Sweet-and-Sour Beef Recipe

By

  • 4
  • 15 mins
  • 30 mins

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 pound beef top sirloin steak, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 3 teaspoons canola oil, divided
  • 1 large green pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 large sweet red pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 2 medium tart apples, chopped
  • 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions, divided
  • 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup cider vinegar
  • Hot cooked rice, optional

Preparation

Step 1

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until smooth. Sprinkle beef with salt and pepper. In a large nonstick skillet or wok coated with cooking spray, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat. Add beef; stir-fry 2-3 minutes or until no longer pink. Remove from pan.

In same skillet, stir-fry peppers and apples in remaining oil for 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup green onions; stir-fry 1-3 minutes longer or until peppers are crisp-tender. Remove from pan.

Add brown sugar and vinegar to skillet; bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Stir cornstarch mixture and add to pan. Return to a boil; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Return beef and pepper mixture to pan; heat through. If desired, serve with rice. Sprinkle with remaining green onion.
Yield: 4 servings.

Originally published as Sweet-and-Sour Beef in Light & Tasty
August/September 2007, p26