Peruvian Lomo Saltado Recipe

Beef sirloin: Tender and flavorful, perfect for stir-frying.

Red onions: Adds a sweet and sharp flavor to the dish.

Tomatoes: Provides juiciness and a slight tang.

Yellow chili pepper: Optional, but adds a unique heat and flavor.

Soy sauce: Essential for the umami flavor.

Red wine vinegar: Adds acidity and depth to the sauce.

Vegetable oil: Used for stir-frying the ingredients.

French fries: Adds a crispy texture to the dish.

Cilantro: Fresh herb for garnish.

Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to taste.

To achieve the best flavor and texture for your beef sirloin, make sure to slice it against the grain. This will help the meat stay tender and juicy during the quick stir-frying process. Additionally, ensure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding the oil and beef, as this high heat is crucial for achieving a good sear and locking in the flavors.

• beef sirloin - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast is a lean protein that can be sliced into strips and will absorb the flavors of the dish well.

• red onions - Substitute with yellow onions: Yellow onions have a similar texture and slightly sweeter flavor that works well in this recipe.

• tomatoes - Substitute with red bell peppers: Red bell peppers provide a similar color and a sweet, slightly tangy flavor that complements 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.

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

• red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and can add a slightly fruity note to the dish.

• vegetable oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil is a healthy alternative that can be used for cooking and adds a subtle flavor.

• frozen french fries - Substitute with roasted potato wedges: Roasted potato wedges can be made fresh and offer a similar texture and flavor.

• cilantro - Substitute with parsley: Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and can be used as a garnish.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar flavor and can be used to season the dish.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to season the dish without altering its appearance.

• Allow the beef sirloin and vegetables to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
• Transfer the lomo saltado to an airtight container. Ensure the container is large enough to avoid overcrowding, which can cause the ingredients to lose their texture.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the dish within 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together, making the dish even more delicious.
• For longer storage, place the cooled lomo saltado in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the frozen lomo saltado in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the texture and flavor.
• Reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of soy sauce or red wine vinegar to refresh the flavors. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Avoid microwaving, as it can make the french fries soggy and the beef tough. Reheating on the stovetop preserves the dish's original texture and taste.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro after reheating to add a burst of freshness and color to the dish.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the Lomo Saltado evenly on a baking sheet. Cover with aluminum foil to retain moisture and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed.

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of vegetable oil to the pan. Once hot, add the Lomo Saltado and stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes, ensuring even heating.

• For a quick microwave option, place the Lomo Saltado in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the Lomo Saltado in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating.

• For a steam reheat, place the Lomo Saltado in a heatproof dish and set it in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.

• Wok: A large, round-bottomed cooking vessel ideal for stir-frying the beef and vegetables at high heat.

• Large skillet: An alternative to the wok, useful for evenly cooking the ingredients if a wok is not available.

• Spatula: Essential for stirring and tossing the ingredients to ensure even cooking.

• Knife: Necessary for slicing the beef, onions, tomatoes, and chili pepper.

• Cutting board: A safe surface for chopping and slicing the ingredients.

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

• Mixing bowl: Useful for holding the sliced beef and vegetables before cooking.

• Tongs: Handy for tossing the cooked french fries with the other ingredients.

• Serving dish: A plate or bowl to present the finished Lomo Saltado.

• Paper towels: Useful for draining excess oil from the cooked french fries.

Prep ingredients in advance: Slice the beef sirloin, red onions, tomatoes, and yellow chili pepper ahead of time to streamline cooking.

Use pre-cooked fries: Opt for frozen french fries and cook them according to package instructions while preparing the rest of the dish.

High heat cooking: Ensure your wok or skillet is hot before adding ingredients to reduce cooking time.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and save half for another meal to minimize future prep work.

Organize your workspace: Keep all ingredients and utensils within reach to avoid unnecessary delays.