Bo Luc Lac (Shaking Beef)
Sachko lok lak - beef lok lak thịt bò lúc lắc Khmer food.jpg by Alexandersingh9 · CC0
Bo Luc Lac, also known as Vietnamese Shaking Beef, is a flavorful and vibrant dish that captures the essence of street food in Vietnam. Tender cubes of beef are quickly stir-fried to perfection, then shaken with aromatic herbs and tangy sauces to create a dish that's both savory and slightly sweet, with a perfect balance of crispy and tender textures. Ideal for casual dinners or special gatherings, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds.
Its origin is believed to be from Saigon, where vendors would often prepare this dish as a quick, satisfying meal. The name 'Bo Luc Lac' translates to 'shaking beef,' referring to the tossing motion used during cooking, which helps evenly cook the beef and coat it with a delicious marinade. Over time, Bo Luc Lac has become a beloved staple in Vietnamese cuisine, celebrated for its bold flavors and simple ingredients that come together effortlessly.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak or eye of round, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Lettuce leaves or mixed greens (for serving)
- Tomato wedges (optional, for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Fresh cilantro or scallions (for garnish)
Instructions
- 1
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, minced garlic, sugar, and black pepper to create the marinade.
- 2
Add the beef cubes to the marinade, toss well to coat evenly, and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
- 3
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until very hot.
- 4
Add the marinated beef cubes to the hot pan, spreading them in a single layer to sear without overcrowding.
- 5
Let the beef sear without moving for about 1-2 minutes to develop a nice crust, then quickly shake or toss the pan to stir-fry the beef, cooking for a total of 3-4 minutes until just cooked through and slightly caramelized.
- 6
Add sliced onions to the pan and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant and softened.
- 7
Remove from heat and transfer the beef to a serving platter.
- 8
Serve immediately over lettuce or greens, garnished with chopped cilantro or scallions, tomato wedges, lime wedges, and enjoy!