Lomo saltado is a vibrant Peruvian dish that combines juicy strips of beef, colorful vegetables, and the delightful twist of French fries. Imagine the aroma of sautéed onions mingling with tender meat, creating an irresistible scent that wafts through your kitchen. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a fiesta on your plate, bursting with flavors that dance like confetti at a celebration.
Every time I make lomo saltado, I’m transported back to family gatherings where laughter filled the air as we savored each bite. It’s perfect for casual weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want to impress guests. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that promises an explosion of taste in every forkful!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Lomo saltado is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile is a delightful blend of savory and tangy
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing for any dinner table
- Versatile enough to serve over rice or enjoy as a standalone dish
I vividly remember my first attempt at making lomo saltado. My friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Flank Steak: Choose high-quality flank steak for tenderness and rich flavor; cut it into thin strips against the grain.
-
Red Onion: Use fresh red onions for a sweet crunch; slice them into wedges for maximum flavor.
-
Tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes add juiciness; opt for vine-ripened ones for the best taste.
-
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring aromatic depth; don’t skimp on this essential ingredient.
-
French Fries: You can use frozen fries or homemade; they add a delightful crispy texture to the dish.
-
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness while still delivering umami goodness.
-
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness; sprinkle it on top before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
-
Vinegar: A splash of vinegar enhances the overall taste with its tangy kick; red wine vinegar works well.
-
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in your lomo saltado.
For the Sauce:
-
Oyster Sauce: Adds richness and depth; look for high-quality oyster sauce for an authentic flavor boost.
-
Paprika: For added warmth and color; smoked paprika can elevate your dish even further.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and prep them by slicing the flank steak, onions, and tomatoes. Having everything ready makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.
Cook the Beef: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the flank steak strips, cooking until browned but still tender—about 3-4 minutes.
Add the Aromatics: Toss in minced garlic and onion wedges, stirring until they turn translucent and fragrant—this should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add Tomatoes & Seasoning: Stir in diced tomatoes, soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, paprika, pepper, and salt. Cook until tomatoes soften slightly but still hold their shape—around 2 minutes will do.
Toss in French Fries: If using frozen fries, cook according to package instructions separately. Fold them into the skillet gently once cooked so they mix without breaking apart.
Finish with Cilantro: Remove from heat and fold in freshly chopped cilantro just before serving. This adds an aromatic freshness that elevates your lomo saltado experience!
Now you’re ready to serve this colorful Peruvian delight! Enjoy it over fluffy rice or simply savor it as is with those crispy fries!
You Must Know
- Lomo saltado is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, combining tender beef with vibrant vegetables
- The dish’s savory aroma wafts through the kitchen, making it a crowd-pleaser
- It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the beef while prepping your veggies; this ensures maximum flavor infusion. Sear the beef first to lock in juices, then stir-fry the vegetables for that perfect crunch.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the beef for chicken or tofu, and experiment with different sauces. A dash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes can elevate the dish significantly!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat in a skillet to maintain texture and flavor, stirring gently.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For lomo saltado perfection, choose tender cuts of beef like sirloin for optimum juiciness
- Ensure your pan is hot enough before adding ingredients; this prevents steaming instead of sautéing
- Lastly, serve immediately for that irresistible fresh taste
Lomo saltado became my go-to dish when I wanted to impress my friends. The way their eyes lit up after the first bite made all the chopping worth it!
FAQ
What is lomo saltado?
Lomo saltado is a popular Peruvian dish combining stir-fried beef with vegetables and spices.
Can I use other meats for lomo saltado?
Absolutely! Chicken, pork, or even tofu work well as alternatives to beef.
How do I prevent overcooking the beef?
Sear in small batches; overcrowding the pan leads to steaming instead of browning.
Lomo Saltado
Lomo saltado is a delicious Peruvian stir-fry that features tender strips of beef, vibrant vegetables, and crispy French fries, all drizzled with a savory sauce. This colorful dish is quick to prepare and is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Each bite bursts with flavor, making it a true culinary celebration!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups frozen French fries
- 4 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by slicing the flank steak, onions, and tomatoes.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the flank steak and cook for about 3-4 minutes until browned.
- Add minced garlic and onion wedges; sauté for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Prepare French fries according to package instructions; gently fold them into the skillet.
- Remove from heat and mix in freshly chopped cilantro just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
