Sweet and Sour Kielbasa Sausage Stir-Fry Recipe

There’s just something irresistible about the sweet-and-sour combo—especially when it’s tossed with juicy kielbasa and colorful veggies over a fluffy bed of jasmine rice.

I came up with this recipe after craving something quick, tangy, and full of flavor. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like takeout but feels like a homemade hug.

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The juicy pineapple chunks caramelize beautifully in the skillet, and the bell peppers and onions stay slightly crisp for the perfect contrast.

Every bite hits the balance of sweet, savory, and a little smoky thanks to the kielbasa.

It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be served over cooked jasmine rice for a complete meal.

Recipe Highlights

This Sweet & Sour Kielbasa Stir-Fry is a fun twist on traditional stir-fry dishes. The tangy homemade sauce clings to the sausage and veggies, delivering flavor in every bite.

It’s a great way to make dinner exciting again, with a tropical flair and only a fraction of the effort it takes to order takeout.

Plus, it’s customizable—add broccoli, snap peas, or even switch out the rice.

• Bold, sweet and tangy sauce
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• Smoky kielbasa caramelized in the skillet
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• Bursts of pineapple and crispy vegetables
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• Perfect over jasmine or white rice
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• Ready in under 30 minutes
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• Family-friendly and customizable

Vibrant Ingredients for a Flavorful Dish

This Sweet and Sour Kielbasa Stir-Fry showcases a delightful combination of ingredients that come together to create a colorful and appetizing meal.

At the heart of this dish is kielbasa sausage sliced into rounds, which provides a savory base. The addition of sliced red and yellow bell peppers adds a pop of color and sweetness, while the chunks of pineapple introduce a refreshing tang.

To enhance the flavor profile, minced garlic cloves and grated fresh ginger are incorporated, bringing warmth and depth to the stir-fry.

The sauce, made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, and brown sugar, ties all the elements together, creating a perfect balance of sweet and sour.

• Kielbasa: Smoked kielbasa adds a deep, savory flavor and browns beautifully for texture. Choose your favorite brand—beef, pork, or turkey all work.
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• Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or orange peppers add color and sweetness. Their mild crunch holds up well in a stir-fry.
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• Onion: A white or yellow onion adds savory depth and a touch of sweetness when sautéed.
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• Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned, both work. They add juicy sweetness and tang, balancing the glaze perfectly.
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• Garlic & Ginger: Fresh minced garlic and ginger add an aromatic, zesty flavor to the sauce.
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• Soy Sauce & Rice Vinegar: These create the base of the tangy glaze. Low-sodium soy sauce is ideal.
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• Brown Sugar & Ketchup: For sweetness and depth with a nostalgic takeout flavor.
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• Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the glaze to coat everything nicely.
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• Jasmine Rice: Light, fragrant, and ideal for soaking up sauce.

Quick Preparation and Cooking

This stir fry is designed for those busy weeknights when time is of the essence. With a total preparation and cooking time of just 30 minutes, it’s an efficient choice for a satisfying meal.

Begin by heating vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. The oil is essential for achieving that golden-brown color on the kielbasa, which adds both flavor and texture to the dish.

Once the kielbasa is browned, the vibrant vegetables come into play. Sliced red and yellow bell peppers, along with sliced onion, are added to the skillet, cooking until tender.

The pineapple chunks follow, infusing the dish with their juicy sweetness.

Creating the Perfect Sauce

The sauce is a crucial component that elevates this stir fry. Combining soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, and brown sugar creates a deliciously tangy mixture that complements the savory kielbasa and sweet vegetables.

To thicken the sauce, a cornstarch mixture is prepared and added, ensuring that it clings to the ingredients beautifully.

This step is key to achieving that glossy finish that makes stir-fry so appealing.

As the sauce simmers for a few minutes, it thickens and envelops the stir-fried ingredients, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

How to Make My Sweet & Sour Kielbasa Stir-Fry

1. Prep the ingredients: Dice the kielbasa, slice the bell peppers and onion and drain the pineapple if using canned.
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2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, and ginger. Mix cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the sauce.
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3. Sear the kielbasa: In a large skillet or wok, heat a splash of oil over medium-high. Add kielbasa slices and brown on both sides, about 5–7 minutes.
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4. Cook the vegetables: Push the kielbasa to the side and sauté onions and bell peppers until just tender, about 4–5 minutes.
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5. Add pineapple and sauce: Stir in the pineapple and pour in the sauce. Toss everything together and let it simmer until the glaze thickens and coats the ingredients.
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6. Serve: Spoon over warm jasmine rice and enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal, serve the sweet and sour kielbasa stir-fry over fluffy cooked jasmine rice.

The rice acts as a perfect canvas, soaking up the delicious sauce while providing a neutral base to balance the vibrant flavors.

Garnishing with fresh herbs not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a touch of freshness that brightens the dish.

Setting the plate against a rustic wooden table creates an inviting atmosphere, making this dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

• Serve with jasmine or basmati rice
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• Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra greens
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• Sprinkle with green onions or sesame seeds for garnish
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• Great with a side of egg rolls or an Asian-style slaw

Nutritional Benefits

This dish not only satisfies the taste buds but also offers a well-rounded nutritional profile. Each serving contains approximately 460 calories, making it a hearty yet manageable option for dinner.

With 15 grams of protein from the kielbasa and a variety of vitamins from the colorful vegetables, this stir-fry is a balanced choice that can fit into many dietary preferences.

The inclusion of healthy fats from the vegetable oil and the carbohydrates from the jasmine rice ensures that this meal is both filling and nutritious.

Final Thoughts on Sweet and Sour Kielbasa Stir-Fry

Sweet and Sour Kielbasa Stir-Fry is a delightful dish that brings together vibrant ingredients in a quick and easy preparation.

The combination of savory kielbasa, fresh vegetables, and a tangy sauce creates a satisfying meal that is sure to please.

Whether enjoyed on a busy weeknight or served at a gathering, this stir-fry is a wonderful way to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures in one vibrant plate.

Tips for the Best Sweet & Sour Kielbasa Stir-Fry

Make sure to brown the kielbasa well for the best texture and depth of flavor. Do not overcrowd the skillet—work in batches if needed to get a good sear.

Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best aroma and taste. If you like extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

This dish comes together fast, so have everything prepped before you start cooking.

Storage and Warming Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or the microwave.

You can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month, but the texture of the peppers may soften more.