Lomo Saltado Especial
A special version of Peru's most popular stir-fry — beef tenderloin, tomatoes, and yellow peppers tossed in a wok with soy sauce and served over fries and rice.
About This Recipe
Lomo saltado is the quintessential dish of Peruvian Chifa cuisine — the remarkable fusion of Peruvian and Chinese cooking that emerged in Lima in the late 19th century as Chinese migrant workers brought their wok techniques and soy sauce to Peru's coastal capital. The result is a high-heat stir-fry that is unmistakably Peruvian in its heart yet global in its technique.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 500 gbeef tenderloin(cut into strips)
- 3 tbspsoy sauce
- 2 tbspoyster sauce
- 2 tbspred wine vinegar
- 2 mediumtomatoes(cut into wedges)
- 2yellow ají amarillo or yellow peppers(sliced)
- 1 largered onion(cut into wedges)
- 4 clovesgarlic(minced)
- 3 tbspvegetable oil
- 1 bunchfresh coriander(chopped)
- 400 gfrench fries(freshly fried, to serve)
Instructions
- 1
Marinate beef
Marinate beef strips in 2 tbsp soy sauce and pepper for 10 min.
- 2
Sear beef
Sear beef in very hot oil in a wok, in batches, 1–2 min. Remove and set aside.
- 3
Stir-fry vegetables
In the same wok, sauté garlic and onion 1 min. Add tomatoes and ají amarillo. Toss 1 min over very high heat.
- 4
Combine
Return beef to wok. Add remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, and vinegar. Toss together vigorously 1 min.
- 5
Serve
Add coriander. Serve over fresh french fries alongside steamed rice.
Pro Tips
- →
High heat is non-negotiable — the wok must be smoking hot for the characteristic char and smoky flavour.
Variations
- •
Use chicken instead of beef
- •
Add mushrooms for extra umami
- •
Serve with just rice if fries aren't available
Storage
Best eaten immediately — the fries lose their crunch quickly. Leftover beef reheats well, but add fresh fries.
History & Origin
Lomo saltado was born in the early 20th century in Lima's Chifa restaurants — Peruvian-Chinese establishments that served the large Chinese immigrant community. The dish became so popular that it crossed into mainstream Peruvian cooking and is now considered one of Peru's national dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why serve with both fries and rice?
Lomo saltado reflects Peru's Chifa (Chinese-Peruvian) fusion — stir-fried wok technique meets Peruvian carb traditions.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving · 4 servings total
Time Summary
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