Lomo Saltado (Peruvian Beef Stir-Fry) Recipe – A Delicious & Flavorful Dish

Lomo Saltado is a delightful and flavorful Peruvian stir-fry that combines the savory flavors of marinated beef, aromatic vegetables, and a satisfying balance of sauces. This beloved Peruvian dish, often referred to as Lomo Saltado, perfectly fuses Asian stir-fry techniques with traditional Peruvian ingredients, making it a standout meal for anyone looking to explore the rich tastes of Peruvian cuisine.

Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or preparing a special meal for friends and family, Lomo Saltado offers a great balance of protein, vegetables, and carbs. The key to its deliciousness lies in the blend of bold flavors such as soy sauce, red wine vinegar, and the optional aji amarillo paste, which gives this stir-fry a subtle but exciting heat. Add in crispy French fries and fluffy white rice, and you’ve got a full, satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

In this guide, we will take you through everything you need to know to make the perfect Lomo Saltado at home, from selecting the right ingredients to cooking and serving it just right. Let’s get started!

What is Lomo Saltado?

Lomo Saltado is a traditional Peruvian dish that originated from the fusion of Chinese immigrant cooking techniques and Peruvian ingredients. It has quickly become one of the most popular and beloved dishes in Peru. The word “Lomo” refers to beef, and “Saltado” means to stir-fry. Together, Lomo Saltado is essentially a stir-fried beef dish that includes a variety of fresh vegetables and is served with both French fries and rice – a perfect combination of flavors and textures.

What makes Lomo Saltado stand out is its balance of flavors: savory from soy sauce, tangy from red wine vinegar, and a slight spice from the aji amarillo paste. It’s a meal that you can make in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or dinner parties.

Ingredients Needed for Lomo Saltado

To make Lomo Saltado, you need a variety of fresh ingredients, along with the right seasonings and sauces that bring out the dish’s unique flavors. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

For the Beef Stir-Fry:

• 500g (1 lb) beef sirloin – The beef should be cut into thin strips. Sirloin is a great choice because it’s tender and easy to work with in stir-fries.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil – This is used for searing the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
• 1 red onion, sliced into wedges – The onion adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 2 tomatoes, sliced into wedges – The tomatoes soften in the stir-fry, adding juiciness and balancing the savory components.
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced (optional) – The bell pepper adds sweetness and color to the dish.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic enhances the savory flavor of the stir-fry.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce – This provides saltiness and umami to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar – The vinegar adds acidity and balances the richness of the beef.
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce – A key ingredient for depth and richness in flavor.
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin – This spice brings a warm, earthy note to the stir-fry.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds seasoning and a little heat to the dish.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon aji amarillo paste (optional) – Aji amarillo is a Peruvian yellow chili paste that adds subtle heat and a unique flavor.
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) – Garnish with cilantro for freshness and color.

For Serving:

• 2 cups cooked white rice – Lomo Saltado is traditionally served with plain white rice, which complements the savory flavors of the dish.
• 2 cups French fries – French fries are an essential part of Lomo Saltado. They provide a crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender beef and soft vegetables.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Lomo Saltado

Lomo Saltado is an easy and quick dish to make, perfect for those who want to enjoy the bold flavors of Peruvian cuisine without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s how to make the perfect Lomo Saltado at home:

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients for the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Stir everything together until well combined. Set aside. The soy sauce will provide the saltiness, while the red wine vinegar and oyster sauce will bring depth to the sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef strips to the pan. Sear the beef for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. The goal is to get a nice sear on the beef without overcooking it.

Once the beef is seared, remove it from the pan and set it aside. This ensures that the beef remains tender and juicy.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced red onions and yellow bell pepper (if using), and sauté for about 1–2 minutes until they begin to soften. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. The garlic will add a wonderful aroma to the dish.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the seared beef to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. Add the sliced tomatoes, the sauce you prepared in Step 1, and the optional aji amarillo paste. Stir everything together to combine, and cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the sauce to thicken slightly. This is where the flavors come together, and the beef absorbs the delicious sauce.

Step 5: Serve

Once the stir-fry is ready, garnish it with freshly chopped cilantro for a touch of freshness. Serve it hot over cooked white rice and with crispy French fries on the side. The combination of juicy beef, tender vegetables, and crispy fries with rice makes for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love Lomo Saltado

There are plenty of reasons why Lomo Saltado has become a favorite in Peruvian cuisine and beyond:

• Quick and Easy: The entire dish takes just about 25 minutes to make, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when entertaining guests.
• Flavor Explosion: With a balance of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors, every bite of Lomo Saltado is an explosion of taste.
• Satisfying and Filling: The beef, rice, and fries combination is hearty and satisfying, providing both protein and carbs in one delicious meal.
• Versatile: While traditional Lomo Saltado calls for beef, you can easily swap in chicken, pork, or even tofu to suit your dietary preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lomo Saltado

1. Can I use other types of meat for Lomo Saltado?

Yes! While Lomo Saltado is traditionally made with beef sirloin, you can also use chicken, pork, or even tofu as a substitute. The cooking method remains the same.

2. Can I skip the French fries?

While French fries are a classic part of the dish, you can skip them if you prefer a lighter version of Lomo Saltado. It will still taste delicious when served with just rice and the stir-fried beef.

3. Is Lomo Saltado spicy?

The dish itself is not inherently spicy, but the optional aji amarillo paste adds a mild heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount of aji amarillo or omit it entirely.

4. Can I make Lomo Saltado ahead of time?

Lomo Saltado is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the stir-fry components ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. Simply reheat before serving, and prepare the rice and French fries fresh.

5. What should I serve with Lomo Saltado?

Lomo Saltado is traditionally served with white rice and French fries. You can also serve it with a side salad for added freshness.

Conclusion:

Lomo Saltado is a quintessential Peruvian dish that combines the best of both Peruvian and Asian flavors. With its tender beef, savory sauces, and satisfying sides of rice and French fries, it’s a meal that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re looking to try a new dish or dive into Peruvian cuisine, Lomo Saltado is an easy-to-make, delicious choice. The next time you want to make something exciting for dinner, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Peru right at home!

Print