Extra Tender Garlic Pineapple Steak Bites

If you’re looking for a different way to cook steak, try these refreshing Garlic Pineapple Steak Bites. This dish is sweet and sour stir fry, but better. Every bite of tender, marbled steak is brightened with the tart, summery freshness of juicy sauteed pineapples. These better than takeout steak bites will make you want to add more pineapples into all of your stir-fries.

Pineapple Garlic Steak Bites 菠蘿牛肉

Let’s make Pineapple Garlic Steak Bites, or 菠蘿牛肉 for dinner! This savory-sweet dish was created by Cantonese chefs as an elevated version of the classic sweet and sour dish. So, the recipe uses more expensive ingredients likesteak and fresh pineapples. Today, it’s a common dish in both Hong Kong Style Cafes, or Cha Chan taang and Chinese takeout restaurants.

These garlic steak bites’ savory, meaty flavor brightens up with each bite of pineapple. The pineapple’s tartness is so refreshing, it makes me want one bite after another. The glaze is sticky, and coats each bite with the perfect amount of salty and sour-sweet. It’s a dinner dish that will make you finish at least 2 bowl of rice…or more. You’ll definitely want to pack the leftovers for lunch tomorrow!

Garlic Pineapple Steak Ingredients

Tips for Tender Steak Bites

In order to create a luxurious sweet and sour dish, Cantonese chefs used cuts of steak, which was more expensive than other proteins. You can use any cut you like, but one with a bit more marbling, like New York strip, will be more tender and flavorful. Make sure to cube the steak! The shape makes each bite similar to the size of the pineapple, and easier to heat evenly without overcooking as fast.

Of course, we are following our Chinese Restaurant chef friends’ technique of velveting our steak for an extra tender bite. The baking soda helps tenderize the meat, while the baking powder and corn starch help create a lightly browned exterior. When cooking them, try not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the steak, or it may steam instead of brown.

Don’t Miss Out on Stir Fried Pineapples

If you haven’t tried pineapples in your stir-fries, you’re really missing out. Pineapples are high in vitamin C and antioxidants. But, what makes them really amazing for cooking meat is Bromelain. This enzyme not only reduces inflammation and supports digestion, it also tenderizes our steak.

Cooked in the oil from steak and garlic, the pineapples caramelize with an aromatic, savory flavor that you have to try. The naturally sour juices and sugars released thickens the sauce and cuts down on meaty flavors for a good balance.

Pineapple Pepper Glaze

To tie all the flavors together, I’m doing a thickenedpineapple pepper glaze, inspired by sweet and sour sauce. It’s made with basic ingredients like soy sauce, oyster sauce, and black pepper. But, the sourness comes mainly from pineapple juice rather than vinegar or orange juice. Since I had leftover pineapple juice from our Pineapple Glazed BBQ Ribs last time, I’m adding some in for even more brightness in the sauce. The sugars in both the pineapple chunks and the juice combine with the corn starch to help thicken the sauce so it coats every piece.

How To Make Garlic Pineapple Bites

1. Marinate the steak: In a bowl, combine the cubed steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of oil. Mix well and let it marinate for 10 to 20 minutes.
2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, pineapple juice, black pepper, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
3. Brown the garlic: Heat 3 tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until lightly golden and fragrant, stirring often so it does not burn. Remove and set aside. This step infuses the oil with garlic flavor, which gives the steak even more depth.
4. Sear the steak: Add the steak bites in a single layer. Let it sit undisturbed for 30 seconds to 1 minute so it can brown, then stir-fry for 2 minutes. Let it sit again briefly, then continue cooking until the steak is nicely browned and cooked to your liking (another 1 minute for medium-rare) . Remove and set aside.
5. Cook the pineapple: In the same pan, add the pineapple and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing it to caramelize slightly and soak up all the flavor in the pan.
6. Bring everything together: Add the steak and garlic back into the pan. Give the sauce a quick stir, then pour it in. Toss everything together over high heat for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats everything nicely.
7. Serve: Serve right away and garnish with green onion.

Cook More Cha Chaan Teng Dishes At Home with Me!