Lomo Saltado is a classic that blends Chinese stir-fry techniques with traditional Peruvian ingredients. It’s a delicious stir-fry of marinated beef, vegetables, and spices, often served with rice or fries. Here’s a simple recipe for you:
Lomo Saltado
4
servings30
minutes15
minutes400
kcalExperience the fusion of flavors in Lomo Saltado, where tender strips of marinated beef meet vibrant vegetables in a sizzling stir-fry. This iconic Peruvian dish is a celebration of cultural influences, creating a harmony of tastes that dance on your palate.
Ingredients
1 lb sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper (red or yellow), thinly sliced
2 tomatoes, sliced into wedges
1 cup frozen or fresh French fries
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Cooked rice, for serving
Directions
- Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with minced garlic, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare French Fries:
- If using frozen French fries, bake or fry them according to the package instructions until golden and crispy. Set aside.
- Sear the Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large, high-sided skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef and sear until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Combine Beef and Vegetables:
- Return the seared beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together, ensuring the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Add Tomatoes:
- Throw in the tomato wedges and stir-fry briefly until they just start to soften. You want them to retain some freshness.
- Final Seasoning:
- Adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a bit more soy sauce, vinegar, or spices according to your taste.
- Serve:
- Plate the Lomo Saltado over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately, accompanied by the crispy French fries.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Results for Lomo Saltado:
- High Heat is Key:
- Use a high heat setting to achieve the characteristic sear and smokiness of Lomo Saltado.
- Fresh Ingredients:
- Opt for ripe tomatoes and fresh vegetables to enhance the vibrancy of the dish.
- Customize Spices:
- Adjust the spice levels by adding more or less cumin and smoked paprika according to your preference.
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories400
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
15g
24%
- Saturated Fat 3g 15%
- Sodium 800mg 34%
- Potassium 600mg 18%
- Total Carbohydrate
39g
13%
- Dietary Fiber 6g 24%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 25g 50%
- Vitamin A 1000%
- Vitamin C 60%
- Calcium 70%
- Iron 3.5%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutritional Notes:
- Healthy Fats: The fat content comes from the beef and the oil used for cooking. The saturated fat is moderate, and it’s balanced with healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Protein Source: Lomo Saltado is a protein-rich dish due to the beef content. Protein is essential for muscle building and repair.
- High Fiber: With 6g of dietary fiber, this dish contributes to your daily fiber intake, supporting digestive health.
- Vitamin C Boost: Thanks to tomatoes and bell peppers, Lomo Saltado provides a significant dose of vitamin C, crucial for immune function.
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Alterations and Modifications for Lomo Saltado:
- Vegetarian/Vegan Version:
- Alteration: Substitute beef with firm tofu or seitan for a vegetarian/vegan option.
- How to Achieve It: Marinate tofu or seitan similarly to the beef. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Low-Carb Option:
- Alteration: Skip the rice and serve Lomo Saltado over cauliflower rice.
- How to Achieve It: Use cauliflower rice as a base instead of traditional rice.
- Gluten-Free:
- Alteration: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
- How to Achieve It: Check the labels for gluten-free tamari or soy sauce.
- Healthier Fries:
- Modification: Use sweet potato fries for a healthier alternative.
- How to Achieve It: Bake or air-fry sweet potato fries until crispy and use them as a side.
- Spice Level:
- Modification: Adjust the spice level to your preference.
- How to Achieve It: Add more or fewer chili flakes or omit them altogether based on your spice tolerance.
Detailed Storage and Freezing Instructions for Lomo Saltado:
Storage:
- Refrigerating Leftovers:
- Place any leftover Lomo Saltado in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Separate Fries:
- If you have leftover French fries, store them separately to maintain their crispiness. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Freezing:
- Beef and Vegetables:
- While the beef and vegetable stir-fry can be frozen, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 1 month.
- Avoid Freezing Fries:
- French fries don’t freeze well as they can become mushy upon thawing. It’s recommended to make fresh fries when reheating.
Reheating:
- On the Stovetop:
- Gently reheat the Lomo Saltado on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
- In the Oven:
- For a larger batch, reheat the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. Cover it with foil to retain moisture.
- Microwave (with Caution):
- While convenient, using a microwave can result in a loss of texture. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals and stir between each interval.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Yes, you can use chicken, pork, or shrimp instead of beef. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Certainly, reduce or omit the chili flakes for a milder version.
While the beef and vegetables can be frozen, it’s recommended to make fresh fries when reheating.
Yes, frozen stir-fry vegetable mixes can be used for convenience. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Absolutely, the marinade can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.