jannababe
Culinary Explorer
I recently made Cambodian Lok Lak, and it instantly became one of my favorite comfort meals! This dish features tender stir-fried beef coated in a rich, savory sauce, served over fresh vegetables, and paired with a tangy lime-pepper dipping sauce. It's simple, delicious, and packed with umami flavors. Here’s how you can make it at home:
Ingredients:
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 1 lb beef (sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Salad Base:
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 small cucumber, sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cups lettuce leaves, roughly chopped
For the Lime-Pepper Dipping Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Serving:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Optional: Fried egg (one per serving)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, tomato paste, and sugar.
- Add the beef slices and mix well to coat. Let it marinate for 20-30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Salad Base:
- Arrange the lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and onion on a large serving plate or individual plates. Set aside.
3. Make the Lime-Pepper Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix fresh lime juice, black pepper, and salt. Adjust to taste and set aside.
4. Cook the Beef:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the marinated beef and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Pour in any leftover marinade and let it thicken slightly.
5. Assemble and Serve:
- Place the cooked beef on top of the prepared salad base.
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice and a fried egg on the side, if desired.
- Drizzle the lime-pepper sauce over the beef or serve it on the side for dipping.
Conclusion:
Cambodian Lok Lak is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, from the savory beef to the refreshing crunch of the vegetables and the zesty lime-pepper kick. It's a quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a special treat. Give it a try—you’ll love every bite!
