Bo luc lac (shaking beef)
Discover the savory delight of Bo Luc Lac, a Vietnamese classic! This easy recipe features tender beef marinated with fish sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sugar, then stir-fried to perfection with peanut oil. Perfect for a quick, flavor-packed meal!
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.
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.
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.
Nutrition per serving
8 ServingsCalories 190kcal
Protein 18g
Carbohydrates 0.99g
Fiber 0.04g
Sugar 0.71g
Fat 12g
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