The history of one of Peru’s most loved dishes is quite fascinating. This dish has conquered tastebuds throughout history. It has unique hints of Inca, Asian, and European gastronomy.
Lomo Saltado combines an array of flavors that tantalizes the tastebuds. It’s marinated in aji panca peppers and cooked with tomatoes and onions.
Typically served on or beside a bed of rice next to crispy potatoes, this easy-to-make stir-fried beef is something we all should teach ourselves how to make.
If we can’t travel to Peru, we can, at the very least, bring a small aspect of it into our kitchens.
The Pre History behind the Legendary Peruvian Lomo Saltado
At this point, you may find that you’re beginning to wonder about the history behind this Peruvian dish. We’re going to dive into how Lomo Saltado came to be and how it has risen to fame.
Peruvian culture is a rich and beautiful blend of different cultures.
That’s why it doesn’t come as a surprise that their traditional food is a fusion of exceptional tastes. Lomo Saltado began its origins on a quaint street, Calle La Concepcion in Lima, often referred to as Peru’s Barrio Chino.
In recent years this street has become a tourist attraction due to its array of exciting shopping experiences.
Unsurprisingly, this famous street features restaurants that serve unique dishes that enthrall tourists with foods they may have never tried.
Peruvian cuisine has a multitude of influences combined with local ingredients. This enhances the uniqueness of each dish. In the case of Lomo Saltado, its combination of Peruvian and Chinese ingredients is consumed widely today- its unique flavours are attributed to its popularity.
How the Dish Became What It Is Today
According to famous culinary researcher Gloria Hinostroza, Lomo Saltado was created during the early 19th century. Lomo Saltado was specifically created when the Chinese chefs on Lima’s streets in Peru’s Chinco began to sauté the beef using a traditional Chinese cooking instrument, the wok.
It is said the creation of Lomo Saltado began the blend of Peruvian cooking and traditional Chinese cooking, spices and Peruvian locally sourced ingredients.
The Elements to This Chifa Dish
Chifa is the combination of Peruvian and Chinese cooking.
When visiting Peru, you might come across many Chifa restaurants.
The two main elements of Lomo Saltado are the meat and the rice.
Traditional Peruvian Lomo Saltado uses sirloin beef strips marinated in a soy sauce with various spices and a dash of vinegar.
The other essential ingredients are onions, potatoes, and tomatoes. The dish itself is effortless to make, and in no time, you will have a taste for Peruvian food.
Once you have all the ingredients at your disposal, you can quickly assemble this dish for friends and family. It’s easy to make and guaranteed to impress dinner guests.
In Conclusion
Lomo Saltado is a unique Peruvian dish that combines local and Chinese ingredients. Best served with potatoes, onions, tomatoes and rice, this dish will satisfy your savoury cravings.
Where you can try lomo saltado in Toronto
Address: 1662 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6N 1H8
Address: 992 St Clair Ave W, Toronto, ON M6E 1A2
Address: 16 Dupont St, Toronto, ON M5R 1V2
