Asian Garlic Beef Cubes Vietnamese Bo Luc Lac Or Shaking Beef Marinating

Savory, sweet, and utterly irresistible, Bo Luc Lac, or Shaking Beef, is a beloved Vietnamese dish that’s sure to delight your senses.

Tender beef cubes marinate in a flavorful mix of fish sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger before being quickly seared to perfection and tossed with caramelized scallions.

Ready Time

2 hrs

Yields

7 servings

Ingredients

2 lbs beef cubes (such as ribeye or sirloin), cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup fish sauce
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons chopped scallions, for garnish
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare a large bowl and whisk together fish sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar, lime juice, and black pepper to make the marinade.

Add the beef cubes to the marinade and toss to coat.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Preheat a large skillet or wok over high heat.

Remove the beef from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off.

Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the preheated skillet and swirl to coat.

Add the beef cubes in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.

Once hot, add the chopped scallions and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until slightly caramelized.

Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss to combine with the scallions.

Season with salt to taste.

Transfer the beef mixture to a serving platter and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro.

Serve immediately and share with your friends and family!

Notes

For a more intense flavor, let the beef marinate overnight in the refrigerator.

You can adjust the level of doneness to your liking, but for food safety, make sure the beef reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).

To toast sesame seeds, simply place them in a small dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until lightly browned and fragrant.

For a variation, try adding sliced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the skillet with the scallions for added flavor and texture.

If you can’t find fresh ginger, you can substitute it with 1 teaspoon of ground ginger.

However, fresh ginger provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.