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Pineapple Jalapeño beef : Easy Pineapple Jalapeño Beef Recipe Quick Dinner

Pineapple Jalapeño Beef

A vibrant and comforting dish that blends sweet, spicy, and savory flavors perfectly. This tender pineapple jalapeño beef combines juicy beef with tangy pineapple and a kick of fresh jalapeño, making it a perfect weeknight meal or dinner party centerpiece.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef:
  • 2 pounds beef cut into 1-inch cubes (chuck roast, sirloin, or stewing beef)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Marinade/Sauce:
  • 1 cup pineapple juice (from canned pineapple or freshly juiced)
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2-3 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger grated
  • 1-2 jalapeños jalapeños thinly sliced (seeds and membranes removed for less heat or left in for a bolder kick!)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for thickening)
  • 1/4 cup water (for cornstarch slurry)
For the Stir-Fry (Optional additions, but highly recommended for a full meal!):
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for finishing)
For Garnishing (Optional):
  • fresh cilantro chopped
  • sesame seeds
  • cooked rice or noodles for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Beef: First, pat your beef cubes dry with paper towels. This little step is crucial for achieving that beautiful, golden-brown sear that locks in all the juicy flavors. Season generously with salt and fresh black pepper. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Brown the beef in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. We want a nice crust, not steamed beef! Once all sides are browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked through; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
  2. Whisk Together the Marinade/Sauce: While the beef is browning, let’s create our magical sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the pineapple juice, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Give it a good whisk until the brown sugar has dissolved. This is where the foundation of our Pineapple Jalapeño Beef Marinade begins to take shape.
  3. Add the Jalapeños: Now, for the star of our show! Carefully add the thinly sliced jalapeños to the sauce mixture. Remember, if you like it milder, remove the seeds and membranes. For a bolder kick, leave some of them in. This is your kitchen, your adventure!
  4. Simmer the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet where you browned the beef (no need to clean it; those little bits stuck to the bottom are pure flavor!). Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. You’ll start to notice that gorgeous aroma filling your home!
  5. Return Beef and Simmer: Add the browned beef back into the skillet, nestling it into the simmering sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the beef is wonderfully tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. If you have extra time, letting it go a little longer on low heat will only enhance the tenderness. This is where the magic really happens, transforming tough cuts into buttery-soft morsels.
  6. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry. Once the beef is tender, uncover the skillet and slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Continue to stir gently until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely.
  7. Add Pineapple Chunks and Veggies (Optional Stir-Fry Finish): If you're opting for a more complete Pineapple Beef Stir-Fry, now is the time to add your fresh pineapple chunks and sliced bell peppers and red onion. Stir them into the thickened sauce with the beef and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You want them to retain a little bite! Drizzle with a touch of sesame oil for an added layer of flavor.
  8. Taste and Adjust: This is arguably the most important step! Taste the sauce. Does it need a pinch more salt? A dash more sweetness from brown sugar? A squeeze of lime for brightness? Adjust the seasonings to your heart's content. Every palate is unique, and this is your chance to make it truly yours.
  9. Serve and Garnish: Ladle your delicious Pineapple Jalapeño beef over fluffy rice, noodles, or even a Pineapple and Jalapeño Slaw. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if you like. The vibrant colors and inviting aromas are truly a feast for the senses.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Remember, if your sauce seems a little too thin, a tiny bit more cornstarch slurry can always come to the rescue. If it's too thick, a splash of water or broth will loosen it right up. Cooking is an art, not a science, so trust your instincts and enjoy the process!
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