Quick Pineapple Beef Stir-Fry (5 Ingredients)
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If you’ve ever had one of those nights where you stare into the fridge and wonder, “What on earth can I make in under 20 minutes?”—this recipe is for you.
This Quick Pineapple Beef Stir-Fry is the weeknight dinner you didn’t know you needed. Tender strips of beef meet juicy pineapple chunks, all tossed together in a savory-sweet tamari sauce that coats every bite. And the best part? You only need five ingredients and 15 minutes from start to finish.
It’s fresh, fast, and bursting with flavor. Think of it as takeout-level deliciousness… without the wait time (or the delivery fees).
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
Here’s why this stir-fry is about to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:
Only Five Ingredients – No mile-long ingredient list. Just simple, wholesome items you can grab in a flash.
Ready in 15 Minutes – From pan to plate in less time than it takes to order takeout. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Balanced Flavors – Sweet pineapple, savory tamari, tender beef, and fresh scallions—it’s the ultimate harmony of flavors.
Family-Friendly – Sweet pineapple makes it kid-approved, while the savory notes keep adults happy, too.
Versatile & Customizable – Toss in veggies, swap proteins, or add spice—the options are endless.
Recipe Ingredients
Here’s what makes this quick pineapple beef stir-fry so crave-worthy:
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil – Adds a subtle nutty flavor and handles high heat beautifully.
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain – Tender and quick-cooking, perfect for stir-fry.
- 2½ cups fresh pineapple chunks – Sweet, juicy, and caramelizes slightly in the hot pan.
- 3 tablespoons tamari or coconut aminos – A savory, umami-packed sauce base (and gluten-free).
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced – Bright, fresh, and the perfect finishing touch.
Optional: A sprinkle of salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors, if desired.
Cooking These Pineapple Beef Stir-Fry Is Easier Than You Think
Follow these simple steps and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time:
- Heat the Oil
Place a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add coconut oil and let it get nice and hot—this ensures quick searing and caramelization. - Cook Beef & Pineapple
Add the sliced beef and pineapple chunks to the pan. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, moving everything around so the beef browns evenly and the pineapple develops a golden edge. Season lightly with salt and pepper, if desired. - Add the Sauce
Pour in the tamari or coconut aminos. Stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes, letting the sauce bubble and coat the beef and pineapple in that irresistible savory-sweet glaze. - Finish & Serve
Remove from heat and stir in the fresh scallions. Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies—and watch it disappear fast!
Cooking Tips & Techniques
Slice Beef Thinly – For tenderness, cut against the grain. Freezing the beef for 15 minutes beforehand makes slicing much easier.
Work with High Heat – Stir-frying is all about speed and heat. Keep the pan hot and ingredients moving.
Don’t Overcook the Beef – Flank steak cooks quickly; a few minutes is all it takes to keep it juicy and tender.
Caramelize the Pineapple – Let the pineapple sit for a moment before stirring to achieve that golden-brown sweetness.
Recommended Equipment
Wok or large skillet – The wide surface area makes stir-frying quick and easy.
Sharp knife & cutting board – Essential for slicing beef thinly.
Wooden spoon or spatula – Perfect for stirring at high heat without scratching your pan.
How to Serve Pineapple Beef Stir-Fry
This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with different bases:
- With Jasmine Rice – Classic, fragrant, and soaks up the sauce perfectly.
- Over Soba Noodles – A heartier, nutty option.
- With Cauliflower Rice – A lighter, low-carb alternative.
- On Its Own – This stir-fry is flavorful enough to shine solo!
Pair With – Comfort-Style Pairings
To turn this into a full meal, try pairing it with some complementary sides from Cooking Day’s recipe collection:
Hearty Salad Side
Roasted Golden Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
The earthy sweetness of roasted beets and the tang of goat cheese balance the tropical-sweet beef, while the salad adds warmth and substance.
Cozy Starter
Classic Creamy Pumpkin Soup – Your Cozy Companion for Every Season!
A creamy, spiced soup makes a comforting start and contrasts with the brightness of the stir-fry, perfect for fall or winter meals.
Drink Option
Spirited Hot Apple Punch – A Cozy, Festive Warmer
Sweet-spiced apple flavors pair beautifully with pineapple, creating a tropical-meets-winter fusion drink that feels indulgent yet refreshing.
Dessert Finish
South African Marie Biscuit Fudge – A No-Bake Delight
A rich but simple finish that balances the stir-fry’s brightness with chocolatey, creamy indulgence without feeling too heavy.
Diet-Friendly Options
Gluten-Free – Stick with tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Low-Carb/Keto – Pair with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Dairy-Free – This recipe is naturally dairy-free thanks to coconut oil.
Vegetarian Option – Swap beef for extra-firm tofu or tempeh, and cook the same way.
Best Ways to Store
Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat quickly in a hot pan for best results.
Freezer – Freeze cooked stir-fry in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in a skillet.
Meal Prep – Make a double batch and portion with rice or veggies for ready-to-go lunches.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Pineapple Beef Stir-Fry – Add crushed red pepper flakes or chili paste for heat.
Mango Beef Stir-Fry – Swap pineapple for mango chunks for a tropical twist.
Veggie Boost – Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for added crunch and color.
Double the Sauce – If you love saucy stir-fry, simply double the tamari for extra coating.
Quick Pineapple Beef Stir-Fry (5 Ingredients)
Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2½ cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 3 tablespoons tamari or coconut aminos
- 3 scallions, thinly sliced
Optional
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil – In a large wok or high-sided skillet, heat coconut oil over high heat.
- Cook beef & pineapple – Add sliced beef and pineapple to the pan. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, until beef is browned and pineapple is slightly caramelized.
- Add sauce – Pour in tamari (or coconut aminos). Stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes, until sauce is hot and bubbling.
- Finish & serve – Remove from heat and stir in scallions. Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
Pro Tips & Variations
- Freeze beef for 15 minutes before slicing—it makes thin, even cuts easier.
- Swap pineapple for mango or bell peppers for a different twist.
- Add crushed red pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve with jasmine rice or soba noodles for a complete meal.
- Double the sauce if you prefer extra liquid for soaking into rice.
There you have it—Quick Pineapple Beef Stir-Fry with only five ingredients, ready in just 15 minutes. It’s fast, flavorful, and proof that you don’t need complicated recipes to make something incredible.
Next time you’re tempted to order takeout, give this dish a try instead. It’s fresh, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy. And hey—don’t be surprised if it becomes your new weeknight favorite.
Common Questions Answered
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Yes! Just make sure to drain it well so the stir-fry doesn’t get watery.
What cut of beef works best?
Flank steak is great, but sirloin or skirt steak also works beautifully.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely—swap the beef for tofu or tempeh and follow the same steps.
Is coconut oil necessary?
Not at all—you can use avocado oil, sesame oil, or any high-heat cooking oil.
Can I prep it ahead?
Yes! Slice the beef and chop the pineapple ahead of time. When you’re ready, the stir-fry will come together in minutes.
