If you’re searching for a dinner that’s just as vibrant on the plate as it is on your palate, Pineapple Beef Stir Fry is your new weeknight hero. Juicy beef, quick-cooked veggies, and sweet pineapple mingle in a glossy, tangy sauce for that irresistible sweet-and-savory combination. It’s speedy, colorful, and absolutely replicates the magic of your favorite Asian takeout—right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving leftovers for lunch, this Pineapple Beef Stir Fry is a dish that brings big flavor, bright smiles, and a welcome touch of tropical flair to any table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pineapple Beef Stir Fry is just how approachable its ingredients are—nothing fancy, just fresh, bold flavors that each play a crucial role. Think sweet pineapple, savory beef, crisp-tender veggies and a sauce so good you’ll want to drizzle it over everything!
- Beef sirloin or flank steak (1 pound, thinly sliced): Go for a tender cut so each bite is melt-in-your-mouth; slice against the grain for the best texture.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons + ¼ cup low-sodium): Divided for marinating the beef and flavoring the sauce—pick low-sodium if you want more control over saltiness.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps the beef develop a wonderful velvet texture and keeps it juicy during cooking.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for that classic stir fry sear.
- Fresh pineapple chunks (1 cup): Adds pops of juicy sweetness; fresh is best for bright flavor, but drained canned pineapple works in a pinch.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): The perfect color and crunch counterpoint to the tender beef.
- Small onion (1, sliced): Offers a gentle bite and natural sweetness to the mix.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the stir fry with aromatic depth.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Adds zingy warmth—don’t skip it!
- Hoisin sauce (2 tablespoons): The secret to a velvety, slightly sweet base for the sauce.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Provides just enough tang to balance the other bold flavors.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Sweetens the sauce and enhances the caramelized beef and pineapple.
- Green onions (2, sliced): For a fresh, colorful finish—save some for garnish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle over the top for extra crunch and a beautiful presentation.
How to Make Pineapple Beef Stir Fry
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by tossing your thinly sliced beef in a bowl with two tablespoons of soy sauce and a tablespoon of cornstarch. This simple marinade not only flavors the meat but gives it that unbelievably silky texture you love in restaurant stir fry. Let it sit while you prep the rest—10 minutes is plenty!
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in your biggest skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and just cooked through—usually about 3 to 4 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or you’ll steam instead of sear! Remove the beef and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables and Pineapple
Add the remaining oil to the pan, then toss in the garlic, ginger, onion, and red bell pepper. Sauté for around 2 to 3 minutes, just until the veggies start to soften and become fragrant. Add the pineapple chunks and toss until everything smells amazing and the pineapple starts to caramelize a touch.
Step 4: Whisk and Add the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar until smooth. Pour this over the veggie-pineapple mix in the skillet and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce thickens wonderfully and coats all the ingredients.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the cooked beef to the skillet, tossing to combine everything in that sweet and savory sauce. Let it all heat through for another minute, soaking up every bit of flavor. Turn off the heat and scatter over sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like. Shoot for serving it hot, spooned generously over steamed rice or fluffy cauliflower rice.
How to Serve Pineapple Beef Stir Fry
Garnishes
Nothing says “dinner is ready!” like a final dusting of color and crunch. Top your Pineapple Beef Stir Fry with sliced green onions for a fresh bite, and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds for a little pop. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a few red pepper flakes or a swirl of sriracha right before serving for that extra fiery kick.
Side Dishes
This stir fry is a perfect match for a mound of steamy jasmine rice, but cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb option that soaks up the sauce just as well. Feel free to pair with a crisp Asian slaw, a side of garlic green beans, or even some veggie spring rolls to round out your meal and make it restaurant-worthy.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Pineapple Beef Stir Fry the star at your next gathering by serving it in hollowed pineapple halves for true tropical flair. Mini bowls or lettuce cups turn it into a fun party appetizer, and for meal prep fans, portion it into containers with rice and extra veggies for grab-and-go lunches all week long.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store your Pineapple Beef Stir Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making for a next-day lunch that just might outshine dinner!
Freezing
You can freeze Pineapple Beef Stir Fry for up to two months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and allow to cool completely before freezing. Just remember, the texture of the pineapple and bell peppers may soften slightly—but the flavors stay spot on.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat Pineapple Beef Stir Fry gently in a skillet over medium heat until hot throughout, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened up too much. The microwave works in a pinch, just cover loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring between each burst.
FAQs
Can I make Pineapple Beef Stir Fry gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and double-check your hoisin sauce is gluten-free, and you’re all set for a celiac-friendly feast.
What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe?
Look for sirloin or flank steak—both are flavorful, affordable, and work beautifully when sliced thin. Just remember to cut against the grain for extra tenderness.
Can I substitute canned pineapple for fresh?
Absolutely! Canned pineapple chunks work well; just be sure to drain them thoroughly to avoid excess liquid thinning out your sauce.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a diced chili, or a swirl of sriracha into the sauce for a customizable level of heat. Taste and adjust before serving.
Does Pineapple Beef Stir Fry work for meal prep?
It’s a fantastic meal prep option! Just pack into individual containers with rice or cauliflower rice, store in the fridge, and reheat for quick and flavorful lunches.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to dig into this Pineapple Beef Stir Fry as I always am! It’s a beautiful blend of juicy, sweet, and savory, perfect for busy nights and hungry crowds alike. Don’t hesitate—grab those fresh ingredients, fire up your skillet, and treat yourself to a burst of flavor right at home.
Print
Pineapple Beef Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Pineapple Beef Stir Fry is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that come together in a quick and easy stir-fry. Tender beef, fresh pineapple, and crisp vegetables are tossed in a flavorful sauce, making it a perfect dish for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: In a bowl, toss sliced beef with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add beef and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Stir Fry: Add remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic, ginger, onion, and red bell pepper for 2-3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Stir in pineapple chunks.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour sauce into the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and Garnish: Return beef to the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional minute to heat through. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve: Serve hot over steamed rice or cauliflower rice.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
- Use fresh pineapple for best flavor, or canned pineapple chunks drained.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
