Vietnamese Shaking Beef Recipe​ : The Authentic Recipe

Vietnamese Shaking Beef, known as « Bò Lúc Lắc », is an iconic dish that captivates with its simplicity and vibrant flavors. This dish, whose name literally means « shaking beef » in reference to the movement of the pan during cooking, offers a perfect balance between tender meat and intense aromas.

What is Bò Lúc Lắc?

Bò Lúc Lắc is a Vietnamese dish consisting of tender pieces of beef quickly sautéed over high heat, then seasoned with a savory sweet-salty sauce. Traditionally served on a bed of salad or accompanied by rice, this dish is recognizable by its caramelized beef cubes and slightly crunchy onions that give it an incomparable texture and taste.

What truly distinguishes this dish is its quick preparation that preserves all the tenderness of the meat while coating it in complex flavors thanks to a carefully balanced marinade. Vietnamese cuisine excels in the art of creating simple yet deeply flavorful dishes, and Bò Lúc Lắc is the perfect illustration of this.

Why You’ll Love This Vietnamese Shaking Beef Recipe

Our version of Vietnamese Shaking Beef captures the essence of this traditional dish while remaining accessible to amateur cooks. This recipe will win you over with:

• Its quick preparation, ideal for a weeknight dinner
• Its authentic flavors that transport you directly to the bustling streets of Saigon
• The perfect balance between tender meat and caramelized sauce
• Its versatility that allows you to adapt it according to your preferences
• The contrast of textures between melt-in-your-mouth beef and crunchy onions

Ingredients Needed for Vietnamese Shaking Beef

For 4 people:

• 700g beef (filet mignon, sirloin, or ribeye), cut into 2-3 cm cubes
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons sugar (preferably brown sugar)
• 1 medium yellow onion, cut into quarters
• 4 green onions, cut into 5 cm sections
• 3 tablespoons high smoke point vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon MSG (optional, to enhance umami flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Vietnamese Shaking Beef Recipe

Preparing the Ingredients and Marinating the Beef

1. Start by cutting the beef into regular 2-3 cm cubes. Be sure to remove nerves and excess fat to ensure tender meat.
2. In a bowl, prepare the marinade by mixing soy sauce, oyster sauce, chopped garlic, sugar, and half of the black pepper.
3. Add the beef pieces to this marinade and gently mix to coat them well. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2 hours. This step is crucial for the meat to absorb the flavors and become more tender.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the vegetables: cut the yellow onion into quarters and the green onions into sections.

Cooking the Beef to Perfection

1. Remove the meat from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before cooking so it returns to room temperature.
2. Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Using a cast iron pan is ideal for good caramelization.
3. Add the oil and wait until it’s very hot, almost smoking. This high temperature is essential for quickly searing the meat without it releasing its juices.
4. Drain the beef pieces (reserve the marinade) and arrange them in the pan in a single layer, without crowding them. You may need to proceed in several batches if your pan is too small.
5. Let the beef cook without touching it for about 1 minute so it caramelizes well on one side, then quickly turn the pieces to sear the other side for an additional minute.

Adding Onions for Optimal Flavor

1. Quickly remove the beef from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
2. In the same pan, add the yellow onion quarters and sauté them for about 1 minute until they begin to soften but remain crunchy.
3. Add the green onions and sauté them for an additional 30 seconds.
4. Return the beef to the pan, add the reserved marinade, and stir vigorously for 30 seconds to 1 minute to coat all ingredients and allow the sauce to caramelize slightly.

Garnishing and Serving

1. Pour the contents of the pan into a preheated serving dish.
2. Sprinkle with the remaining freshly ground black pepper and, if desired, a little MSG to enhance the flavors.
3. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh cilantro and slices of tomatoes if you wish.

Tips for Successful Stir-Fried Beef

Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

The key to successful Vietnamese Shaking Beef lies in the choice of meat. Opt for tender cuts such as filet mignon, sirloin, or ribeye. These cuts offer the melt-in-your-mouth texture characteristic of the dish. Avoid cuts that are too lean, which could become dry after cooking.

Temperature and Cooking Equipment

The success of this dish depends on quick cooking at very high temperature. Ideally use a wok or cast iron pan that retains heat well. Make sure your pan is extremely hot before adding the meat – this is what gives you that beautiful exterior caramelization while keeping the inside juicy.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

To ensure perfect searing, absolutely avoid overcrowding your pan. If you’re cooking for several people, cook the meat in several batches. An overly full pan would lower the temperature and cause juice release that would boil the meat instead of searing it.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetarian Options

Vietnamese Shaking Beef can be adapted into a vegetarian version by replacing beef with firm tofu or seitan. For tofu, be sure to press it well before use to eliminate excess water, then cut it into cubes and marinate it as indicated for beef. You can also add shiitake or button mushrooms for a more complex texture.

Other Meat Cuts

If you prefer to vary, this recipe adapts perfectly to other meats such as pork (tenderloin), chicken (breast), or even duck. Simply adjust the cooking time according to the chosen meat.

Adaptations for Different Dietary Preferences

For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari. If you follow a low-sodium diet, reduce the amount of soy sauce and increase aromatics like garlic and ginger to compensate.

Serving Suggestions

• Cheesy Rice Recipe
• Crispy French fries
• Broccoli Cauliflower Salad
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1/4 of the recipe):

• Calories: approximately 385 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Sodium: 890mg

These values may vary depending on the exact ingredients used and the portions served.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to Store and Reheat Vietnamese Stir-Fried Beef

If you have leftovers (which is rare as this dish is so delicious!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a maximum of 2 days. To reheat, use a hot pan rather than a microwave to preserve the texture of the meat. Add a few drops of water or broth to revive the sauce.

What’s the secret to getting restaurant-quality caramelization?

The three secrets are:

1) A very hot pan,

2) Not overcrowding the meat (cook in batches if needed), and

3) Letting the meat sear undisturbed for about a minute before tossing or turning.

Is MSG necessary in this recipe?

No, MSG is optional. While it enhances the umami flavor, many home cooks omit it. You can achieve excellent results without it by ensuring you’re using quality oyster sauce and properly searing the meat to develop flavor.

Vietnamese Shaking Beef is a dish that will transport you to the heart of Vietnamese gastronomy, blending traditional and colonial influences in an explosion of flavors. With these detailed instructions, you are now ready to recreate this classic at home. Enjoy your meal, or as they say in Vietnam, « Ngon miệng »!