Beef with sweet and sour sauce
Common food
Beef with sweet and sour sauce is a vibrant, glossy stir-fry featuring tender strips of beef coated in a tangy, sweet, and savory glaze. The sauce typically balances vinegar, sugar, and soy with a bright, sticky texture that clings to the meat. At 211 kcal per 100g, it offers a moderate protein boost (9.29g) alongside a notable sugar content (8.42g), making it a flavorful but energy-dense dish.
💚 Why it's loved
People love it for the irresistible balance of tangy and sweet flavors that hit multiple taste buds at once, creating a craveable, satisfying experience. It’s a cultural staple in many Asian cuisines, often served at celebrations or family gatherings, evoking nostalgia and comfort.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar content (8.42g per 100g) can cause blood-sugar spikes, especially for those with insulin resistance or diabetes. To counteract this, pair it with fiber-rich vegetables like broccoli or bok choy, and opt for smaller portions (e.g., 118g) to manage intake. Additionally, the sauce may be high in sodium; choose low-sodium soy sauce or reduce added salt during cooking.
Key benefits
- Provides a moderate source of protein for muscle maintenance.
- Contains iron from beef, which supports oxygen transport in the body.
- The sweet and sour sauce can stimulate appetite and digestion.
- Quick to prepare, making it a convenient weeknight meal option.
- Often includes vegetables like bell peppers or pineapple, adding vitamins.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The sweet and sour sauce in Chinese cuisine originally used honey or maltose, not refined sugar, and was traditionally made with rice vinegar and plum juice for a more complex flavor profile.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 62.3 g |
| Energy | 211 kcal |
| Protein | 9.3 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 12.8 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 14.2 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.60 g |
| Total Sugars | 8.4 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 19.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.1 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 15.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 82.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 197 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 346 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.6 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.07 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 10.0 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 12.0 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.09 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.08 mg |
| Niacin | 2.7 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.24 mg |
| Folate, total | 16.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 6.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 10.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 20.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 36.5 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.49 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 4.0 ug |
| Retinol | 1.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 33.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 2.0 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 1.0 ug |
| Lycopene | 399 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 40.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 1.6 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.10 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 8.9 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 3.1 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.16 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.0 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.85 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 5.3 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.22 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 5.0 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.06 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 3.1 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 2.7 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.38 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 29.0 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Is beef with sweet and sour sauce healthy?
It can be part of a balanced diet in moderation, but it's high in sugar and fat. Pair it with vegetables and control portions to make it healthier.
How can I reduce the sugar in sweet and sour sauce?
Use natural sweeteners like pineapple juice or a small amount of honey, and balance with extra vinegar or citrus for tang without added sugar.
Can I make a low-sodium version?
Yes, use low-sodium soy sauce, reduce added salt, and flavor with ginger, garlic, or chili for depth without extra sodium.