Lomo Saltado is a beloved dish that captures the heart of Peruvian cuisine. This vibrant stir-fry brings together tender strips of beef, juicy tomatoes, and crisp onions, all tossed with soy sauce and vinegar for a perfect blend of flavors. Paired with aji sauce, it becomes a truly unforgettable meal. Whether you’ve been to Peru or are simply exploring its culinary wonders from home, this recipe is your ticket to experiencing a classic taste of Peru.
Steps
- Marinate the Beef: Begin by mixing 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and half of the minced garlic with the thinly sliced beef. Allow the beef to marinate for 5-7 minutes. If using a tougher cut of meat, add ¼ teaspoon of baking soda and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 4 tablespoons of soy sauce, oyster sauce, red wine vinegar, Aji Amarillo paste, and cornstarch. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and set aside for later use.
- Stir Fry the Beef: Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in a cast iron pan or wok until it shimmers. Sear the beef slices for about 1-2 minutes, flipping them to ensure even cooking, and do this in batches if necessary. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan if needed and toss in the sliced onions, sautéing them for about a minute. Add the remaining garlic and tomatoes and continue to sauté for another minute until they begin to soften.
- Combine and Serve: Return the beef to the pan and drizzle with the prepared sauce, then toss everything to combine well. If desired, add French fries to the pan to soften them in the sauce. Garnish with sliced scallions or chopped cilantro before serving the stir fry warm over rice, with French fries on the side if preferred.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef (filet mignon, sirloin, skirt steak, or flank steak), sliced thinly
- 5 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 5 cloves of garlic, finely minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Aji Amarillo paste
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 medium red onion, cut into ½ inch wedges
- 3 Roma tomatoes, deseeded and sliced into ½ inch wedges
- Chopped cilantro or sliced scallions for garnish
- Oil for cooking
- Cooked French fries and rice for serving
FAQ
- What is Lomo Saltado?
- Lomo Saltado is a popular Peruvian stir fry dish known as “jumped loin.” It is a fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cooking techniques and ingredients, featuring beef, onions, tomatoes, and French fries, typically served with rice.
- What ingredients are needed to make Lomo Saltado?
- The key ingredients include thinly sliced beef (such as filet mignon, sirloin, skirt steak, or flank steak), low sodium soy sauce, garlic, oyster sauce, red wine vinegar, Aji Amarillo paste, red onion, Roma tomatoes, cilantro or scallions, cornstarch, and cooking oil. French fries and rice are served alongside.
- How should the French fries be served in Lomo Saltado?
- French fries can either be tossed into the stir fry or served on the side. This is a matter of personal preference, with some enjoying the fries mixed in to absorb the flavors, while others prefer them crispy on the side.
- What are some tips for preparing the beef?
- For tender beef, slice it against the grain to shorten muscle fibers. If using a tough cut, marinate it with soy sauce, garlic, and a pinch of baking soda to tenderize the meat. Slightly freezing the beef before slicing can also make cutting easier.
- What can I use if I can’t find Aji Amarillo?
- If Aji Amarillo is unavailable, a substitute can be made by blending 1/4 of a serrano pepper with 1/4 of a yellow bell pepper. This won’t replicate the exact flavor but provides a similar taste.
Tips
- Tenderize Tough Cuts: If you’re using a tougher cut of meat, marinate it with a pinch of baking soda along with soy sauce and garlic for about an hour. This helps to tenderize the meat by altering the pH level, making it easier to chew.
- Slice the Beef Correctly: To ensure tender beef slices, cut the meat against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender texture after cooking.
- Prepare Ingredients in Advance: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a quick process, and having everything ready ensures smooth cooking without overcooking any component.
- French Fries Option: Decide how you want to serve your French fries. For a crispy texture, serve them on the side. If you prefer them softer, mix them into the stir fry towards the end of cooking.
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or wok
- Mason jar (for mixing the sauce)
- Chef’s knife (for slicing beef, onions, and tomatoes)
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk (for mixing the sauce)
- Tongs or spatula (for stir-frying)
- Plate (for resting cooked beef)
