Making Classic Peruvian Lomo Saltado with Everyday Ingredients

Introduction to Lomo Saltado

Lomo Saltado is a traditional Peruvian dish that beautifully blends influences from Chinese cuisine with local Peruvian ingredients. This stir-fry is not only flavorful but also quite versatile, allowing for the use of items that you may already have in your pantry. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of creating this sumptuous meal in the comfort of your home.

Ingredients You Will Need

To prepare a delicious lomo saltado, gather the following ingredients:

• 500 grams of beef (sirloin or any cut you have)
• 2 ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño or any chili pepper, sliced
• 4 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of vinegar
• Olive oil (or any cooking oil you have)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice and/or fries for serving

These ingredients are usually staples in many kitchens, making lomo saltado an accessible option for dinner.

Cooking Steps for Your Lomo Saltado

Follow these steps to cook your lomo saltado efficiently:

1. Begin by slicing the beef thinly against the grain. This ensures tenderness.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat about two tablespoons of oil over high heat. Once it’s hot, add the beef strips and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the beef and set it aside.
3. In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary and toss in the onions and garlic. Stir-fry them for about 2 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Next, introduce the chopped tomatoes and jalapeño into the mix, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Add the cooked beef back into the skillet along with the soy sauce and vinegar. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld for an additional minute.
6. Finally, remove the skillet from heat, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired, and serve hot over a bed of rice or alongside crispy fries.

This traditional dish can be customized based on your available ingredients. If beef is not available, you could easily swap it for chicken or even a vegetarian option like tofu. The key is to embrace the inspiration behind lomo saltado while using what you have on hand.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Homemade Lomo Saltado

Preparing lomo saltado at home allows you to experience a taste of Peru without needing to travel. The unique combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a family favorite. Enjoy your culinary adventure and savor every bite of this delicious stir-fry!