Protein Bowls

Peruvian Lomo Saltado Bowl

Name: Peruvian Lomo Saltado Bowl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) beef strips, cut into thin slices; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup (115g) mixed bell peppers, sliced; 1 cup (115g) cooked white rice; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

By Odette Ainsworth · June 19, 2026 · Protein Bowls

Prep20 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember my first trip to Peru, where I fell in love with the bold flavors and vibrant culture of this stunning country. One dish that left a lasting impression on me was Lomo Saltado, a classic Peruvian stir-fry that combines tender beef, crispy vegetables, and savory rice. In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a delicious Peruvian Lomo Saltado Bowl that's perfect for a quick and easy dinner.

As a home cook and founder of Gets Recipes, I'm passionate about creating protein-forward meals that are both nourishing and delicious. Lomo Saltado is a perfect example of this, with its tender beef, crispy vegetables, and savory rice. This recipe is also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.

So what makes this recipe special? For starters, it's incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking techniques. The result is a dish that's both flavorful and nutritious, with a perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.

Whether you're a busy professional looking for a quick and easy dinner solution or a foodie looking to explore new flavors and cuisines, this Peruvian Lomo Saltado Bowl recipe is sure to become a favorite. So let's get started and dive into the world of Peruvian cuisine!

In this recipe, we'll be using a combination of tender beef, crispy vegetables, and savory rice to create a dish that's both nourishing and delicious. We'll also be exploring some of the key techniques and ingredients that make Peruvian cuisine so unique and flavorful. So let's get cooking and see what makes this recipe so special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
It's a great source of protein and healthy fats
The combination of beef, vegetables, and rice makes for a filling and satisfying meal
It's perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner
The flavors are bold and delicious, with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory
It's a great way to explore Peruvian cuisine and culture

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Lomo Saltado is in the balance of flavors and textures. By using a combination of tender beef, crispy vegetables, and savory rice, we can create a dish that's both nourishing and delicious. The beef is cooked to perfection using a quick stir-fry technique, which helps to lock in the juices and flavors.

The vegetables are also cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior and a tender interior. This is achieved by using a high heat and a small amount of oil, which helps to caramelize the natural sugars in the vegetables and bring out their natural flavors.

The rice is also a key component of this dish, providing a savory and comforting base for the beef and vegetables. By using a flavorful broth and a touch of soy sauce, we can add depth and umami flavor to the rice, which helps to balance out the other ingredients in the dish.

Overall, the combination of tender beef, crispy vegetables, and savory rice makes for a dish that's both flavorful and nutritious. The techniques used in this recipe, such as stir-frying and caramelizing, help to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients and create a dish that's both delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Peruvian Lomo Saltado Bowl, you'll need a few simple ingredients. These include tender beef, crispy vegetables, savory rice, and a few key spices and seasonings. In this section, we'll go over each of the ingredients in detail, including where to find them and how to choose the best quality.

One of the key ingredients in this recipe is the beef. We'll be using thinly sliced beef, which can be found at most supermarkets or butcher shops. Look for beef that's labeled as 'stir-fry' or 'fajita-style', as this will be the most tender and flavorful.

1 lb (450g) beef strips, cut into thin slicesLook for beef that's labeled as 'stir-fry' or 'fajita-style', as this will be the most tender and flavorful. You can also use other cuts of beef, such as flank steak or skirt steak, but these may require a bit more cooking time.
2 tablespoons vegetable oilUse a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or grapeseed oil. This will help to prevent the oil from burning or smoking during the cooking process.
1 onion, thinly slicedLook for an onion that's firm and has no signs of sprouting. You can also use other types of onions, such as red or yellow onions, but these may have a slightly sweeter flavor.
2 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use jarred garlic, but this may have a slightly different flavor and texture.
1 cup (115g) mixed bell peppers, slicedLook for bell peppers that are firm and have no signs of wrinkling. You can use any color bell pepper you like, but red and yellow bell peppers will add a bit of sweetness to the dish.
1 cup (115g) cooked white riceUse cooked white rice that's fluffy and separate. You can cook the rice according to the package instructions, or use leftover rice from a previous meal.
2 tablespoons soy sauceUse a high-quality soy sauce that's low in sodium. You can also use other types of soy sauce, such as tamari or coconut aminos, but these may have a slightly different flavor.
1 tablespoon tomato pasteUse a high-quality tomato paste that's made from fresh tomatoes. You can also use canned crushed tomatoes, but these may have a slightly different flavor and texture.
1 teaspoon ground cuminUse a high-quality cumin that's freshly ground. You can also use other types of cumin, such as smoked cumin or toasted cumin, but these may have a slightly different flavor.
1/2 teaspoon paprikaUse a high-quality paprika that's sweet and smoky. You can also use other types of paprika, such as smoked paprika or hot paprika, but these may have a slightly different flavor.
Salt and pepper to tasteUse a high-quality salt and pepper that's freshly ground. You can also use other types of salt and pepper, such as sea salt or black pepper, but these may have a slightly different flavor.

Ingredients for Peruvian Lomo Saltado Bowl

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsInstant-read thermometerTongs or spatula

How to Make Peruvian Lomo Saltado Bowl

1
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
2
Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
3
Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it's translucent and starting to caramelize. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4
Add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until they're tender and lightly browned. Stir in the soy sauce, tomato paste, ground cumin, and paprika, and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5
Add the cooked white rice to the skillet and stir to combine with the vegetables and seasonings. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the rice is heated through and starting to brown.
6
Return the beef to the skillet and stir to combine with the rice and vegetables. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the beef is heated through and the flavors are combined.
7
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot and enjoy!
8
To serve, divide the Lomo Saltado mixture among individual bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or scallions, if desired.
9
You can also customize the dish to your taste by adding other ingredients, such as diced tomatoes or sliced avocado.
10
For a spicy kick, add a diced jalapeno pepper to the skillet with the onions and garlic.
11
To make the dish more substantial, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
12
Experiment with different types of protein, such as chicken or tofu, for a variation on the recipe.
13
For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and add additional vegetables, such as sliced mushrooms or diced zucchini.

Expert Tips

Use a high-quality cut of beef for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the beef, as it can become tough and dry.
Use a variety of colorful bell peppers to add visual appeal to the dish.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and spices to make the dish your own.
For a crispy texture, cook the rice in a separate pan with a small amount of oil until it's golden brown and crispy.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the dish just before serving for a burst of citrus flavor.
Use leftover rice and vegetables to make the dish more efficient and reduce food waste.
For a spicy kick, add a diced jalapeno pepper to the skillet with the onions and garlic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the beef, which can make it tough and dry.
Not using enough oil in the skillet, which can cause the ingredients to stick and burn.
Not stirring the ingredients frequently enough, which can cause them to burn or become unevenly cooked.
Not seasoning the dish enough, which can make it taste bland and unappetizing.
Not using fresh and high-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not serving the dish immediately, which can cause the ingredients to become soggy and unappetizing.

Variations and Substitutions

Add diced chicken or tofu for a protein-packed variation.
Use different types of vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, for a varied flavor and texture.
Add a spicy kick with diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
Use leftover rice and vegetables to make the dish more efficient and reduce food waste.
Experiment with different seasonings and spices, such as cumin or coriander, to give the dish a unique flavor.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the dish just before serving for a burst of citrus flavor.
Use a variety of colorful bell peppers to add visual appeal to the dish.

What to Serve With Peruvian Lomo Saltado Bowl

This Peruvian Lomo Saltado Bowl is perfect for serving as a main dish, and can be customized to your taste with a variety of toppings and sides. Some ideas include diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, sour cream, and shredded cheese.

You can also serve the dish with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.

Serve with diced tomatoes and sliced avocado for a fresh and flavorful topping.Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the dish just before serving for a burst of citrus flavor.Use a variety of colorful bell peppers to add visual appeal to the dish.Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, for a well-rounded and nutritious meal.

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Peruvian Lomo Saltado Bowl can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply microwave the dish until it's hot and steaming, or reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop.

To freeze, portion the dish into individual containers or freezer bags, and label with the date and contents. When you're ready to eat, simply thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator, or reheat it from frozen in the microwave or skillet.

It's also a good idea to cook the rice and vegetables separately, and then combine them with the beef and seasonings just before serving. This will help to prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy or unappetizing.

In addition, you can also make the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to serve. This is a great option for meal prep or for making a large batch of the dish for a crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of beef is best for Lomo Saltado?

A high-quality cut of beef, such as sirloin or ribeye, is best for Lomo Saltado. Look for beef that's labeled as 'stir-fry' or 'fajita-style', as this will be the most tender and flavorful.

Can I use other types of protein in place of beef?

Yes, you can use other types of protein, such as chicken or tofu, in place of beef. Simply adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly.

What type of vegetables are best for Lomo Saltado?

A variety of colorful bell peppers, onions, and garlic are traditional in Lomo Saltado. You can also use other vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, for a varied flavor and texture.

Can I make Lomo Saltado ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Lomo Saltado ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you're ready to serve. Simply reheat the dish until it's hot and steaming, and serve with your favorite toppings and sides.

Is Lomo Saltado spicy?

Lomo Saltado can be spicy, depending on the level of heat you prefer. You can add diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the dish for a spicy kick, or omit them for a milder flavor.

Can I serve Lomo Saltado as a main dish?

Yes, Lomo Saltado can be served as a main dish, and is perfect for a quick and easy dinner. Simply customize the dish to your taste with a variety of toppings and sides, and serve with your favorite beverages.

What type of rice is best for Lomo Saltado?

A high-quality white rice is best for Lomo Saltado. Look for rice that's fluffy and separate, and cook it according to the package instructions.

Can I use leftover rice and vegetables in Lomo Saltado?

Yes, you can use leftover rice and vegetables in Lomo Saltado. Simply cook the rice and vegetables separately, and then combine them with the beef and seasonings just before serving.

The Full Recipe

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