Imagine sitting down at your table, surrounded by the smell of seared, marinated beef cubes. They promise a burst of flavor with every bite. Shaking Beef, or bò lúc lắc, is more than a meal—it connects you to Vietnam’s vibrant culture and heritage.
Maybe you remember a special family dinner or a friend’s recommendation that led you here. It’s time to recreate those moments in your own kitchen.
This shaking beef recipe is a perfect mix of tender beef, juicy vegetables, and a delicious marinade. Whether you use a rib-eye or top sirloin, each cut offers a mouthwatering experience. Follow this guide for the authentic shaking beef recipe that feels like a Vietnamese gathering.
Ready to learn how to make shaking beef? Let’s start this culinary journey together. We’ll bring a taste of Vietnam to your home, one sizzling wok at a time.
Table of Contents
Key Benefits of Shaking Beef Recipe
The best shaking beef recipe is loved for many reasons. It’s quick to make, ideal for busy nights. You can have a tasty meal in no time.
This dish is a treat for your taste buds. It combines savory and slightly acidic flavors. The marinade of soy and fish sauces adds a rich umami taste.
What’s great is you can choose from different beef cuts. Sirloin steak tips are a favorite for their flavor and texture. But you can also use rib-eye or New York strip steaks. This lets you pick what suits your taste and budget.
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Cooking in a 12-inch nonstick skillet is easy. It prevents sticking and ensures even browning. Shaking and stirring the beef also helps deglaze the pan, keeping the dish simple.
Shaking beef is not just tasty and quick. It also looks great. With fresh ingredients like watercress, crispy romaine lettuce, and ripe tomatoes, it’s both healthy and beautiful.
Leftovers stay delicious for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. So, this dish is not only tasty but also practical. In short, the best shaking beef recipe is a mix of quick prep, great taste, versatility, and health benefits. It’s a must-try for any food lover.
Ingredients for Shaking Beef Recipe
To make a real traditional shaking beef recipe, you need fresh and tasty ingredients. The beef, like ribeye or tenderloin, is key for tenderness. For 3 oz beef with lettuce, onions, and tomatoes, you’ll need about 1.5 lbs top sirloin beef.
The shaking beef marinade is the heart of this dish’s flavor. Here are the must-have shaking beef ingredients:
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp thick soy sauce or low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar or agave
- 5 cloves of garlic, minced
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- 0.5 cup rice vinegar
- 1.5 tbsp sugar or agave
- 1.5 tsp kosher salt
- 4 cups watercress leaves or mixed baby greens
- 2 tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp canola oil, divided
The dipping sauce adds a tangy touch. You’ll need 1 lime’s juice, 0.5 tsp kosher salt, and 0.5 tsp fresh cracked pepper.
This recipe is in the cookbook “Dinner,” published on July 27, 2022, with an update on July 18, 2024. The cookbook has 131 recipe videos and over 1,200 recipes online. It makes 6 servings per batch, with each serving having about 268.9 kcal, 16.6 g carbs, 27.3 g protein, 10.1 g fat, 1451 mg sodium, 0.9 g fiber, and 12 g sugar.
Instructions for Shaking Beef Recipe
Start by marinating the beef cubes in a mix of oyster sauce, soy sauces, fish sauce, minced garlic, and sugar. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to soak up all the flavors.
Heat a wok over high heat and add oil. Sear the beef cubes quickly for 3 minutes. This makes the outside caramelized and the inside tender and juicy.
Before finishing, add vegetables like tomatoes. This keeps them fresh and colorful. The quick stir-fry is called the “Lúc Lắc” technique, which is why it’s called Shaking Beef.
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Serve the shaking beef on crisp lettuce, watercress, and fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. It’s best enjoyed right away to enjoy its full flavor and texture.
Optional, a lime dipping sauce can be made with lime juice, salt, and black pepper. It adds a tangy contrast to the rich beef. Follow this shaking beef preparation guide to enjoy every bite.
Pro Tips and Variations for Shaking Beef Recipe
To master the shaking beef recipe, some pro tips can make a big difference. Using a wok is a great way to get a perfect sear on the beef cubes. This is because woks can handle high heat well. Make sure each beef piece has enough room in the pan to cook evenly.
Let the beef marinate for at least 20 minutes to overnight. This will help infuse the meat with deeper flavors.
- Ingredients for Marinade: 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves.
- Key Cooking Tips: Cook the beef for 2-3 minutes without stirring, then shake or stir to brown all sides evenly. Use a hot skillet and film the bottom with canola oil for superior results.
Wondering how to enhance shaking beef? Try adding a richer sauce. You can use black soy sauce or add spices like star anise or cinnamon to the marinade. For shaking beef variations, change up the vegetables. Adding different pickles or fresh herbs like mint or basil can add unique flavors.
For a spicy twist, add chili paste or fresh chili slices. This will give your dish a bold kick.
Ingredients | Amount |
---|---|
Beef Tenderloin | 1.5 to 2 pounds |
Garlic Cloves | 8 to 10 |
Fish Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
Maggi Seasoning | 2 tablespoons |
Granulated Sugar | 3 tablespoons |
Vegetable Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Butter | 1 tablespoon (original recipe calls for 2 tablespoons) |
For a fresh twist, try a tomato rice side or garlic butter rice. Pair the beef with jasmine tea, lime soda, or a light red wine like Pinot Noir. This will enhance the flavors of your dish. Use a large wok or heavy skillet to ensure even searing.
Serving Suggestions for Shaking Beef Recipe
To make your Shaking Beef dish stand out, try these serving tips. They enhance the dish’s rich flavors. Serving the beef over jasmine rice is a favorite choice. The rice soaks up the sauce, creating a perfect mix of flavors and textures.
For a lighter option, wrap the beef in crisp lettuce leaves. Add herbs like basil and mint for a refreshing touch. This is great for warm weather or a healthier meal. The herbs balance the beef’s strong flavor.
Make a tangy dipping sauce with black pepper, salt, and lime juice. Lime wedges on the side add a burst of acidity. Pair the dish with a fresh salad of watercress, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Dress it lightly with a mix of vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and rapeseed oil. These suggestions ensure a balanced and enjoyable meal.
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Conclusion
Shaking Beef is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender beef, savory marinade, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a flavorful meal that satisfies the taste buds every time. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad, this recipe is versatile enough to match your preferences. Plus, it’s quick enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for special dinners. By following simple tips and variations, you can tailor the recipe to suit your family’s tastes. Get ready to enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a regular in your kitchen!
FAQ
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