Shaking Beef Recipe: Flavorful & Tender Stir-Fry

Shaking Beef, or Bò Lúc Lắc, is a popular Vietnamese dish known for its tender, juicy beef cubes tossed in a savory, sweet sauce and served over a bed of greens or rice. The dish is called “shaking” because the beef cubes are literally shaken in the pan as they cook, ensuring an even sear and juicy interior. This dish is incredibly flavorful, with a combination of garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of lime that gives it the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, Shaking Beef is quick, easy, and absolutely delicious. Whether served with steamed rice, salad, or just on its own, it’s a sure way to add some excitement to your meal rotation!

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Why You’ll Love Shaking Beef

This dish is a true crowd-pleaser. The beef is cooked quickly to a perfect caramelized crisp on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. The tangy-sweet sauce brings bold flavors to the table, and the shaking technique gives the beef the perfect texture. Plus, this recipe is quick and easy—it only takes about 30 minutes to prepare, so it’s ideal for busy nights or a casual dinner gathering. You’ll feel like a pro chef making this flavorful, high-impact dish in no time!

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Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 1 lb beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped into large chunks
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey (or sugar, if preferred)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

For the Serving:

• Steamed rice or salad greens (for serving)

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How to Make Shaking Beef

1. Prepare the Beef Marinade

• In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, honey, black pepper, and lime juice. Stir to combine and dissolve the honey (or sugar). Add the beef cubes and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade.
• Let the beef marinate for 15-20 minutes to absorb all the delicious flavors. You can also marinate it longer (up to 1 hour) if you have more time.

2. Cook the Beef

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it.
• Add the beef cubes to the pan in a single layer. Let them sear without moving them for about 2-3 minutes to get a good caramelized crust on the first side.
• After 2-3 minutes, shake the pan gently or use tongs to flip the beef cubes and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side, ensuring the beef is browned on all sides.
• Add the onion chunks to the pan, stirring gently to combine with the beef. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the onions are slightly softened and the beef is cooked through (but still tender). Be sure not to overcook the beef to maintain its juiciness.

3. Serve

• Transfer the cooked beef and onions onto a serving plate. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
• Serve the Shaking Beef with a side of steamed rice or fresh salad greens for a complete meal. You can also serve it with some lime wedges for extra zest.

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Pro Tips

1. Choosing the Right Beef: For the best results, use sirloin or tenderloin as they are tender cuts that cook quickly and remain juicy. You can also use flank steak or rib-eye for a more flavorful option, but they may need a bit more attention to cooking time to keep them tender.
2. Marinade Time: While the recipe calls for 15-20 minutes of marination, letting the beef sit for an hour or even overnight will allow the flavors to really develop, especially if you have more time to spare.
3. High Heat Cooking: The key to getting a great sear on the beef is high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the beef, and don’t overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the beef in batches depending on the size of your pan.
4. Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with a simple cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to add crunch and balance the richness of the beef. It’s also delicious served over a bed of steamed jasmine rice.

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How to Serve

• With Rice: The beef and onions are perfect when served over a fluffy bowl of steamed jasmine rice. The rice will soak up all the savory, tangy sauce from the beef, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
• With Salad: For a lighter option, serve the beef on a bed of fresh greens, like arugula or spinach, and drizzle with a bit of extra lime juice for freshness.
• As Appetizers: Shaking Beef also makes for a great appetizer or small plate, especially if served in bite-sized portions with toothpicks or skewers.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving of Shaking Beef (assuming 4 servings):

• Calories: 350-400
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 10-15g (depending on whether served with rice or salad)
• Fiber: 2-3g (if served with vegetables)

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Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the beef in a skillet over low heat with a bit of oil or water to prevent it from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
• Freezing: Shaking Beef can be frozen for up to 2 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container and defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Conclusion

Shaking Beef is a quick, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible dish that will spice up your regular dinner routine. With tender beef, a deliciously tangy marinade, and simple ingredients, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something packed with flavor but easy to make. Whether you enjoy it with rice, salad, or just on its own, you’re in for a tasty treat that’s sure to satisfy!