National Dish Ecuador: Lomo Saltado (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Lomo Saltado, a much-loved national dish of Ecuador that brings together tender strips of beef, crisp vegetables and boldly savoury seasonings. Born from the meeting of Peruvian and Chinese cooking, this quick stir-fry balances hearty flavour with fresh, colourful ingredients. Served with golden chips and fragrant rice, it makes for a satisfying supper that carries a real explosion of taste in every forkful.
About Lomo Saltado
Lomo Saltado is a popular national dish of Ecuador that unites three key elements: tender beef, fresh vegetables and aromatic seasonings. The dish has its roots in the fusion of Peruvian and Chinese cooking that grew out of Chinese immigration to South America. The combination of beef, onions, tomatoes and a special sauce delivers a distinctive flavour that is both hearty and nourishing. It is traditionally served with chips and fragrant rice, which makes it an ideal choice for a full and satisfying evening meal.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 300 g beef (such as fillet or rump steak)
- 1 large onion
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 red pepper
- 1–2 garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (balsamic or cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chips and rice, to serve
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for lomo saltado, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the beef. Fresh, good-quality beef gives you tender, juicy pieces that cook quickly and keep their flavour. The remaining ingredients, such as the vegetables and seasonings, should be fresh too so you get the best possible aroma. Many of the ingredients are easy to find at your local supermarket or weekly market.
Preparing the dish
To begin making Lomo Saltado, first prepare all the ingredients thoroughly. Cut the beef into thin strips and marinate it with soy sauce, vinegar, garlic and the seasonings. The onion, tomatoes and pepper should be cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Good preparation helps streamline the cooking process and lets you get the most out of the flavours.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok until it is hot.
- Sear the marinated beef in batches until it is lightly browned.
- Add the sliced onions, pepper and garlic and continue to fry until softened.
- Add the tomatoes and cook briefly until they begin to break down.
- Season with cumin, salt and pepper and mix everything together well.
- Serve the dish hot, together with chips and rice.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For anyone who prefers a gluten-free or lactose-free diet, Lomo Saltado is easy to adapt. Use gluten-free soy sauce, which is available in many supermarkets, to make the version without gluten. Avoid all dairy products as well and focus on the vegetables and meat to enjoy a nourishing and tasty meal. These small adjustments make the dish accessible to a wider range of diets without any loss of flavour.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For vegans and vegetarians, there are plenty of ways to modify Lomo Saltado. In place of the beef you can use tofu, tempeh or seitan, all of which make an excellent source of protein. Pulses such as black beans or chickpeas also lend a good texture and extra flavour. A splash of soy sauce or maple syrup helps build an authentic depth of taste that mimics the traditional recipe in a fully plant-based form.
More tips and tricks
A few handy tips can make preparing Lomo Saltado considerably easier. Take care to weigh out and prepare all the ingredients in advance so you can keep track of everything while cooking. The heat during frying should be high, so the meat sears well and the flavours are locked in. Fresh herbs such as coriander also work beautifully as a garnish, giving the dish not only an attractive look but an extra layer of flavour too.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The beauty of Lomo Saltado lies in how versatile the recipe is. Depending on your personal taste, you can use more or less of certain vegetables or add entirely new ingredients. Mushrooms or carrots, for example, can be sliced in to give the dish a different character. The marinade can be adjusted to your liking too, letting you reach different flavour profiles and tailor the dish to suit you.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have all of the ingredients listed above to hand, there are plenty of alternatives you can use. Instead of beef you can use poultry, pork or even fish. If you have no soy sauce available, try tamari or a homemade soy-sauce alternative. Remember that the choice of vegetables is flexible too, so you can use whatever you happen to have — be it broccoli, courgette or even aubergine. The same spirit of easy swaps runs through a hearty Seco De Chivo or a comforting Guatita.
Drink pairing ideas
Choosing the perfect drink is just as important for a thoroughly enjoyable meal. Lomo Saltado pairs well with refreshing drinks such as a chilled sugar-free lemonade or a fruity cocktail of lime and mint. Alternatively, you might consider a glass of red wine, which goes wonderfully with the hearty flavour of the dish. Make sure the drink complements the flavours of the food rather than overpowering them, so you can enjoy a harmonious combination. A traditional Canelazo makes a warming choice as well.
Serving and presentation ideas
The presentation of Lomo Saltado can raise the overall impression of the dish considerably. Use colourful plates to serve it attractively and garnish with fresh herbs, such as coriander or parsley, to create an appetising look. An appealing arrangement of the chips and rice beside the lomo saltado adds extra charm. Give the plates a personal touch by using creative designs or interesting pieces of tableware.
A bit of history
Lomo Saltado reflects the cultural blending that took place in the kitchens of South America. The dish is a marker of the culinary influences of Chinese immigrants, who combined their cooking style with traditional Peruvian ingredients. It quickly became a staple in many households, being both simple to prepare and rich in flavour. At celebrations and special occasions it is not unusual to see lomo saltado served at the table, much like other cornerstones of Ecuadorian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Lomo Saltado
In summary, Lomo Saltado is not only a wonderful dish but also the embodiment of a merging of different culinary styles. With tender pieces of beef and a variety of pan-tossed vegetables, rounded out by spicy aromas and a delicious sauce, it is a true explosion of flavour. The flexibility it offers in preparation and adaptation opens up countless ways to make it your own. Give it a go and experience the culinary essence of Ecuador!
