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!

  • 15 Mar 2025
  • Cook time 5 min
  • Prep time 10 min
  • 8 Servings
  • 6 Ingredients

Bo luc lac (shaking beef)

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.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp fish sauce
16g
1 tbsp soy sauce
16g
1 tsp sugar
5g
2 garlic cloves
6g
1 lb beef
450g
1 tbsp peanut oil
16g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Marinade:
- 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.
2. Marinate the Beef:
- 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.
3. Cooking the Beef:
- 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).
4. Serve:
- 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 Facts
Serving Size66 grams
Energy
Calories 190kcal9%
Protein
Protein 18g12%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 0.99g0%
Fiber 0.04g0%
Sugar 0.71g1%
Fat
Fat 12g15%
Saturated 4.46g15%
Cholesterol 70mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 0.08ug0%
Choline 63mg12%
Vitamin B1 0.04mg3%
Vitamin B2 0.10mg7%
Vitamin B3 2.54mg16%
Vitamin B6 0.19mg11%
Vitamin B9 6ug2%
Vitamin B12 1.14ug47%
Vitamin C 0.08mg0%
Vitamin E 0.58mg4%
Vitamin K 1.11ug1%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 13mg1%
Copper, Cu 0.06mg6%
Iron, Fe 1.45mg13%
Magnesium, Mg 16mg4%
Phosphorus, P 110mg9%
Potassium, K 150mg5%
Selenium, Se 16ug30%
Sodium, Na 280mg19%
Zinc, Zn 4.04mg37%
Water
Water 33g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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