Cambodian Beef Loc Lac with Zesty Lime Sauce
Experience the vibrant flavors of Cambodia with this authentic recipe for Beef Loc Lac, a dish that combines tender marinated beef with a refreshing lime dipping sauce. This flavorful stir-fry is known for its savory notes, highlighted by a tangy lime dressing that brings an exciting contrast to the richness of the beef. Perfect for gatherings or a delightful family dinner, serve it with jasmine rice and crisp lettuce for a complete meal. Share the joy of Cambodian cuisine with your loved ones!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Kosher salt
2 pinches (for seasoning the beef and sauce)
Sugar
1 tablespoon (for marinating beef)
Garlic
1 tablespoon, finely chopped (for marinating beef)
Fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (for marinating beef)
Soybean oil
3 tablespoons (for sautéing)
Beef tenderloin or sirloin
2 lbs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Lime juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed for dipping sauce)
Water
1/4 cup (for diluting lime sauce)
Mushroom soy sauce
1/3 cup (for added flavor)
Young lettuce leaves
15-20 (for garnish)
Scallion tops
1/4 cup, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Jasmine rice
as needed (for serving)
Instructions
1
Marinade the Beef: Begin by combining kosher salt, sugar, finely chopped garlic, and freshly ground black pepper in a shallow dish. Mix well and add the beef tenderloin or sirloin cubes, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour at room temperature, or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
2
Prepare the Lime Dipping Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine freshly squeezed lime juice, water, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and finely chopped garlic. Stir until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved. Set this aside at room temperature for the flavors to develop.
3
Cook the Beef: Heat a large sauté pan or wok over high heat until very hot. Add soybean oil, and when it shimmers, sprinkle in the sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper. Stir-fry quickly for about 30 seconds to caramelize, taking care not to burn the garlic.
4
Add the marinated beef to the pan, stirring vigorously for about 2 minutes until the beef is browned but still tender. Introduce the mushroom soy sauce and stir continuously for an additional 2 minutes or until the beef reaches your desired doneness (best served medium-rare).
5
Plate and Serve: On a large serving platter, arrange the young lettuce leaves as a colorful garnish. Place the cooked beef in the center and sprinkle with thinly sliced scallion tops. Serve alongside jasmine rice cooked to perfection and with the zesty lime dipping sauce for a refreshing balance.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cambodian Beef Loc Lac?
Cambodian Beef Loc Lac is an authentic stir-fry dish featuring tender marinated beef cubes served with a zesty lime dipping sauce and fresh vegetables.
What cut of beef is recommended for this recipe?
For the best results, use beef tenderloin or sirloin cut into 1-inch cubes to ensure the meat remains tender after stir-frying.
How long should I marinate the beef?
You should marinate the beef for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, but for deeper flavor, you can let it sit for up to 1 hour or even overnight in the refrigerator.
What are the ingredients for the lime dipping sauce?
The sauce is a mixture of freshly squeezed lime juice, water, sugar, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and finely chopped garlic.
How do I cook the beef to ensure it stays juicy?
Cook the beef in a very hot pan or wok over high heat for about 2 minutes to brown it quickly while keeping it tender, ideally aiming for medium-rare doneness.
What is mushroom soy sauce and can I substitute it?
Mushroom soy sauce is a dark soy sauce infused with mushroom essence for extra umami. If unavailable, you can use regular dark soy sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a dash of oyster sauce.
What should I serve with Beef Loc Lac?
It is traditionally served with jasmine rice, crisp young lettuce leaves, and the signature zesty lime dipping sauce.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning in the wok?
Stir-fry the garlic quickly for only about 30 seconds until it caramelizes and becomes fragrant, then immediately add the beef to lower the pan's temperature.
Is the lime dipping sauce served hot or cold?
The lime dipping sauce is served at room temperature to provide a refreshing contrast to the hot stir-fried beef.
What type of oil is best for this stir-fry?
Soybean oil is recommended in this recipe due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, which is perfect for high-heat cooking.
Can I use lemon juice instead of lime?
While lime is traditional for its specific tartness, lemon juice can be used as a substitute, though it will slightly alter the authentic flavor profile.
What is the purpose of the sugar in the beef marinade?
Sugar helps to balance the savory flavors of the salt and soy sauce and assists in the caramelization of the beef during the high-heat cooking process.
How many calories are in this dish?
The specific calorie count is not provided, but the dish consists of lean beef, rice, and fresh vegetables, making it a balanced meal.
Is Beef Loc Lac spicy?
The heat in this recipe comes primarily from freshly ground black pepper rather than chili peppers, making it flavorful but not overly spicy.
How should the lettuce be arranged on the platter?
The young lettuce leaves should be arranged as a colorful garnish on a large serving platter, with the beef placed directly in the center.
What garnish is used for the beef?
The cooked beef is sprinkled with thinly sliced scallion tops to add a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
Can I prepare the lime sauce in advance?
Yes, the lime dipping sauce can be prepared ahead of time and kept at room temperature to allow the garlic and pepper flavors to fully develop.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 12 main ingredients including the beef, rice, and various seasonings for the marinade and sauce.
What is the significance of the water in the dipping sauce?
Water is used to dilute the lime juice and salt, ensuring the dipping sauce is balanced and not too overpowering for the tender beef.
Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?
While jasmine rice is the traditional pairing for its floral aroma, brown rice can be used if you prefer a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
What size should the beef cubes be?
The beef should be cut into 1-inch cubes to ensure they cook quickly and evenly in the wok.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the mushroom soy sauce you use is a certified gluten-free variety.
Can I add other vegetables to the stir-fry?
Traditional Loc Lac focuses on the beef, but you can serve it with sliced tomatoes and cucumbers alongside the lettuce for a more vegetable-heavy meal.
Why is high heat necessary for this recipe?
High heat is essential for 'searing' the beef, which locks in juices and creates the characteristic browned exterior without overcooking the inside.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover beef and rice should be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the lime sauce separately.
Is this dish suitable for kids?
Yes, most kids enjoy the savory-sweet flavor of the beef and the simple side of rice, and they can choose to use as much or as little dipping sauce as they like.
What is the texture of the beef in Loc Lac?
The beef should be tender and succulent on the inside with a slightly caramelized, savory crust on the outside.
How do I prepare the scallions?
The scallion tops should be thinly sliced and used as a fresh garnish over the hot beef just before serving.
Can I substitute the beef with chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken breast or thighs cut into cubes, though the cooking time and flavor profile will vary from the traditional beef version.
What makes the lime sauce 'zesty'?
The combination of fresh lime juice, sharp garlic, and the bite of freshly ground black pepper creates the signature 'zesty' flavor of the sauce.