Cashew Beef with Pineapple is a delicious dish that brings together the hearty taste of beef, the crunch of cashews, and the sweet juiciness of pineapple. The first time I tasted this dish, I was at a friend’s house. The smell floated through the air, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. This dish quickly became a favorite in my family, and I think it will become a favorite in yours too! What makes Cashew Beef with Pineapple worth trying is the balance of flavors and textures. The toasted cashews add a wonderful crunch, and the pineapple offers a sweet burst against the savory beef. Together, they create a meal that’s not just satisfying but memorable.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to consider making Cashew Beef with Pineapple. First, it’s easy and quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy meal at home. There is something comforting about cooking with fresh ingredients that makes it feel special without requiring too much effort.
Imagine coming home after a long day, feeling tired but knowing a delicious meal awaits you. You can whip this recipe up in less than an hour, and the best part? Your kitchen will smell amazing while it’s cooking!
This dish only requires a handful of ingredients. Many of these items are likely in your kitchen already, or they are easy to find at the grocery store. You also get to enjoy a tasty balance of flavors that will impress your family and friends. Whether you are cooking for just yourself or a crowd, Cashew Beef with Pineapple can fit the bill. Plus, it’s a fun way to incorporate a fruit into your meal, something that not only tastes good but also adds a pop of color to the plate.
How to Make Cashew Beef with Pineapple
Making Cashew Beef with Pineapple involves just a few simple steps. It starts with roasting cashews to a golden brown. This process enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the dish. As they toast, your kitchen will fill with a warm, nutty aroma that is simply irresistible.
Next, you fry the beef until it is nicely browned. The sizzling sound as the meat hits the pan is music to any cook’s ears. Then, you add the teasing scents of garlic and ginger, which adds a warm kick. Afterward, the colorful bell pepper and sweet pineapple join the party, brightening up the dish while making it look beautiful.
Once all the ingredients mingle together with the soy sauce and oyster sauce, the flavors will blend into a delightful mixture that promises every bite will bring satisfaction. The final touch is stirring in the toasted cashews, giving it the perfect crunch that rounds off the meal. Finally, when you serve it over rice or noodles, you have a meal that looks as good as it tastes. The joy of serving this dish is in the smiles you’ll see around the dinner table.
Ingredients
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450g beef sirloin, thinly sliced
The beef is the star of the dish. It adds a hearty, rich flavor. Sirloin is tender and cooks nicely but you can also use flank steak for a slightly different texture. -
1 cup raw cashews
Cashews provide a satisfying crunch and nutty taste. They also bring healthy fats to the meal. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use almonds or walnuts. -
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
Fresh pineapple adds sweetness and brightens the flavor of the dish. If fresh pineapple isn’t available, canned pineapple can work just as well. Make sure it’s packed in juice, not syrup. -
1 bell pepper, sliced
Bell peppers are colorful and add a soft, juicy texture. You can choose green, red, or yellow, depending on your color preference. Each adds a unique flavor. -
1 onion, sliced
Onions bring a deep sweetness when cooked and a wonderful aroma. Yellow or white onions are ideal for this recipe. -
2 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic provides a robust flavor that complements the beef perfectly. Fresh garlic has the best taste but jarred garlic works as an easy substitute. -
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
Ginger adds warmth and a slight spiciness that enhances the dish. If you can’t find fresh ginger, ground ginger is a good alternative but use less. -
3 tablespoons soy sauce
Soy sauce elevates the salty flavor of the dish. If gluten-free is a necessity, look for tamari or coconut aminos as great substitutes. -
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
Oyster sauce adds depth and enhances the umami flavor. You can replace it with hoisin sauce if needed, but it will change the flavor slightly.
Directions
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Toast the Cashews
Begin by heating a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the raw cashews. Keep an eye on them as they toast, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Once they are done, carefully remove them from the pan and set aside—be careful not to burn them! -
Cook the Beef
In the same pan, add the thinly sliced beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it is nicely browned. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Make sure it’s cooked all the way through. The beautifully seared beef will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering scents. -
Add Garlic and Ginger
When the beef is browned, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Let them cook for an additional minute. This short time will help release the strong, fragrant smells of the garlic and ginger, filling your kitchen with warmth. -
Add Vegetables and Pineapple
Next, add the sliced onion and bell pepper along with the diced pineapple. Sauté these ingredients for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. The bright colors will catch your eye and add to the excitement of cooking. -
Pour in the Sauces
Now, it’s time to add the soy sauce and oyster sauce. Pour them over the beef and vegetables, mixing well to coat everything evenly. Allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes. The sauce will form a delicious glaze that combines all the flavors. -
Finish with Cashews
Finally, add the toasted cashews back into the pan. Stir them in gently so they mix well without breaking too much. Let everything cook together for another couple of minutes. The crunch of the cashews will provide a delightful contrast to the other ingredients. -
Serve Hot
Serve your Cashew Beef with Pineapple right away over a bed of steaming rice or soft noodles. The colors and aroma will make it hard for anyone to resist!
How to Serve Cashew Beef with Pineapple
Cashew Beef with Pineapple can be enjoyed in many ways. You can serve it over a fluffy bed of white rice, which soaks up all the amazing flavors from the sauce. You could also choose brown rice for a healthier option, or even noodles for a different twist.
Pair this dish with a light side salad to add some freshness to your meal. Some steamed broccoli or green beans can also complement the dish well. For drinks, a refreshing lemonade or iced tea balances the flavors nicely.
This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. You could also serve it during a family gathering or for friends coming over to watch a big game. Everyone will remember the delicious taste long after the last bite.
How to Store Cashew Beef with Pineapple
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is likely, as this dish serves multiple people), storing them properly can help keep them fresh. Allow the dish to cool before storing it. Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They will last up to 3 days.
For long-term storage, you can freeze the dish. Separate it into smaller portions, and place them in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This way, you’ll have a quick meal ready any time! When it’s time to reheat, you can use the microwave or a stovetop. If using the stove, add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.
Tips to Make Cashew Beef with Pineapple
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Choose Quality Ingredients: Using fresh beef and vegetables will make a huge difference in flavor and texture.
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Do Not Overcook: When cooking the beef, make sure not to overcook it, as it can become tough. It should be browned but still tender.
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Don’t Rush the Toasting: Toasting the cashews is a critical step! The flavor they add is worth the extra few minutes.
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Feel Free to Customize: This dish is flexible! Feel free to add more vegetables such as sugar snap peas or carrots.
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Taste Test: Always taste and adjust the seasoning. You can add a little more soy sauce for saltiness or a squeeze of lime for brightness.
Variation
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Vegan Version: Swap the beef with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option. The flavors will still shine, and you’ll have a delicious vegan meal.
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Add More Spices: If you like heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a splash of chili sauce to the dish while cooking for a spicy kick.
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Gluten-Free Option: If you need to avoid gluten, ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your oyster sauce is also gluten-free.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Cashew Beef with Pineapple ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Preparing this dish a day in advance can help all the flavors come together. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat it?
The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a small splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. You can also use a microwave, but make sure to cover it to retain moisture.
Q: Can I use a different protein instead of beef?
Absolutely! Chicken, shrimp, or even tofu can be great substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked through.
Cashew Beef with Pineapple is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a great way to connect with loved ones around the dinner table. So, get cooking and enjoy the delicious flavors of this fantastic dish!
Print
Cashew Beef with Pineapple
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful dish that combines the hearty taste of beef, crunchy cashews, and sweet pineapple for a memorable meal.
Ingredients
- 450g beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
Instructions
- Toast the cashews in a medium-high heated frying pan until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from pan.
- In the same pan, cook the sliced beef for about 5-7 minutes until browned. Stir occasionally.
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the beef and cook for an additional minute.
- Add sliced onion, bell pepper, and diced pineapple. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Pour in soy sauce and oyster sauce; cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the toasted cashews and cook for another couple of minutes.
- Serve over rice or noodles immediately.
Notes
Choose quality ingredients for the best flavor. Feel free to customize with additional vegetables or spices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Cashew Beef, Pineapple, Easy Dinner, Asian Cuisine, Beef Stir Fry