Lomo Saltado

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
• 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch wedges
• 3 medium roma tomatoes, cut into wedges, seeds scooped out
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jalapeño or ají amarillo, thinly sliced
• 3 cup frozen French fries, cooked according to package
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly torn
• 2 cup steamed white rice, for serving

Steps

1. 1

   Whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, red wine vinegar, cumin, and black pepper in a small bowl — set it right next to the stove before you start, because once this goes, it moves fast and there is no stopping to measure.

2. 2

   Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over the highest heat your stove can produce. When the oil shimmers and begins to smoke at the edges, add the beef strips in a single layer — work in two batches rather than crowding the pan — and sear without touching for 1–2 minutes until charred at the edges. Transfer to a plate and leave the heat on.

3. 3

   Add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the red onion wedges and stir-fry for 2 minutes until lightly charred at the edges but still holding shape. Add the garlic and jalapeño and cook 30 seconds more — the garlic should smell toasty, not burned.

4. 4

   Add the tomato wedges and toss for 1 minute — they need just enough heat to soften slightly without collapsing. Return the beef to the pan, pour in the soy sauce mixture, and toss everything together over high heat for 1–2 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and coats every piece.

5. 5

   Add the cooked French fries directly to the pan and toss to coat in the pan juices — the fries are not a side dish here, they are a load-bearing structural ingredient in this dish, absorbing the sauce and picking up the char. Scatter the cilantro over the top and serve immediately over or alongside steamed white rice.