Vietnamese Shaken Beef with Fresh Cilantro, Basil and Mint
Craving a quick, flavourful meal that delivers on taste and ease? Vietnamese Shaken Beef, or Bò Lúc Lắc, is just the dish for you. This delightful recipe combines tender, savoury-sweet marinated beef with vibrant peppers and onions. Served over jasmine rice and garnished with fresh herbs, it's a dish that promises to delight. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Ingredients
45 milliliters soy sauce
30 milliliters oyster sauce
15 milliliters fish sauce
15 grams sugar
5 grams freshly ground black pepper
700 grams beef tenderloin, cut into bite-size cubes
15 milliliters vegetable oil
30 grams unsalted butter
1 large red onion, halved and sliced 6 mm thick
1-2 red or green bell peppers, stemmed, seeded and sliced into 6 mm strips
3 cloves garlic, minced
Kosher salt
960 milliliters cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Cilantro, mint and/or basil
Lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Mix until well combined. Place the beef in another medium bowl. Add half of the marinade and toss to coat. Marinate at room temperature for at least 10 minutes.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Warm oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. Once very hot, add the marinated beef, spreading it into a single layer. If necessary, work in batches. Sear without stirring until a crust forms on one side, 1-2 minutes. Continue cooking until a medium piece of meat is just shy of your preferred doneness, 1-2 minutes more for medium-rare. Spoon the beef onto a large platter, spreading out to prevent steaming.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pan used to cook the beef, melt butter and reduce heat to medium. Stir in the onions and peppers. Sauté until soft but not caramelised, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic. Sauté until fragrant but not browned, about 30 seconds.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Return the beef to the pan with the vegetables and pour in the remaining marinade and any accumulated meat juices. Increase heat to high and sauté until all elements are evenly coated, about 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or fish sauce if desired. Serve immediately over rice. Garnish with herbs and a squeeze of lime.
Wine Pairing
Elevate your dining experience with these fantastic wine pairings:
Marques De Grinon Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Red Wine: Buy here
Pinot Noir "Petit Clos" 2020 Red Wine: Buy here
Valmoissine Pinot Noir 2019 Red Wine: Buy here
These wines perfectly complement the rich, savoury flavours of the shaken beef, enhancing your overall dining experience.
Conclusion
Vietnamese Shaken Beef with Fresh Cilantro, Basil and Mint is a delightful blend of flavours and textures that promises to be a hit at your dinner table. Simple yet sophisticated, this dish is a testament to the magic that can happen when quality ingredients and expert techniques come together. Don't forget to pair it with one of our recommended wines for an unforgettable meal.
Enjoy your culinary adventure!