(Updated On: January 12, 2018)When we first arrived in Peru we asked the cab driver who was taking us from the airport toward the center of Lima, “What we should eat while we are here?” His English was pretty non-existent, and our Spanish could use (a lot) of improvement. But despite that we were able to understand a lot of what he was saying. He rattled off a few, and then stopped and paused. He glanced back at us and said, lovingly “Lomo Saltado” and rolled his eyes. “Mi favorito” he said.
We met several other people during those first days. Every one of them suggested that we try the ceviche (raw fish or seafood cooked in lime juice – Lima is known to have the best, anywhere), the Pisco Sour (the country’s national drink), Aji Galina (chicken with a creamy spicy sauce often served with french fries) and most especially, the Lomo Saltado. We made it our mission to seek out each one. It wasn’t difficult. We started with the Lomo Saltado.
We found Lomo Saltado on almost every menu we read. When we finally ordered it, we felt a bit confused. It looked like a Chinese dish, and wait, are those french fries? It turns out that there is actually a large Chinese (specifically, Cantonese) population in Peru. After the abolition of slavery in Peru, Chinese immigrants (called Coolies) were hired to performed the hard manual labor in the sugar cane fields and mines. Today, there remains is a vibrant China Town in Lima and a Chinese restaurant (locally referred to as “Chifas”) in every neighborhood. The Loma Saltado dish is a fusion of both cultures, and it is both unique and delicious.
Loma refers to the tenderloin section of meat (beef in this recipe) that is stir fried over high heat with vegetables and mixed with the french fries. As with all dishes, there are as many versions as there are people who make the dish themselves. Here’s ours.
Ingredients
- 1 medium sweet white onion, cut into lengthwise strips
- 2 potatoes (such as russet)
- 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into lengthwise strips
- 1/2 Aji pepper (or Serrano) cut into strips
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 Teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- Splash of Perivian Pisco Liquour (optional)
- Lime and Fresh cilantro as a garnish.
Instructions
- Slice beef tenderloin into 1 inch cubes. Combine with the marinade and allow to sit covered in the refrigerator for 1 - 2 hours.
- Cut potatoes into french fry shaped slices. Coat with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and roast on a cookie sheet in a 350 degree oven until lightly brown. Set aside
- Add 2 cups of water and 1 cup of white rice to a sauce pan. Add 1 tsp of salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Heat until it begins to boil and then turn the stove onto low. Cook until the liquid is gone and the rice is soft and fluffy. Set aside.
- Heat a nonstick saute pan (or Wok if you have one) to high heat, remove the beef from the liquid and saute for 2 - 3 minutes, lightly browning the outside. You don't want the beef to overcook and become tough. Remove from pan and put aside.
- Heat olive oil in the pan and add the onion and tomato when it has reached high temperature (add additional oil if necessary to prevent sticking). Cook for 2 minutes, then add minced garlic and minced ginger. Stir for 30 seconds.
- Add the red bell pepper and Aji pepper and saute 1 minute. Then add the soy sauce, vinegar and tomato paste. Toss and then return the beef to the pan and cook for one minute.
- Add a splash of Pisco (which you can flambe for extra drama) and then add the potatoes. Allow the flavors to combine for 1 - 2 minutes.
- Serve with white rice on the side and garnish with cilantro and a wedge of lime.
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Creamy Spiced Chicken – Peruvian Aji Gallina
Top 12 Things to Eat in Peru (and where to find them)
How to Party Like a Local in Lima Peru
Wonderful and exotic, by Wisconsiin standards and delicious looking by any standards! Nicely done!
Thank you! It really was one of our favorite dishes there – and not hard to make at all.
I wouldn’t turn it down! I’ve had a similar dish served OVER fries, but I like the idea of tossing them with the sauce. Yummy!
I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did. But then again, I’ll eat fried with anything – love them!
Looks delicious and I’ll be sure to order it if we ever make it to Peru, along with a Pisco Sour of course!!
Yes the Pisco Sour is a must!
What a great looking recipe. So many fresh flavors.
Thanks Tomas!
looks delicious and so colorful!
Thank Claudia! It was one of our favorite dishes there.
This is definitely a crowd-pleasing recipe! The beef looks so tender, mmmmm. The marinade is so simple but looks like it packs a great punch of flavor.
You are right – thanks for commenting!
What a hearty supper! Love all the flavors in that marinade.
Thanks Steph! I was surprised to find an Asian fusion dish as one of the favorites in Peru, but people love it there (for good reasons).
This looks like one great dish that I would love for dinner, and I bet that the leftovers taste amazing!
You are right – it is even better the second day.
I want to dig into this right now!! The flavors would be amazing!!
I particularly love the fresh ginger. Thanks for your comment!
We had dinner at a couple house a while back. They are from Peru and made us homestyle Peruvian food. Was so delicious!
I agree – we really loved the food while we were there.
Fresh and wholesome. Planning this for my next dinner shindig!
Great – your friends will love it!
What a lovely dish – full of nice flavours and colours.
Thank you Nazima!
I love Peruvian food, and this sounds fantastic! I love the idea of the touch of Pisco, too!
Oh boy does this sound good, everything in there sounds as if it would melt together perfectly.
Thanks Brian! The flavors really do work well together. It’s one of Peruvian’s favorite dishes for good reason.
This would be fun to make when having a bunch of friends in! Looks so delicious!
Your friend will thank you!
What a great story with this dish, and it looks delicious!
Thanks for commenting Rachel (and yes – it is REALLY good)
Yum, this dish looks so tasty! Love all of the flavors going on.
Thanks Heather!
Peru is on my bucket list, that dish looks mouthwatering and I don’t even eat meat. I bet it smelled so good !
We have tried Peruvian cuisine this summer in Canada for the first time. Absolutely loved it! So excited to find a Peruvian great looking recipe to try! Thanks for sharing it 🙂
What a great looking Salad and I’m sure it would be so flavorful. I’m new to Peruvian flavors, so I look forward to trying this soon.
This looks fantastic-makes me want to travel to Peru!
It a great place to visit! If you ever decide to go I have lots of recommendations for you.
All of those saucy flavors are calling me! What a great dish!
Thanks! It really is delicious.
Love all the colors and flavors here. It’s got most of my favorite ingredients!