Easy Pineapple Beef Stir Fry

If you’re craving something sweet, savory, and just a little bit tangy, look no further than this Easy Pineapple Beef Stir Fry. It’s the perfect combination of lean ground beef, juicy pineapple, and a bold, flavorful sauce that’s easy to whip up on a weeknight. This dish is all about balance the richness of the beef meets the tropical sweetness of pineapple, while a garlicky, ginger-infused sauce ties everything together beautifully.

Stir fry is one of those meals that feels indulgent but actually comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or even meal prep for the week. The bright colors, the satisfying mix of textures, and the sweet-savory punch make this dish a crowd-pleaser for adults and kids alike.

Whether served over steamed white rice, brown rice, or even noodles, this pineapple beef stir fry delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. It’s a dish that proves you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to create something truly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Flavor-Packed: Sweet, savory, tangy, and just the right amount of heat.
• Healthy & Balanced: Lean ground beef paired with fresh pineapple and green onions.
• Customizable: Adjust spice, protein, or add vegetables to suit your taste.
• Weeknight Friendly: Minimal prep and cleanup — perfect for busy schedules.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 4

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 2 teaspoons water (slurry)

For the Stir Fry

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 1/2 cups fresh pineapple, diced
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or wok
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, water, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame seeds, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, grated garlic, and grated ginger.
2. In a separate tiny bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 teaspoons water to create a slurry. Set aside.

2. Cook the Beef

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Vegetables and Pineapple

1. Stir in green onions, cilantro, and diced pineapple.
2. Cook for 2–3 minutes until pineapple is warmed through but still firm.

4. Combine with Sauce

1. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and pineapple mixture.
2. Stir well to combine and allow the mixture to come to a simmer.
3. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes.

5. Serve & Garnish

1. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
2. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
3. Sprinkle extra sesame seeds or cilantro on top for garnish.

Tips & Variations

• Spicy Twist: Add sliced red chilies or more chili garlic sauce to increase heat.
• Veggie Boost: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
• Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or tofu.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the sauce and chop vegetables ahead of time to save cooking time.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This stir fry is sweet, savory, slightly tangy, and umami-rich, with tender beef, caramelized pineapple, and a slightly sticky sauce that clings to every bite.

Drink Pairings:

• Non-Alcoholic: Iced green tea, sparkling water with lime, pineapple juice.
• Alcoholic: Light lager, fruity white wine like Riesling, or a tropical cocktail like a Mai Tai.

Side Pairings:

• Steamed jasmine or brown rice
• Coconut rice for a tropical twist
• Simple Asian slaw or cucumber salad

Nutritional Overview (Estimated Per Serving)

• Calories: ~320 kcal
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g

Values may vary depending on rice or noodles served alongside.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Sauce: Prepare up to 2 days in advance; store in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Vegetables: Chop pineapple and green onions ahead of time.
• Beef: Brown beef in advance and store in fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before combining with sauce.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, just drain well to avoid excess liquid. Fresh pineapple is preferred for texture.

Q2: Can this stir fry be made vegetarian?
Absolutely — use firm tofu, tempeh, or even seitan in place of beef.

Q3: How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water and simmer until thickened.

Q4: Can I store leftovers?
Yes, keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Task	Time
1	Prep sauce	5 min
2	Cook beef	7 min
3	Add pineapple & veggies	3 min
4	Combine with sauce & thicken	2–3 min
5	Serve	2 min

Total: ~20 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed rice for a classic meal.
• Try over rice noodles for an Asian-inspired twist.
• Garnish with extra sesame seeds or sliced green onions for color.
• Pair with a simple side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Sweet & Spicy Pineapple Beef: Increase chili garlic sauce and add sliced red chilies.
2. Tropical Veggie Stir Fry: Add red bell peppers, snap peas, and shredded carrots for a vibrant mix.
3. Pineapple Beef Lettuce Wraps: Serve the stir fry in butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

Ingredient Spotlight: Pineapple

Fresh pineapple is key to achieving the sweet-tangy balance. Choose fruit that is fragrant, golden in color, and slightly firm to the touch. Avoid overripe pineapple, which can turn mushy when cooked.

Storage Tip: Keep cut pineapple in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Use high heat when cooking the beef and pineapple for caramelization.
• Add pineapple toward the end of cooking to maintain its firmness and juiciness.
• Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly for a smooth, well-balanced flavor.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Cooked stir fry can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the pineapple.
• Avoid Freezing Rice: Freeze separately or cook fresh when ready to serve.

Nutrition Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320 kcal
Protein	23g
Carbs	20g
Fat	18g
Fiber	2g

Dietary Notes: High-protein, can be gluten-free if tamari is used.

Conclusion

This Easy Pineapple Beef Stir Fry proves that weeknight meals can be both fast and extraordinary. With juicy ground beef, sweet pineapple, and a bold sauce, every bite delivers a satisfying mix of flavor and texture. It’s perfect for family dinners, quick lunches, or even as a meal prep option for the week.

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility you can adjust the spice, swap proteins, or add vegetables to suit your taste. Quick, flavorful, and loaded with color, this pineapple beef stir fry is a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Next time you’re looking for a sweet-savory dinner that comes together in a flash, this recipe is sure to become your new favorite.

Print