Cantonese-style sweet and sour beef

Cantonese-style sweet and sour beef recipe videos

Cantonese-style sweet and sour beef is a vibrant stir-fry dish featuring tenderized beef, typically bell peppers, onions, and sometimes pineapple, all coated in a glossy, tangy-sweet sauce. It is a staple of Cantonese cuisine and a popular item in Chinese restaurants worldwide. The dish is known for its harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is generally high in protein from the beef and moderate in carbohydrates from the sauce and any accompanying vegetables or pineapple. A typical serving provides a good source of iron and B vitamins, with a rough calorie ballpark of 400-600 calories per serving, depending on the cut of beef and sauce richness.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	350 kcal
Protein	20 g
Carbs	30 g
Fat	16 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	12 g
Sodium	800 mg
Iron	3 mg
Vitamin C	15 mg
Potassium	350 mg
Vitamin A	40 µg
Calcium	30 mg
Phosphorus	180 mg
Zinc	4 mg
Vitamin B12	1.2 µg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, the dish exemplifies the Cantonese principle of balancing flavors—sweet, sour, and savory—while its vibrant colors are considered auspicious and appetizing. Nutritionally, the use of vinegar in the sauce can aid in digestion and help tenderize the beef, making it both flavorful and functional.