Savory & Spicy Lomo Saltado – A Taste of Peru at Home

Bring bold Peruvian flavor to your table with this Savory & Spicy Lomo Saltado! Tender beef, sautéed onions and tomatoes, and a kick of ají amarillo paste come together in this quick, crave-worthy stir-fry.

Savory & Spicy Lomo Saltado – A Taste of Peru at Home

I’ve made more stir-fries than I can count—quick weeknight veggie tosses, saucy noodle wonders, sizzling skillet meals with every protein you can imagine. But this one? This Savory & Spicy Lomo Saltado just might be the most exciting addition to my stir-fry repertoire yet. It’s not just about speed or simplicity (though it checks both boxes), it’s about flavor—rich, bold, and unmistakably Peruvian.

Peruvian food has always held a special place in my heart, but for the longest time, I hesitated to try it at home. It felt like a cuisine best left to restaurants—complex, layered, mysterious. But as it turns out, the magic of Lomo Saltado is totally within reach. A few pantry staples, a spoonful of ají amarillo paste for that signature heat, and suddenly my kitchen smelled like a Lima street corner at dinnertime.

The first time I made it, I realized just how approachable—and addictive—it really is. Juicy strips of beef seared to perfection, sweet onions and tomatoes tossed in a soy-vinegar glaze, and that glorious finishing touch: golden fries served right on top, with steamed rice to catch every drop of the sauce. It’s fusion comfort food at its finest—and now, a regular on my dinner rotation.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients do I need?

Meat 

• Sirloin steak or beef tenderloin

Produce

• Red onion

• Tomatoes (or Roma tomatoes)

• Garlic

• Potatoes (for fries) (optional if not using frozen)

International/Latin Foods

• Ají amarillo paste

Spices & Seasonings

• Ground cumin

• Salt

• Black pepper

Oils & Vinegars

• Vegetable oil

• Red wine vinegar (or white vinegar)

Baking

• Cornstarch

Asian/Global Sauces

• Soy sauce

Broth & Canned Goods

• Beef broth (or substitute with water)

Frozen Foods (optional shortcut)

• Frozen French fries

Grains & Rice

• White rice

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

Don’t have every ingredient on hand? No worries—here are some easy swaps to keep the flavor going strong:

• Beef: Use chicken thighs, pork loin, or even tofu for a different protein twist.

• Red wine vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar works in a pinch.

• Beef broth: Chicken broth, veggie broth, or even water with a splash of soy sauce can do the job.

• Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes or canned whole tomatoes (drained and roughly chopped) are good stand-ins.

• French fries: Use frozen fries for ease, or try roasted potato wedges 

Recipe Variations

Looking to mix things up? These Lomo Saltado twists keep the essence of the dish while offering fresh spins:

• Chicken Saltado: Swap the beef for boneless chicken thighs or breasts for a lighter take that still packs plenty of flavor.

• Vegetarian Saltado: Use mushrooms (like portobello or oyster), extra-firm tofu, or even seitan as your protein base. Add extra veggies like zucchini or green beans for bulk.

• Seafood Saltado: Try shrimp or scallops for a coastal-inspired twist—just be sure to cook them quickly to avoid overcooking.

Kitchen Tips and Notes

• High Heat = Great Sear: Lomo Saltado is all about that quick, hot stir-fry. Use a wok or large skillet and don’t overcrowd the pan—cook the beef in batches to get that golden sear without steaming it.

• Don’t Overcook the Tomatoes: Add the tomatoes near the end and cook just until they soften slightly—they should help form a light sauce, not become mushy.

• Shortcut with Frozen Fries: No shame in skipping the homemade potatoes—frozen fries baked or air-fried until crisp are a great time-saver.

• Let It Rest: After cooking, let the stir-fry rest for 2–3 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and juices redistribute.

• Double the Batch: Lomo Saltado reheats well—make extra for lunch the next day. Just keep rice and fries separate so they don’t get soggy.

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🍽️ Your Turn!

Ready to bring the bold flavors of Peru into your kitchen? Give this Savory & Spicy Lomo Saltado a try and let me know how it turns out! Share your photos, tips, or any tasty twists you make—I’d love to hear your take on this classic. Don’t forget to tag me @SliceofSouthern if you post it on Instagram!