Peruvian Lomo Saltado Recipe

Beef sirloin: Cut into strips, this is the main protein of the dish.

Soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor to the stir-fry.

Vinegar: Provides a tangy contrast to the other flavors.

Red onion: Sliced, it adds sweetness and crunch.

Tomatoes: Cut into wedges, they bring juiciness and acidity.

Yellow chili pepper: Sliced, it adds heat and a distinct flavor.

Vegetable oil: Used for stir-frying the ingredients.

French fries: Cooked, they add a crispy texture to the dish.

Cilantro: Chopped, it is used as a garnish for a fresh finish.

Salt: Used to season the beef.

Pepper: Adds a bit of spice to the seasoning.

To achieve the best flavor and texture for your beef sirloin, make sure to cut it into thin strips against the grain. This helps to keep the meat tender and allows it to cook quickly and evenly during the stir-frying process. Additionally, ensure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding the beef; this high heat will help to sear the meat, locking in its juices and creating a delicious caramelized exterior.

• beef sirloin - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast is a lean protein that can absorb the flavors well and provides a similar texture when cut into strips.

• soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar umami flavor.

• vinegar - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice adds acidity and brightness, similar to vinegar, and complements the other flavors in the dish.

• red onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a milder flavor but can still provide the necessary crunch and sweetness.

• tomatoes - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are sweeter and can add a burst of flavor and color to the dish.

• yellow chili pepper - Substitute with jalapeño pepper: Jalapeño peppers offer a similar heat level and can be easily found in most grocery stores.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthier alternative and can provide a subtle flavor enhancement.

• french fries - Substitute with sweet potato fries: Sweet potato fries add a different texture and a hint of sweetness that complements the savory elements of the dish.

• cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley offers a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can stand in for cilantro if you prefer a milder taste.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a more nuanced flavor and is often less processed than table salt.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder taste and can add a different layer of flavor to the dish.

• Allow the beef sirloin to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the Lomo Saltado to an airtight container. Make sure the container is large enough to avoid squishing the french fries.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together, making it even more delicious.
• For longer storage, freeze the Lomo Saltado in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of vegetable oil to help revive the texture of the french fries.
• Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the beef sirloin tough and the french fries soggy.
• Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving to add a burst of freshness.

• Stovetop Method

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the skillet.
  3. Once the oil is hot, add the leftover Lomo Saltado.
  4. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Once heated through, serve immediately.

• Oven Method

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Lomo Saltado in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.
  5. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

• Microwave Method

  1. Place the Lomo Saltado in a microwave-safe dish.
  2. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent.
  3. Microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Stir the dish halfway through to ensure even heating.
  5. Continue microwaving in 1-minute increments until heated through.
  6. Let it sit for a minute before serving.

• Air Fryer Method

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the Lomo Saltado in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
  3. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  4. Once heated through, remove and serve immediately.

• Steaming Method

  1. Set up a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water.
  2. Place the Lomo Saltado in the steamer basket.
  3. Cover and steam for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
  4. Carefully remove the basket and serve immediately.

• Wok: A large, round-bottomed cooking vessel ideal for stir-frying ingredients quickly over high heat.

• Large skillet: An alternative to a wok, providing a flat cooking surface for even heat distribution.

• Knife: Essential for slicing the beef, onion, tomatoes, and chili pepper into the required shapes and sizes.

• Cutting board: A sturdy surface to safely chop and prepare all the ingredients.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the soy sauce, vinegar, and vegetable oil accurately.

• Tongs: Useful for turning and tossing the beef and vegetables during stir-frying.

• Spatula: Helps in stirring and combining the ingredients evenly in the wok or skillet.

• Mixing bowl: Handy for seasoning the beef with salt and pepper before cooking.

• Serving dish: To present the finished Lomo Saltado attractively.

• Paper towels: Useful for patting the beef dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear.

Pre-cut ingredients: Slice the beef sirloin, red onion, tomatoes, and yellow chili pepper in advance to save time during cooking.

Use pre-cooked fries: Opt for store-bought cooked french fries to skip the frying step.

Marinate ahead: Season the beef with salt, pepper, soy sauce, and vinegar a few hours before cooking.

High heat cooking: Ensure your wok or skillet is very hot to reduce cooking time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and store leftovers for a quick meal later.