Suan T’ien Niu Jou Po Lo La Tzu Recipe: Sweet and Sour Beef with Pineapple and Chili

If you’re searching for a bold, balanced, and unforgettable Chinese-inspired dish, the Suan T’ien Niu Jou Po Lo La Tzu recipe should be at the top of your list. A flavorful blend of sweet (Suan), spicy (La Tzu), sour (T’ien), and savory beef (Niu Jou), this dish is a stunning example of fusion-style Chinese home cooking.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or trying new flavors for the first time, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with fresh, accessible ingredients.

🥢 What Is Suan T’ien Niu Jou Po Lo La Tzu?

The name “Suan T’ien Niu Jou Po Lo La Tzu” translates roughly to “Sweet and Sour Beef with Pineapple and Chili.” Originating from the Sichuan-Cantonese fusion tradition, the dish brings together the tang of vinegar, sweetness of pineapple, heat from dried chilies, and the tender richness of marinated beef.

It’s comparable in style to popular Chinese-American dishes like sweet and sour pork—but with deeper heat, stronger umami, and a more complex profile.

🍽️ Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the Beef:

400g (14 oz) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
1 tsp cornstarch
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar or Chinkiang black vinegar
2 tbsp ketchup
1½ tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 3 tbsp water)

Stir-Fry Ingredients:

1 cup fresh pineapple chunks (or canned, drained)
1 small red bell pepper, sliced
1 small green bell pepper, sliced
3–4 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
2 scallions, sliced (optional garnish)
2 tbsp oil for cooking

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef

In a bowl, mix beef slices with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, oil, and salt. Let it sit for 15–30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, sugar, and the cornstarch slurry. Set aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok over high heat.
Add beef and sear for 1–2 minutes until browned but still tender.
Remove and set aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Aromatics

In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil.
Add dried chilies, ginger, and garlic. Stir-fry quickly for 15 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn the garlic!).
Add bell peppers and cook for 2 minutes.
Add pineapple chunks and cook another 1–2 minutes.

5. Combine & Sauce

Return the beef to the wok.
Stir the sauce once more and pour it into the pan.
Cook until the sauce thickens and evenly coats everything (about 1 minute).
Remove from heat.

6. Garnish and Serve

Top with scallions or sesame seeds (optional). Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice.

🔥 Cooking Tips

Slice the beef against the grain for extra tenderness.
Adjust chili level to your taste—remove seeds for milder heat.
If using canned pineapple, reduce added sugar slightly.
For extra depth, add a splash of hoisin sauce or a few drops of sesame oil.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Dish

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes.
Balanced Flavors: Sweet, sour, salty, and spicy all in one dish.
Great for Weeknight Dinners or weekend indulgence.
Customizable: Swap beef with tofu, chicken, or shrimp.

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🧾 Final Thoughts

The Suan T’ien Niu Jou Po Lo La Tzu recipe is a vibrant celebration of texture, heat, and harmony in Chinese cooking. Whether you’re exploring fusion cuisine or spicing up your weekly dinner menu, this dish is a must-try. Packed with flavor, color, and culture—it’s bound to become a new favorite in your home kitchen.

Learn To Make Secret Recipe – Suan T’ien Niu Jou Po Lo La Tzu