Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pineapple Beef Stir Fry is a vibrant and savory-sweet dish that brings together tender strips of beef, juicy pineapple chunks, and crisp vegetables in a flavorful Asian-inspired sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s quick to prepare and packs a punch of flavor and texture in every bite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

beef sirloin or flank steak (thinly sliced)fresh pineapple chunksbell peppers (red, green, or yellow)oniongarlicsoy saucesesame oilcornstarchbrown sugarrice vinegarginger (freshly grated or ground)vegetable oilgreen onions (for garnish)white rice or noodles (for serving)

directions

In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with cornstarch until evenly coated. Set aside.

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add the beef in batches and stir-fry until browned and just cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté garlic, ginger, and onions until fragrant.

Add bell peppers and pineapple chunks, cooking for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.

Return the beef to the skillet and stir to combine.

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.

Pour the sauce over the stir fry and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat everything.

Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use canned pineapple if fresh isn’t available, but drain well to avoid excess liquid.

Add snow peas, broccoli, or baby corn for extra veggies.

Swap beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein.

Include chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.

Use hoisin sauce or oyster sauce for a deeper umami flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.Add a splash of water or soy sauce if it looks too dry during reheating.

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for stir fry?

Sirloin, flank steak, or skirt steak work best because they are tender and cook quickly.

Can I use frozen pineapple?

Yes, just thaw and drain it before using to prevent watering down the stir fry.

How do I keep the beef tender?

Slice thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking. Coating in cornstarch also helps lock in moisture.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the dish gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead?

You can prep all ingredients ahead of time and stir fry just before serving for the best texture.

What can I serve with it?

Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles are great options.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer a bit longer or add a slurry of cornstarch and water if needed.

Do I need a wok?

A large skillet works fine, but a wok provides better heat distribution for stir frying.

Can I freeze this?

It’s best eaten fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Reheat gently.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but stir fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Conclusion

Pineapple Beef Stir Fry is a quick, colorful, and flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for busy evenings. With its blend of sweet pineapple, savory beef, and crisp vegetables in a tangy sauce, it’s sure to become a go-to dish in your weekly rotation. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying and well-balanced dinner.