Lomo Saltado (Peruvian Beef Stir-fry)
KOENPeruvianMain course⏱ 32 minEdit history

Lomo Saltado (Peruvian Beef Stir-fry)

Beef stir-fried hot with red onion and tomato in soy and vinegar, served with crispy french fries and white rice — Peru's beloved saltado. Born where Chinese wok cooking met Peruvian ingredients, its smoky sauce soaks into the fries and rice.

Ingredients

3servings
  • Beef · sirloin or tenderloin, in thick strips400 g
  • Red onion · thick strips1
  • Tomatoes · in wedges2
  • Aji amarillo · or hot chili1
  • Minced garlic3 cloves
  • French fries2 cups
  • Cooked rice · to serve2 bowls
  • Cooking oil2 tbsp
  • Cilantro · to finish
  • Sauce
  • Soy sauce3 tbsp
  • Red wine vinegar · or vinegar2 tbsp
  • Salt & pepper · to taste

Steps

  1. Cut the beef into thick strips and season with salt and pepper. Have the french fries crisp and ready (air fryer, oven, or fried).

    ⏲ 10 min
  2. Cut the red onion into thick strips, the tomato into wedges, and slice the chili.

    ⏲ 3 min
  3. Heat a pan or wok very hot, add oil, and sear the beef fast over high heat just until browned outside, then remove.

    ⏲ 2 min
  4. In the same pan, stir-fry the red onion, garlic, and chili over high heat, keeping them crisp.

    ⏲ 2 min
  5. Add the tomato, then pour the soy sauce and vinegar around the edge of the pan for that smoky wok aroma.

    ⏲ 1 min
  6. Return the beef and fries and toss quickly — don't overcook or the fries go soggy.

    ⏲ 1 min
  7. Scatter with cilantro and serve with white rice.

Tips & Variations

Variations

  • Pollo saltado: Use chicken instead of beef.
  • Saltado de mariscos: A seafood version with shrimp and squid.
  • Fries on the side: Serve the fries alongside instead of tossed in.
  • Spicier: Add aji amarillo paste for more heat.

Tips

  • Get the pan screaming hot and cook fast — the wok char (wok hei) is the point.
  • Don't crowd the beef; sear it quickly to lock in the juices.
  • Add the fries last so they don't turn soggy.
  • Pour the soy sauce and vinegar around the edge of the pan to release the aroma.

edits: 0 ·Edit history