Bò Lúc Lắc (Shaking Beef) Recipe

beef, wok, mekong, fish sauce, oyster sauce, stir fry, rice, street food
dinner, lunch
Vietnamese
Yield: 4
Author: Chef Tu David Phu
Shaking Beef [Bò Lúc Lắc]

Shaking Beef [Bò Lúc Lắc]

Prep time: 30 MinCook time: 45 MinInactive time: 15 MinTotal time: 1 H & 30 M
Shaking Beef (Vietnamese: Bò Lúc Lắc, French: bœuf lôc lac) or beef lok lak (Khmer: ឡុកឡាក់សាច់គោ, lok lak sach kor) consists of marinated beef cubes seared in a wok. Seasonings are regional but often reflect the diasporas found in, and around the Mekong Delta. Mekong Delta is a river that runs through Western China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and last Vietnam before ending its river’s journey in the South China Sea. And Historically, the Mekong Delta was the pinnacle of the east of the Silk Road. As a result, the abundance of foreign ingredients [Oyster Sauce, Soy Sauce, Ginger, Garlic, etc.] is reflected in Bò Lúc Lắc. There are many different variations of this dish, and of course, they vary by region. However, this is my favorite iteration of it. Bò Lúc Lắc is traditionally served with cucumber, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion over rice. And reserved for the most celebratory occasions because, for the longest time, it was considered a luxury item; even a taboo in parts of its history.
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Ingredients

Beef

Instructions

Marinade the Steak
  1. Cut the steak into 1/2" cubes. Trim the fat.
  2. Place the cubed steak into a large mixing bowl.
  3. Add 2 tbsp. of Oyster Sauce, 1/2 tsp. of Sesame Oil, 1 tsp. of Minced Garlic, 1/4 cup of Minced Scallion Bottoms (Whites), 2 tbsp. of Son Fish Sauce, 2 tbsp. of Palm Sugar (or Brown Sugar), 1 tbsp. of Hoisin, and 1/8 tsp. of Cracked Black Pepper to the mixing bowl of cubed steak.
  4. Use a spoon to thoroughly mix the beef with the marinade.
  5. Marinade the beef for 15 minutes.
  6. Preheat a large,thick-bottom frying pan (or wok), for 2-3 minutes on high.
  7. Add 2 tbsp. of Avocado oil to the frying pan.
  8. Once the oil starts to shimmer, tilt the pan away from your body to add the marinade beef.
  9. Sear the beef on all sides for 2 minutes, on high. 'Shake the pan' to move the beef around. *To prevent injury from shaking a hot frying pan wildly, please use a spoon instead*
  10. Then add the chunked bell peppers.
  11. Cook for another 2 minutes.
  12. Take off the heat.
  13. Serve immediately with a side of rice.

Notes

—Beef/Cattle History in Vietnam— 


[1900-1950s]

Hanoi was the capital of French-Indochina [compiled nations of Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, & the Chinese territory of Guangzhuowan]. Thus, translating a strong presence of French colonists and their palates for beef. However, local bovine only consisted of water buffalo, which was not bred for consumption.


Naturally, the cattle would find its way to Hanoi’s food scene to be substituted for water buffalo in Pho. Beef Pho was an instant hit, popping up in all the major cities in Vietnam within a few decades. Bò Lúc Lắc was born in this generation. 


[1950s-1975]

In the latter half of the 20th century, food rationing was imposed on the citizens of Vietnam, in particular rice. And left no room for other ingredients (beef) as it was considered a luxury item.


[1980s-Present]

The International Vietnamese Diaspora community [birth years:1950s-1980s] experienced severe hunger. In their new communities, they would celebrate their birthrights, by cooking with beef that was considered forbidden, in their homes; their restaurants; their community. And hopefully, next time you order [Beef Pho, or Bò Lúc Lắc] you’ll get a slightly deeper understanding of why it’s so delicious.

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Hi there!

I’m Tu David Phu—a chef, storyteller, and proud Oakland native with a deep love for the flavors and traditions of Vietnamese cuisine. This space reflects everything I hold close: the roots that shaped me, the flavors that define me, and the stories I’m passionate about sharing.

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