Traditionally made with tender beef, shook beef (bo luc lac recipe in Vietnamese) is a staple dish for the family. It derives its name from the method of cooking wherein the meat is “shaken” in a hot skillet to sear all sides roughly. This dish used the French food technique established in Vietnam based on the wine-eating tradition to adjust for a medium cooking method with Eastern flavour. Now, it is a dish loved by Vietnamese families and restaurants worldwide.
Origins of Bo Luc Lac Recipe
Bò Lúc Lắc Recipe (also known as “Vietnamese Shaking Beef”) is very popular, originating from Vietnam. “Bo Luc Lac” translates to “shaking beef” because the beef is repeatedly tossed or “shaken” in a boiling pan to sear it.
First appeared during the French colony with Vietnamese flavours. It continued to develop as a staple sauce dish in Vietnamese households and restaurants, with its melt-in-your-mouth beef cubes drenched in a rich soy sauce, oyster sauce & garlic black pepper marinade. Usually served alongside a fresh salad, tomatoes and lime-pepper dipping sauce, it provides an exciting balance of flavours and textures.
Health Benefits of Bo Luc Lac Recipe
Bo luc lac Recipe appeals to our taste buds and offers some nutrient components that will help you have a healthy lifestyle. Beef, the critical ingredient, is an excellent source of high-quality protein for muscle repair and growth. It also delivers essential iron, zinc, and B vitamins for energy production and a healthy immune system.
Furthermore, one of the main ingredients in Bo Luc Lac is garlic, which can be a heart protector and an excellent antioxidant. It is often served with veggies like tomato, greens and many more that provide fibre, vitamins and minerals – a wholesome dish. Together, these make for a wholesome bowl and are healthy and tasty.
Table Health Benefits of Bo Luc Lac
| Ingredient | Health Benefit |
|---|---|
| Beef | High-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins |
| Garlic | Boosts immunity, supports heart health |
| Bell Peppers | Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants |
| Tomatoes | High in lycopene, supports skin and heart health |
| Mixed Greens | Provides fiber, vitamins A, C, and K |
Why Homemade Bo Luc Lac Recipe is a Great Idea
Home Cooked Bo Luc Lac Recipe is an excellent idea for many reasons. First, when you make this dish from scratch, you can control the quality of ingredients to ensure that you are using organic, fresh produce and quality beef. You can also modify the seasoning to suit your taste, whether you light that extra spicy kick or a well-balanced flavour tajin level.
Moreover, homemade Bo Luc Lac has no additives and preservatives compared to restaurant Bo Lu Lac, which is also a healthy meal. On top of that, cooking this food at home offers the chance to bond with your family or friends by preparing it together or sharing moments around a dinner table. This a great approach to savouring delectable Vietnamese cuisines without leaving your place.
The Perfect Bo Luc Lac Recipe
As for having homemade Bo Luc Lac in the best way, you should ensure that it is marinated for at least half an hour so that each of those juices will thoroughly be absorbed into your beef. This way, every single mouthful bursts with umami-rich flavour.
Moreover, employ a blazing hot cast-iron skillet for proper searing, giving the meat a crunchy layer while the inside always remains tender and juicy. Pair it with jasmine rice or baguette bread to soak up the excellent sauce and pepper-lime dipping sauce! Or throw in slices of avocado or sesame oil for an extra depth twist.
Bo Luc Lac Recipe (Vietnamese Shaking Beef)
Equipment
- Large bowl – for marinating the beef
- Large skillet or wok – for stir-frying the beef
- Knife and cutting board – for prepping the ingredients
- Small bowl – for the lime dipping sauce
- Tongs or spatula – for stirring the beef
Ingredients
- For the Beef:
- 1 lb 450 g beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking
- For the Salad:
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cucumber thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- For the Lime Dipping Sauce:
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Marinate the Beef:
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar or sweetener of choice and ground black pepper.
- Place the beef cubes and stir to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to marinate.
Steps to Create the Salad and Dipping Sauce:
- While the beef is marinating, use this time to start the salad by adding red onion, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and mixed greens to a large bowl. Set aside.
- Whisk together lime juice with salt and black pepper in a small bowl to make the dipping sauce. Set aside.
Cook the Beef:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over high heat in a large skillet or wok.
- Add the marinated beef, shaking it so each side gets seared.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until the meat is sealed on the outside but soft in the middle.
Serve:
- Plate the salad in a serving dish and spoon on the beef.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve with lime dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
Serving Suggestions: Serve with steamed jasmine rice or crusty baguette to soak up the savory sauce.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Tips for better Bo Luc Lac Recipe
- Get the Right Beef Cut: Tender cuts of beef like rib eye, sirloin, or fillet mignon are perfect for making Bo Luc Lac. These are cuts of meat that will retain their moisture and flavour while cooking.
- Marinate for maximum flavour: A balanced amount of marinade is the most important. Mix oyster sauce with soy sauce, some garlic, a little sugar, and fish sauce. How long should I marinate beef? Let the beef sit for a minimum of 30 minutes (or overnight for more flavourful Bo-Luc Lac).
- Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Most often, when we hear the name Bo Luc Lac, we think of the English term shaking beef, and fresh black pepper is a must-have for its signature flavor. Roughly grind it for a punch of bold flavor in your Bo-Luc Lac dish.
- Important: Use a cast iron pan or wok to cook beef on high heat. This helps you achieve a nice sear on both sides, which seals in the juices and creates caramelization on the exterior of these Bo Luc Lacs.
- Be sure to sear in batches if necessary: you don’t want to cram the beef into too small of a pan. If you follow this unwritten etiquette and steam everything instead of searing, your Bo Luc Lac recipe might become overly tough.
More Tips for better Bo Luc Lac Recipe
- Dot with Butter: Finish cooking using a bit of butter. This now adds complexity and contributes to the flavor in your Bo-Luc Lac dish.
- Acidic Touch: Pair your Bo Luc Lac with a side of lime and pepper dipping sauce. This provides a nice, refreshing contrast to the savory beef.
- Serve Bo Luc Lac over a bed of peppery watercress and juicy tomato halves. It adds a crispness that plays against the richness of the beef.
- Use Jasmine Rice or French Fries: For an authentic experience, serve your Bo Luc Lac recipe with steamed jasmine rice or crispy French fries. This combination makes it a satisfying meal.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions at the end adds colour and a burst of freshness to your Bo Luc Lac recipe.
References
Beef: Health Benefits, Nutrition, and How to Prepare It – WebMD
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