Vietnamese Shaking Beef, or Bo Luc Lac, is a delightful stir-fry that captures the essence of traditional Vietnamese cuisine. This dish features tender beef marinated in soy sauce and served with vibrant vegetables, making it a quick and flavorful dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 pound of beef (preferably sirloin or tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 bell pepper (sliced)
1 medium onion (sliced)
1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)
Cilantro lime rice (for serving)
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved completely. Add the beef cubes, mixing well to ensure they are evenly coated with the marinade. Let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor. For maximum tenderness, consider marinating overnight.
In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke, indicating it's hot enough to sear the beef without burning.
Remove the beef from the marinade and let excess marinade drip off. Add it to the hot pan in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring to allow a nice sear to develop. Flip the beef and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until browned and just cooked through. The beef should be slightly pink in the center for the best texture. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, add sliced onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another minute, just until they start to soften and release their juices.
Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Stir to combine everything thoroughly and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for an additional minute to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
Serve the Vietnamese Shaking Beef hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side.
