Bo luc lac (shaking beef)
Bo luc lac, or 'shaking beef,' is a Vietnamese dish featuring tender, marinated beef cubes quickly seared for a delightful blend of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. This method creates a delicious crust while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.
Cook time 5 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1 tbsp fish sauce1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
2 garlic cloves
1 lb beef
1 tbsp peanut oil
Bo Luc Lac, also known as 'shaking beef,' is a popular Vietnamese dish that features tender, flavorful beef cubes that are quickly seared to perfection. This dish gets its name from the shaking motion used to stir-fry the beef in the pan. Bo Luc Lac is a delightful combination of savory, sweet, and umami flavors, making it a favorite in many households and restaurants.
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon sugar.
- Stir the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the marinade.
- Cut the beef into 1-inch cubes if it's not pre-cubed.
- Add the beef cubes to the marinade. Ensure all pieces are evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For better flavor, you could marinate it for up to 2 hours.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
- Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the marinated beef to the pan in a single layer. If your skillet is small, cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Let the beef sear for about 1-2 minutes without stirring to develop a nice crust.
- Shake the pan (or stir) to turn the beef pieces, continuing to cook until they are browned on all sides and cooked to your desired level of doneness (about 4-5 minutes in total for medium-rare).
- Transfer the cooked beef to a serving plate.
- Bo Luc Lac is traditionally served with a side of fresh vegetables like watercress, tomatoes, and cucumbers, and often with rice or rice noodles.
- Optionally, you can also prepare a dipping sauce of fresh lime juice and black pepper for an extra zing.
Bo Luc Lac is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings the rich flavors of Vietnamese cuisine to your table. With its quick preparation and cooking time, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with jasmine rice or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Bo luc lac (shaking beef) FAQ:
For Bo Luc Lac, tender cuts like sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye are ideal. These cuts cook quickly and remain juicy after stir-frying.
Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes for basic flavor, but for optimal taste, marinate it for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
For medium-rare, cook the beef for about 4-5 minutes total in the pan. You can use a meat thermometer; medium-rare is around 135°F (57°C). Adjust cooking time based on your preference.
Yes, you can substitute peanut oil with oils that have a high smoke point, such as canola oil or grapeseed oil, but it may slightly alter the flavor.
Traditionally, Bo Luc Lac is served with fresh vegetables like watercress, tomatoes, and cucumbers. You can also pair it with rice or rice noodles.
Tips:
- Choose the right cut of beef: Filet mignon, ribeye, or sirloin are great choices because they remain tender and juicy after cooking.
- Marinate the beef: Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes to ensure it absorbs all the flavors. Overnight marination can make it even more flavorful.
- Preheat the pan: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the beef to achieve a nice sear and prevent the meat from steaming.
- Do not overcrowd the pan: Cooking the beef in smaller batches ensures even cooking and a good sear on each piece.
- Use high heat: High heat helps to quickly sear the beef, locking in juices and flavors.
- Experiment with additional ingredients: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or tomatoes to the stir-fry for extra color and nutrition.
Nutrition per serving
8 ServingsCalories 190kcal
Protein 18g
Carbohydrates 0.99g
Fiber 0.04g
Sugar 0.71g
Fat 12g
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