Description
Bo Luc Lac, or “Vietnamese Shaking Beef,” is a classic Vietnamese dish celebrated for its succulent cubes of seared beef, married with a sweet and tangy sauce. The name “shaking beef” reflects the vigorous tossing and shaking that creates the perfect sear on the meat.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Beef Marinade:
- 2 pounds striploin, diced into 1/2 to 3/4 inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 4 teaspoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon MSG (optional)
Serving Items:
- Steamed rice
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the diced striploin with sugar, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, soy sauce, and vegetable oil. Thoroughly mix to ensure the beef is evenly coated. Let the beef marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the sauce by combining thinly sliced red onions, minced garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, and sugar. Stir the sauce ingredients together, setting it aside for later.
- In another small bowl, mix the ingredients for the dipping sauce: lime juice, salt, black pepper, and MSG (if using). Set aside.
- Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, then sear half of the marinated beef for about 3 minutes or until it’s browned on all sides. Transfer the seared beef to a dish and repeat the process with the remaining half of the beef.
- In the same wok, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced red onions and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until they become fragrant and slightly caramelized.
- Add the prepared sauce (soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, vinegar, and sugar) to the wok. Stir well, then reintroduce the seared beef to the wok. Toss quickly to coat the beef with the savory sauce.
- Transfer the beef to a serving plate alongside steamed rice, fresh tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers.
- Serve with the tangy dipping sauce on the side, and enjoy your delicious Bo Luc Lac – Vietnamese Shaking Beef, a timeless and beloved dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine to your table.