crisp-tender.
What is the best side dish for this stir-fry?
This dish is best served immediately over hot, cooked white or brown rice.
Can I substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder?
Yes, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder instead of 1-2 fresh cloves.
Why is cornstarch used in the marinade?
Cornstarch helps to tenderize the beef and also acts as a thickening agent for the sauce once combined.
Is this Tropical Pineapple Beef Stir-Fry gluten-free?
This recipe is not naturally gluten-free; check your Worcestershire sauce and ketchup labels for gluten-containing ingredients.
Can I replace the sugar in the recipe?
Yes, you could use honey or maple syrup as a substitute for granulated sugar if desired.
What other vegetables can be added to this stir-fry?
Snow peas, sliced onions, or carrots would be excellent additions to increase the vegetable content.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 4 servings.
Is this a spicy dish?
No, this stir-fry has a savory-sweet profile rather than a spicy one.
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, chicken breast or thighs cut into small pieces would work well with these tropical flavors.
How do I properly brown the beef?
Heat an oiled skillet over medium-high heat and sear the beef cubes in batches to ensure they brown instead of steaming.
Why should I brown the beef in batches?
Browning in batches prevents the pan temperature from dropping, which ensures the meat gets a good sear.
Can this recipe be made in a wok?
Absolutely, a wok is ideal for stir-frying as it provides high heat and plenty of surface area.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
You can freeze it, but be aware that the texture of the bell peppers may become softer after thawing.
What is a good substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
A mixture of soy sauce and a little lime juice or balsamic vinegar can serve as a substitute.
What size should the bell pepper pieces be?
The bell peppers should be cut into 3/4 inch pieces to match the size of the beef.
How long is the total preparation time?
The prep takes about 15 minutes, including the 10-minute marinade time, followed by quick cooking.
Is this considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Can I serve this over brown rice?
Yes, serving over brown rice or even quinoa is a healthy and delicious alternative.
What are the flavor notes of this dish?
The dish features a balanced savory-sweet profile with tanginess from the pineapple and depth from the Worcestershire sauce.