For me, Lomo Saltado is one of those recipes that feels like pure magic in the kitchen. It’s a beautiful harmony of flavors, with tender beef, juicy tomatoes, and crispy fries coming together in a way that’s both comforting and exciting.
Once I mastered this dish, I found myself amazed at how simple yet incredible the results are. If you love exploring beef recipes, you can also try this Cajun Butter Bourbon Steak Recipe. This stir fry is a celebration of Peruvian-Chinese flavors that’s perfect for any occasion.
Credit: littlespicejar.com
Ingredient List
This recipe is a fusion of bold flavors and fresh ingredients, each contributing to its unique taste. Here’s what you’ll need and why.
- Beef sirloin, thinly sliced (1 lb) – Tender and flavorful, sirloin is your best bet for this dish. It cooks quickly and absorbs sauces beautifully.
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons) – Adds a rich, salty depth to the marinade.
- Vinegar (2 tablespoons) – A splash of acidity balances out the bold flavors.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Fresh garlic is key for aromatic flavor.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons) – Perfect for stir-frying because of its high smoke point.
- Red onion (1, thickly sliced) – For both color and a sweet, mellow crunch.
- Tomatoes (2, quartered) – Juicy and slightly acidic to round out the dish.
- Frozen French fries (2 cups) – Please don’t skip the fries; they’re iconic in this dish!
- Aji Amarillo paste (1 tablespoon) – For authentic Peruvian heat and flavor.
- Cilantro (2 tablespoons, chopped) – A bright and refreshing garnish to tie everything together.
Note: This recipe serves four people, making it ideal for family evenings or intimate gatherings.
Simple Ways to Tweak the Recipe
Everyone enjoys a little customization in their meals! Here are some variations:
- Dairy-Free Option – This dish is naturally dairy-free, so no need to adjust.
- Low-Carb Alternative – Replace French fries with sautéed zucchini or roasted cauliflower.
- Add Heat – Double the Aji Amarillo paste, or toss in a few slices of serrano peppers.
- Different Proteins – Swap beef for chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Straightforward Cooking Time Breakdown
Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to enjoy cooking this delightful dish:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Tools for the Ultimate Stir Fry Experience
These are the must-have gadgets to whip up this recipe:
- Cutting board – Perfect for prepping veggies and beef.
- Sharp knife – Essential for slicing everything evenly.
- Mixing bowls – Ideal for marinating your beef.
- Wok or large skillet – Provides enough surface area for quick, even stir-frying.
- Tongs or spatula – Makes flipping and tossing ingredients easy.
How to Make Lomo Saltado?
The best part of cooking Lomo Saltado is watching the vibrant ingredients come to life as they hit the pan.
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by slicing your beef into thin strips. Toss them in a bowl with the soy sauce, vinegar, and minced garlic. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prep the rest of the ingredients. The marinade infuses the meat with incredible umami flavor.
Step 2: Prepare Your Veggies
Slice the red onion into thick wedges and quarter the tomatoes. This step ensures the veggies retain their juicy texture and fresh taste during the stir-frying.
Step 3: Fry the Frozen Fries
Preheat oil in a skillet and fry the frozen French fries until golden and crispy. Set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels. These fries are what set Lomo Saltado apart!
Step 4: Cook the Beef
Heat a wok or large skillet with oil until smoking hot. Stir-fry the marinated beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Give it a quick sear and set it aside.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Using the same skillet, add the onions and tomatoes. Toss them briefly, then add back the beef and the Aji Amarillo paste. Mix everything well, letting the flavors meld. Finally, toss in the crispy fries just before serving.
Credit: oliveandmango.com
Handy Tips to Perfect This Dish
Based on my experience, here are some tried-and-true tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-fry in small batches for the best results.
- Serve Quickly: Lomo Saltado is best enjoyed fresh, while the fries are still crispy.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and red onions make all the difference in taste.
- Marinate Before Cooking: The more time the beef spends marinating, the better the flavor.
How to Serve This Recipe?
Lomo Saltado deserves to be the star of your dining table. Serve it with white rice on the side to soak up all that flavorful sauce. You can also enjoy similar dishes like Onion Gravy Smothered Steak Recipe to explore hearty and satisfying meals. Garnish with chopped cilantro for a beautiful pop of green and a fresh touch just before serving.
Nutritional Snapshot of Lomo Saltado
This colorful dish is not just rich in taste but packs a good amount of nutrients too! Here’s what’s in one serving:
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 22g
Prep It Ahead and Store It Right
Should you plan on making this dish in advance, here are some easy storage tips:
- To Store: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days.
- To Reheat: Warm the dish gently in a skillet to keep the textures intact.
- To Freeze: Avoid freezing fries; instead, freeze the beef and veggies, and make fresh fries when serving.
Why Lomo Saltado Will Win You Over?
This recipe is hands down a keeper. Here’s why:
- Unbeatable Flavor: The blend of tangy, savory, and spicy is unparalleled.
- Adaptable Ingredients: It’s versatile enough to experiment with proteins and add-ins.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is needed for this all-in-one dish.
- Authentic Appeal: A true reflection of Peruvian-Chinese fusion cooking.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters adore its bold yet balanced flavors.
Lomo Saltado is a celebration of Peruvian-Chinese flavors that’s fun, easy, and oh-so-satisfying to make. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will leave everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy!