Bò Lúc Lắc (Authentic Vietnamese Shaking Beef Recipe)

Vietnamese Shaking Beef (Bò Lúc Lắc) is a beloved dish known for its rich, savory flavor from grilled rib meat, the sweet and tangy taste of tomatoes, and the aromatic scent of onions. There’s no need to dine at an expensive restaurant; you can showcase your culinary skills by preparing this dish at home to treat your family to a delightful weekend meal.

One of the red meats that provide a diverse range of nutrients is beef. This type of meat can be easily prepared in various ways, such as stir-frying, stewing, or braising. This article will guide you on how to make Vietnamese-style shaken beef with French fries, a restaurant-quality dish that will leave everyone who tries it amazed and impressed.

Ingredients for Authentic Vietnamese Shaking Beef

Shaken beef consists of familiar ingredients that you can easily prepare. It is advisable to purchase fresh ingredients from reputable supermarkets, grocery stores, or markets to ensure the dish’s flavor and quality. The ingredients for shaken beef include:

• 500g fresh beef tenderloin, low in fat and sinew
• 3 bell peppers (red and green)
• 1 onion
• 2 potatoes
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2-3 green onions
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• Chili sauce
• 100ml cooking oil
• Seasonings: salt, sugar, MSG, seasoning powder, ground pepper, etc.

Authentic Vietnamese Shaking Beef Recipe

To ensure that your shaken beef is tender, juicy, and flavorful, follow these steps:

Marinating the Beef

1. After purchasing the beef, clean it with salt, rub it with ginger and wine to remove any odor, then rinse it again and let it dry.
2. Once the beef is dry, cut it into bite-sized cubes, about the thickness of a finger joint.
3. Marinate the beef with 1 teaspoon of seasoning powder, 2 teaspoons of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
4. Mix well and let the beef rest for 15 to 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Preparing Other Ingredients

1. Peel and finely chop the garlic.
2. Wash the green onions, and cut them into pieces about two finger joints long.
3. Wash the onions and bell peppers in salted water, let them dry, and then cut them into cubes the same size as the beef. Soak them in ice water for about 10 minutes to make the bell peppers and onions crispier when cooked.
4. Peel the potatoes, wash them, let them dry, cut them into long sticks about three finger joints in length, and soak them in diluted salt water for 10-15 minutes to remove toxins.
5. Place a pan on the stove, add 100ml of cooking oil.
6. When the oil is hot, add the potatoes and fry them for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until crispy, then remove them and place them on paper towels to drain the oil. For crispier fries, parboil the potatoes in boiling water, then soak them in ice water and drain.

Stir-frying the Beef

1. Heat a pan on the stove over high heat, and add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil.
2. When the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry over high heat for 3-4 minutes until the beef is seared but not overcooked, just until it’s tender.
4. Add the bell peppers and onions, and stir-fry for another 3 minutes.
5. Season to taste and then turn off the heat.

Final Dish

After cooking, plate the shaken beef and place the fries on the side. The dish should be visually appealing with the bright red color of the bell peppers, juicy and tender beef, fragrant onions, and a slight spicy kick from the pepper, making it a flavorful and exciting dish.

Tips for Making Flavorful Shaken Beef

Shaken beef (Bò Lúc Lắc) will be much more delicious if you know the secrets to keeping the beef tender and juicy without becoming dry and tough. An essential factor is using high-quality, fresh beef that is not spoiled. Additionally, home cooks should note the following tips:

1. Avoid Using Salt When Marinating Beef: Using salt can make the beef tough.
2. Selecting Bell Peppers: Choose bell peppers with smooth, glossy skin, intact stems, and bright colors. They should feel heavy when held. Avoid those that are soft, lightweight, or wrinkled as they are likely wilted or spoiled.
3. Selecting Potatoes: Choose potatoes with smooth skin for a sweeter taste and more nutrients. Fresh potatoes will feel firm and not soft or wilted. Do not buy potatoes that have sprouted or have green skin as they may contain toxins harmful to health.
4. Adding Peanut Butter: You can add a bit of peanut butter while stir-frying the beef to make the dish richer, more aromatic, and flavorful.
5. Using Cooking Oil in Marination: Adding a little cooking oil to the beef marinade can help keep the meat tender.
6. Using Cornstarch Solution: Adding a bit of cornstarch dissolved in water while stir-frying will help keep the beef soft and juicy.
7. Avoid Overcooking: Do not stir-fry the beef for too long on high heat as this will make it tough and reduce its natural sweetness.

By following these tips, you can ensure your shaken beef is flavorful and tender, providing a delightful culinary experience.

Nutritional Value of Shaken Beef

Beef is the main ingredient in shaken beef (Bò Lúc Lắc). The nutritional value of this meat is proven to be very high, containing a lot of protein along with essential nutrients that are beneficial for human health, such as B vitamins, vitamin A, zinc, iron, and more. Regularly consuming beef helps to maintain and develop overall muscle health and prevents anemia and iron deficiency.

I hope these tips have helped you understand the detailed process of making authentic shaken beef. In just about 2 hours, from preparing the ingredients to completing the dish, you will have tender, flavorful, and juicy shaken beef. Be sure to visit Foodvietnamese.com regularly for more delicious Vietnamese recipes!