Name: Delicious Sweet Sour Beef Stir for a Quick Meal
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 500 g beef sirloin cut into 1cm thick pieces; 2 tablespoon Chinese dark vinegar; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon five spice powder; 2 tablespoon apple cider; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 L vegetable oil for deep frying

Sweet Sour Beef Stir is a delightful dish that brings together crispy fried beef and a tangy, sweet sauce. This classic recipe is not only flavorful but also incredibly quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into this easy sweet sour beef stir recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Sour Beef Stir

This sweet and sour beef stir-fry is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, it offers a perfect balance of flavors, combining sweetness with a tangy kick. Second, it comes together in just 35 minutes, making it an ideal option for a quick dinner. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, allowing for a stress-free cooking experience. Additionally, this recipe is gluten-free, catering to diverse dietary needs. With its crispy texture and rich flavor, it’s bound to become one of your best sweet and sour beef stir-fry dishes. Finally, it’s versatile; you can easily add your favorite vegetables for an extra nutrient boost!

Delicious Sweet Sour Beef Stir for a Quick Meal - Sweet Sour Beef Stir - main visual representation

Ingredients for Sweet Sour Beef Stir

Gather these items:

500 g beef sirloin cut into 1cm thick pieces
2 tablespoon Chinese dark vinegar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon five spice powder
2 tablespoon apple cider
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 L vegetable oil for deep frying

How to Make Sweet Sour Beef Stir Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the beef: Cut 500 g beef sirloin into uniform 1cm thick pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon five spice powder, and 2 tablespoons apple cider. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for at least 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
Step 2: Create the crispy coating: In a separate shallow dish, whisk together 1/4 cup cornstarch and 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour. Drain excess liquid from the marinated beef. Add the beef pieces to the cornstarch and flour mixture, a few at a time, tossing gently until each piece is evenly coated. Shake off any excess dry mixture.
Step 3: Deep fry the beef: Heat 1 L vegetable oil in a deep pot or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 175-180°C (350-360°F). Carefully add the coated beef pieces in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per batch until golden brown and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Make the sweet and sour sauce: In a small saucepan, combine 2 tablespoon Chinese dark vinegar and the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Combine for the final dish: Return the fried beef to the saucepan with the sweet and sour sauce. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Simmer for another minute or two to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Alternatively, for a crisper coating, pour the sauce over the fried beef just before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Sour Beef Stir

Keep these in mind:

Use high-quality beef sirloin for better flavor and tenderness.
Let the beef marinate long enough to absorb the flavors.
Ensure the oil is at the right temperature to achieve a crispy coating.
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition.
For an even quicker meal, consider meal prepping the beef in advance.

Best Ways to Serve Sweet Sour Beef Stir

There are numerous delicious ways to enjoy this beef stir-fry with sweet and sour sauce. Serve it over a bed of steamed rice or noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce. You can also pair it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a fun twist, consider using it as a filling for lettuce wraps!

How to Store and Reheat Sweet Sour Beef Stir

To store leftovers, place the sweet sour beef stir in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat in a microwave or on a stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. This is a great option for sweet sour beef stir-fry meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Sour Beef Stir

What’s the secret to perfect Sweet Sour Beef Stir?

The secret lies in marinating the beef properly and ensuring the oil is hot enough before frying. This will help achieve that perfect crispy texture.

Can I make Sweet Sour Beef Stir ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce in advance. Just store them separately and combine them right before serving for the best texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Sweet Sour Beef Stir?

Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying the beef, as this can lead to steaming rather than frying. Always work in batches for a crispy result.

Variations of Sweet Sour Beef Stir You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with this homemade sweet sour beef stir-fry by adding different vegetables like snap peas or carrots. You can also try using chicken or tofu for a different protein source. For a spicy kick, add some chili flakes to the sauce. Enjoy these variations while staying true to the dish’s Chinese roots!

For more tips on cooking techniques, check out this guide. If you’re interested in meal prepping, learn more here. Additionally, you can find great ideas for side dishes in this article.