One of Peru’s most iconic dishes, Lomo Saltado is a delicious combination of marinated beef, vegetables, soy sauce, and crispy French fries. A reflection of the country’s unique cultural heritage, it stands as a brilliant fusion of traditional Peruvian and Chinese influences. This comforting stir-fry is a testament to how diverse migration can shape a nation’s identity through food.
International Fresh Market is a premier latin grocery store where you can find authentic ingredients needed to make lomo saltado at home.
What Makes Lomo Saltado Unique?
Lomo Saltado is a traditional Peruvian stir-fry. Typically made by quickly searing tender, juicy cuts of beef alongside onions and tomatoes, the dish is completed by tossing the cooked ingredients with thick-cut fries to absorb the savory sauce. The entire creation is served alongside a dome of steamed, white rice and topped with a sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro.
Considered a staple of Peruvian homes and restaurants alike, Lomo Saltado’s signature warmth and mild kick come from aji amarillo, a bright yellow Peruvian chile paste that lends a fruity, medium heat. The result is a perfect balance of savory, smoky, and tangy flavors.
What are the Origins of Lomo Saltado?
The cultural heritage of Peru is a blend of European, Asian, and African influences layered over its ancient Indigenous Andean foundations. Lomo Saltado was developed through the culinary input of Cantonese Chinese immigrants who migrated there during the mid-to-late 19th century. Part of Peru’s “Chifa” (Chinese-Peruvian) culinary tradition, it combines wok cooking with local ingredients.
Lomo Saltado literally means “stir-fried loin” and remains one of the country’s most beloved comfort foods.
The Ingredients for Authentic Lomo Saltado
To prepare Lomo Saltado at home, you will need:
- Beef sirloin or tenderloin
- Red onion
- Tomatoes
- Garlic
The sauce ingredients include:
- Soy sauce
- Vinegar
- Aji amarillo for heat (optional)
For serving, add:
- French fries
- Fresh cilantro
- Rice
Quality ingredients are what make this dish stand out.
Step-by-Step Directions for Making Lomo Saltado
For maximum flavor, the beef used in making Lomo Saltado can be marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic for one to twelve hours.
Cooking directions include:
- Cut the beef into thin strips.
- Season to taste and sear over high heat.
- Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Add the onions and tomatoes to the pot and stir-fry for a few minutes.
- Add in the garlic and sauce ingredients.
- Return the beef to the pot.
- Toss everything together and fold in the French fries.
- Serve alongside freshly cooked rice.
For authentic flavor, use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook vegetables to slightly crisp.
Why do people love Lomo Saltado?
Lomo Saltado is highly flavorful while being comforting at the same time. Simple ingredients offer bold results for a meal that is easy enough for weeknight dinners, but impressive enough for guests. A perfect representation of Peru’s mulicultural culinary history, Lomo Saltado is one of the country’s most popular and beloved national dishes based on the flavor of fresh traditional Peruvian ingredients combined with Chinese wok techniques.
Find Ingredients for Lomo Saltado at International Fresh Market
With its unique blend of flavors and cultures, Lomo Saltado offers an easy way to enjoy Peruvian cuisine at home. One of the country’s most famous dishes, it brings the best of two regions to your table. Find authentic ingredients like aji amarillo, soy sauce, fresh produce, and quality beef at International Fresh Market. Located on Route 59 in Naperville, Illinois, we put hundreds of products from dozens of countries within your reach.
If you enjoyed this blog, read this one about how to make traditional mooncakes.
