Entree: Peru – Lima / Criollo – Lomo Saltado (Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and fries in a tangy soy-vinegar sauce)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 20 min

Cook 20 min

Total 40 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced into 1/2-inch (1.2 cm) strips
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp (15 g) aji amarillo paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp (2 g) ground cumin
- 1 tsp (5 g) kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp (1 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) vegetable oil, divided
- 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) wedges (about 8 oz / 225 g)
- 2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges (about 8 oz / 225 g)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) ketchup
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) beef broth or water
- 1 lb (454 g) russet potatoes, cut into fries (for frying) or 12 oz (340 g) frozen fries, cooked according to package
- 2 cups (400 g) cooked white rice, for serving
- 2 tbsp (8 g) chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Combine soy sauce, red wine vinegar, aji amarillo paste, minced garlic, cumin, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper in a bowl; add beef strips and toss to coat. Marinate 10–15 minutes at room temperature.
2. If using fresh potatoes, rinse cut fries, pat dry, and deep-fry or bake until golden and crisp; keep warm. If using frozen fries, cook per package and keep warm.
3. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over very high heat until shimmering. Add half the beef in a single layer and sear 1–2 minutes until browned but still medium-rare; remove and repeat with remaining beef. Hold beef aside.
4. Add remaining 2 tbsp oil to the hot pan. Add onion wedges and stir-fry 1–2 minutes until beginning to soften but still crisp-tender.
5. Add tomato wedges and ketchup; stir-fry 30–45 seconds until tomatoes warm but not mushy.
6. Return seared beef to the pan, add beef broth, and toss quickly to combine, scraping up browned bits. Adjust seasoning with remaining salt and pepper if needed. Cook 30–60 seconds until sauce slightly thickens and everything is heated through.
7. Toss in chopped cilantro and sliced green onions. Remove from heat and fold in the cooked fries gently, or plate fries alongside and top with the stir-fry.
8. Serve immediately with steamed white rice.