Lomo Saltado: A Delicious Peruvian Dish

Lomo saltado is one of the most popular and traditional dishes of Peruvian cuisine. It is a stir-fried dish that combines beef, onions, tomatoes, potatoes and cilantro, seasoned with soy sauce, vinegar and spices. It is usually served with white rice and sometimes with corn or beans.

The origin of lomo saltado is not clear, but it is believed that it was influenced by the Chinese immigrants who arrived in Peru in the 19th century. They brought with them their culinary techniques and ingredients, such as soy sauce and stir-frying. Lomo saltado is an example of the fusion between Peruvian and Chinese cuisines, known as chifa.

Lomo saltado is easy to prepare and very tasty

Here are the steps to make it at home:

• Cut the beef into thin slices and season with salt, pepper and cumin.
• Cut the onion into thick wedges and the tomatoes into large chunks.
• Peel and cut the potatoes into thick fries and fry them in hot oil until golden and crispy. Drain them on paper towels and set aside.
• Heat some oil in a large skillet over high heat and stir-fry the beef for a few minutes until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add some more oil and stir-fry the onion for a few minutes until soft. Add the tomatoes, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar and aji amarillo (a yellow Peruvian chili paste) if you like it spicy. Cook for a few more minutes until the tomatoes are soft and the sauce is thickened.
• Return the beef to the skillet and toss everything together. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro and serve hot with rice and fries.

Enjoy this delicious Peruvian dish that will make you feel like you are in Lima!