This sticky sweet and sour tamarind beef is a comforting bowl-style meal packed with bold flavours. Juicy beef strips are coated in a glossy tamarind sauce that perfectly balances sweetness and tang, served over fluffy garlic rice and paired with tender Asian greens for a satisfying, complete dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is quick, flavourful, and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The tamarind sauce delivers a rich sweet-and-sour taste that feels restaurant-quality, while the garlic rice absorbs every drop of sauce. It’s filling, customisable, and ideal for anyone who enjoys bold Asian-inspired flavours.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

jasmine rice – 1 cup (200 g)
water – 1¼ cups (310 ml)
butter – 20 g
olive oil – 2 tablespoons

garlic – 3 cloves, finely chopped
beef strips – 400 g
green beans – 150 g, trimmed
Asian greens – 150 g, roughly chopped
fresh chilli – ½ small chilli, thinly sliced (optional)

sweet soy seasoning – 1 tablespoon
soy sauce mix – 2 tablespoons
tamarind paste – 1½ tablespoons
sweet chilli sauce – 1 tablespoon
brown sugar – 1 teaspoon

crispy shallots – 2 tablespoons, for garnish
salt – to taste

Directions

1. Finely chop the garlic. Heat the butter with 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add half of the garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the water and a generous pinch of salt. Bring to the boil, then stir in the jasmine rice. Cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and cook for 12 minutes. Remove from heat and keep covered for 10 minutes until the rice is tender and fluffy.
3. While the rice cooks, slice the chilli if using, trim the green beans, and roughly chop the Asian greens.
4. In a bowl, combine the beef strips, sweet soy seasoning, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
5. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. Cook the green beans for 4–5 minutes until tender. Add the Asian greens and remaining garlic, cooking for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Season lightly, then transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
6. Return the pan to high heat with a little more olive oil. Cook the beef in batches for 1–2 minutes per batch until browned and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
7. Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the tamarind paste, soy sauce mix, sweet chilli sauce, and brown sugar to the pan. Stir and simmer for 1–2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
8. Return the beef to the pan and toss until fully coated in the sticky sauce.
9. Divide garlic rice and vegetables between bowls. Top with tamarind beef and garnish with crispy shallots and fresh chilli if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

You can replace beef with chicken thigh strips or firm tofu for a different protein. Add capsicum or snow peas for extra crunch, or increase the tamarind paste slightly for a more pronounced sour flavour. For extra heat, add more fresh chilli.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.

FAQs

What does tamarind add to the dish?

It provides a tangy, slightly sweet flavour that balances the richness of the beef.

Can I make this dish mild?

Yes, omit the fresh chilli and reduce the sweet chilli sauce.

What type of beef is best?

Quick-cooking cuts like sirloin or rump work best.

Can the rice be cooked ahead of time?

Yes, it can be prepared earlier and reheated before serving.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it keeps well for short-term meal prep and reheats easily.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, but thaw and drain them well before cooking.

How do I prevent the beef from overcooking?

Cook the beef quickly over high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the beef with tofu or mushrooms.

What can I use instead of jasmine rice?

Basmati rice or plain steamed rice are good alternatives.

How can I thicken the sauce more?

Simmer the sauce a little longer until it reaches your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Sticky sweet and sour tamarind beef is a delicious, satisfying meal that brings together tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and fragrant garlic rice in one bowl. With bold flavours and simple preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again.

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