🇵🇪🥩🍽️ Peruvian Beef Entree – Lomo Saltado
Lomo Saltado is a delectable and popular Peruvian beef dish that beautifully blends the flavors of Chinese stir-fry with Peruvian ingredients and spices. This dish boasts a rich history, a delightful mix of components, and is fairly easy to prepare, making it a go-to favorite in Peruvian cuisine.
📜 History:
Lomo Saltado has a fascinating history, rooted in the fusion of Peruvian and Chinese culinary traditions. It emerged in the late 19th century when Chinese immigrants came to Peru, bringing their cooking techniques and ingredients. Over time, they integrated their stir-fry methods with local Peruvian flavors, giving birth to this mouthwatering dish.
🥘 Components:
- 1 pound beef (sirloin or tenderloin), thinly sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 green chili pepper, sliced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons vinegar
- 1 tablespoon aji amarillo paste (Peruvian yellow chili paste)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- French fries (yes, you read that right, it’s a unique element of the dish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
🍳 Steps to Prepare:
- Start by making French fries. Cut potatoes into thin strips and fry until crispy. Set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat some vegetable oil over high heat.
- Add the thinly sliced beef and quickly sear until it’s browned on the outside. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, and then toss in the onions, bell peppers, garlic, and sliced chili pepper. Stir-fry for a few minutes until they start to soften.
- Return the seared beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, vinegar, and aji amarillo paste. Pour this sauce over the meat and vegetables in the skillet.
- Add the tomato wedges and give it a quick stir. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Just before serving, mix in the fresh cilantro leaves.
- Serve the Lomo Saltado hot, garnished with the crispy French fries.
⏰ Preparation Time:
Lomo Saltado can be prepared in about 30-40 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a quick, flavorful meal.
🍴 Now, enjoy your delicious Peruvian Beef Entree, Lomo Saltado! The combination of tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and that unique touch of French fries creates a symphony of flavors that’s sure to delight your taste buds. 😋🇵🇪🍽️
🍽️ Lomo Saltado Nutrition Facts and Health Information:
While Lomo Saltado is a delicious and flavorful dish, it’s essential to be mindful of its nutritional content and health aspects:
🔢 Nutrition Facts (Approximate – for a single serving):
- Calories: 400-500 kcal
- Protein: 30-40g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Fiber: 5-8g
- Sodium: 1000-1200mg
- Cholesterol: 60-80mg
🍖 Protein:
Lomo Saltado is a good source of high-quality protein from the beef. Protein is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function.
🍚 Carbohydrates:
The carbohydrates primarily come from the vegetables and the side of French fries. These provide energy and dietary fiber.
🍳 Fat:
The fat content comes from the cooking oil, beef, and the French fries. It’s worth noting that this dish can be relatively high in fat, so it’s best enjoyed in moderation.
🥗 Fiber:
The vegetables in Lomo Saltado provide a moderate amount of fiber, which is important for digestive health and can help you feel full.
🧂 Sodium:
The sodium content in Lomo Saltado can be relatively high due to the soy sauce and seasoning. If you are watching your sodium intake, consider using reduced-sodium soy sauce.
🍽️ Health Considerations:
- Portion Control: Like many flavorful dishes, Lomo Saltado is best enjoyed in moderation, as it can be calorie-dense.
- Balanced Diet: Pair Lomo Saltado with other nutritious elements in your diet, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Sodium Awareness: Be mindful of the sodium content, especially if you have high blood pressure or are on a low-sodium diet. Opt for reduced-sodium soy sauce or use it sparingly.
- Customization: You can make healthier choices by using lean cuts of beef and minimizing the use of cooking oil.
Remember, enjoying Lomo Saltado as an occasional treat can be part of a balanced diet. Just be conscious of portion sizes and your overall nutritional intake. 🥩🥗🥔🇵🇪
