Lomo saltado

I will provide you with the classic recipe for Lomo Saltado, a typical Peruvian dish, with an Italian twist as suggested by my culinary interpretation. This dish features stir-fried beef with vegetables and is served on a bed of french fries and rice.

Ingredients

  • 400 g of beef tenderloin, cut into strips
  • 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 1 large red onion, sliced
  • 2 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 tablespoons of soy sauce (you might use an Italian soy sauce or a soy-based condiment with aromatic herbs)
  • 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar (a good quality Italian vinegar will add a distinctive touch)
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 fresh chili pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Potatoes, cut into sticks and fried (as much as you like)
  • Cooked white rice (amount based on servings)

Preparation

  1. In a skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat and brown the beef strips until they are golden but still juicy. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté the garlic and onion until they are translucent.
  3. Add the tomatoes, bell pepper, and if desired, the chili pepper. Stir-fry for a few minutes.
  4. Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables, add the soy sauce and vinegar and season with salt and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until everything is well heated.
  5. Meanwhile, prepare the french fries and white rice as side dishes.

Serve the Lomo Saltado hot, placing the mixture of meat and vegetables over the french fries with a bit of white rice on the side.

Curiosity

Lomo Saltado is an example of the influence of Chinese cuisine (especially the stir-frying technique) on Peruvian gastronomy, creating a phenomenon known as “chifa,” which in Peru denotes Chinese-Peruvian cuisine restaurants. As an Italian variant, you might add a touch of our extra virgin olive oil at the end of cooking to enhance the flavors. And for an additional Italian twist, try serving it with some fresh arugula for a spicy and aromatic contrast!