The first time I made Lomo Saltado, I fell in love with its bold flavors and comforting vibe. The juicy beef strips, colorful veggies, and tangy spices came together in the most amazing way, and I couldn’t believe how easy it was to recreate this Peruvian classic at home.

I love experimenting with global cuisines, and this one instantly made it to my recipe box. It’s not just delicious, it makes you feel connected to another culture. Plus, it’s super quick to whip up, which is always a win in my book. Trust me, once you give this a try, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along!

lomo saltado peruvian beef stir fry recipe

Reasons to Fall for This Recipe

This recipe might just become your go-to weeknight superstar, and here’s why:

Quick and Easy to Make

Lomo Saltado is perfect for busy days. Prep work is simple (just slicing and marinating), and the actual cooking happens in no time. You’re looking at a total cooking time of under 30 minutes for a dish that tastes like you spent hours on it!

Flavor Explosion

This dish is a flavor bomb. From the soy sauce-marinated beef to the tangy veggies and aromatic cilantro, every bite has that perfect balance of salty, tangy, and slightly smoky notes. Oh, and if you like heat, the jalapeño adds just the right kick.

Totally Customizable

You can tweak it to suit your flavor cravings or dietary needs. Whether it’s swapping beef for tofu, adjusting the spice level, or loading it up with extra veggies, there’s no way to go wrong here.

One Pan, Minimal Clean-Up

Say goodbye to piles of dishes! You can make this beauty in just one wok or skillet, which makes cleanup a breeze. That means more time enjoying your meal and less time spent at the sink.

Comfort with a Twist

If you’re a fan of stir-fries and hearty meals, this recipe gives you the best of both worlds. It’s loaded with comfort food vibes but comes with a layered depth of flavor that feels surprisingly gourmet.

Time Breakdown for Lomo Saltado

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Key Ingredients You’ll Need

Beef sirloin
Garlic
Cumin powder
Paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Soy sauce
Red wine vinegar
Vegetable oil
Red onion
Bell peppers (red and yellow)
Tomatoes
Jalapeño pepper
Fresh cilantro
White rice (to serve)

Ingredient Substitutions and Add-Ons:

Meat-Free: Replace beef with tofu or portobello mushrooms to create a hearty vegetarian version.
Spiciness: For a mild stir-fry, omit the jalapeño, or for more heat, use serrano peppers.
Tanginess: Swap vinegar with lime juice for added zest.
Lower Carb: Opt for cauliflower rice if you prefer a lower-carb option.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Wok or Skillet: For even cooking over high heat.
Cutting Board & Knife: To easily prep your veggies and beef.
Mixing Bowl: For marinating the beef.
Spatula: To toss ingredients while stir-frying.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Lomo Saltado

This classic Peruvian stir-fry combines tender beef, vibrant veggies, and bold flavors for a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Follow these steps to create a delicious Lomo Saltado at home!

Marinate the Beef 🥩

Start by slicing the beef into thin strips. Toss it with minced garlic, cumin powder, paprika, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This marinade locks in all the flavors. Set it aside for at least 30 minutes to work its magic.

Sear the Beef 🍳

Heat your wok or skillet over high heat, adding the vegetable oil. Once the oil is shimmering hot, add the marinated beef. Sear it for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

Stir-Fry the Veggies 🌶️

Using the same skillet, add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and jalapeño peppers. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until slightly charred and softened, enhancing their natural sweetness.

Combine the Flavors 🌟

Return the beef to the pan and toss with the veggies. Add tomato wedges and stir gently for another 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro while everything sizzles. The aroma at this stage is irresistible!

Serve and Enjoy 🍚

Spoon the sizzling Lomo Saltado over a mound of fluffy white rice. Garnish with more cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Lomo Saltado

Get That Sear: Make sure the skillet is very hot before adding the beef. This ensures you get that caramelized exterior without overcooking.
Tomato Timing: Add tomatoes last to prevent them from becoming too mushy.
Prep Ahead: Slice and chop all ingredients beforehand since this recipe cooks quickly.
Resting Time: Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor absorption.

Serving Suggestions for This Tasty Stir-Fry

Lomo Saltado is traditionally served with white rice, but you can elevate the dish with some creative serving ideas. For a fun twist, serve it with crispy French fries on top (yep, fries are a traditional pairing!).

You can also offer lime wedges on the side for an extra layer of citrusy brightness. Want to dress up the rice? Toss it with lightly sauteed garlic and cilantro for a fragrant side.

Nutritional Breakdown

For a standard serving of Lomo Saltado, here’s a quick snapshot of its nutritional values per portion:

Calories: ~325
Protein: ~25g
Carbohydrates: ~15g
Fat: ~20g

Staying Fresh: How to Store and Reheat?

Lomo Saltado is just as delicious the next day, making it a great recipe for meal prep.

Storage Tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked Lomo Saltado for up to 2 months. Be sure to freeze it separately from the rice to maintain its texture.

Reheating Instructions:

Warm it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the flavors.

Now that you’ve got everything you need, it’s time to bring a taste of Peru to your kitchen. Once you try this vibrant and satisfying dish, you’ll see why it’s such a treasure in Peruvian cuisine. Enjoy every bite!

For a complete walkthrough, check out this video guide: