How to cook Shaking Beef

Originating from Vietnam, Shaking Beef has become a beloved dish worldwide. Its name reflects the vigorous shaking motion used during cooking, ensuring even searing. What once was a luxury for special occasions is now a meal you can easily prepare at home.

The dish features tender beef cubes, quickly seared in a hot pan or wok. The marinade, often a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and onions, enhances the beef’s natural flavor. Served with fresh tomatoes, crisp peppers, and a side of rice, Shaking Beef offers a harmonious balance of savory and zesty flavors.

Essential Ingredients and Preparation Tips

When it comes to crafting an unforgettable Shaking Beef dish, the right ingredients and proper preparation are key. This section will guide you through selecting the best beef cut and creating a flavorful marinade.

Shaking Beef

Shaking Beef is a vibrant Vietnamese dish featuring tender beef cubes marinated in savory oyster sauce, garlic, and pepper, seared at high heat for a caramelized crust, and served atop crisp lettuce with tomatoes, red onion, and zesty lime dipping sauce. Cooked quickly in batches to ensure a perfect sear, it balances bold umami flavors with fresh, crunchy textures.

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Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine vietnam

Servings 4 people

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 500 g beef sirloin or tenderloin cut into 2cm cubes
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter for cooking
• 3 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce optional, for color
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 4 garlic cloves minced
• 1 red onion sliced into thin wedges
• 2 tomatoes sliced into wedges or rounds
• 1 head butter lettuce or red leaf lettuce washed and leaves separated
• 1 bunch watercress optional, for garnish
• 2 tbsp neutral oil e.g., vegetable or avocado oil
• 2 limes juiced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Notes

• Marinate the beef: Combine cubed beef, oyster sauce, soy sauces, sugar, pepper, and minced garlic. Mix well and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).
• Prep vegetables: Wash and dry lettuce, watercress, tomatoes, and red onion. Arrange lettuce on a serving platter with tomato and onion slices.

Keyword beef, bo luc lac, shaking beef

Cooking Instructions for Shaking Beef

1. Marinate the Beef

Time: 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge)

• In a large bowl, combine 500g cubed beef, 3 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (if using), 2 tsp sugar, 1 tsp black pepper, and 4 minced garlic cloves.
• Mix thoroughly with your hands or tongs to coat every piece.
• Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes (or refrigerate for deeper flavor, but bring to room temperature before cooking).

2. Prep Vegetables & Workspace

Time: 10 minutes

• Slice 1 red onion into thin wedges and 2 tomatoes into rounds or wedges.
• Wash and pat dry 1 head lettuce and 1 bunch watercress (if using). Arrange lettuce leaves on a large serving platter, then layer tomatoes and red onion on top.
• Squeeze 2 limes into a small bowl for the optional dipping sauce.

3. Cook the Beef

Time: 10 minutes
Tools: Large skillet or wok (cast iron or stainless steel works best for high heat)

Step 3a: Sear the Beef

• Heat 2 tbsp neutral oil in the skillet over high heat until smoking slightly (about 1–2 minutes).
• Add half the marinated beef in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan!). Let sear undisturbed for 1–2 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms.
• Use tongs to “shake” the pan (or flip the beef) and sear the other sides for 1–2 minutes until caramelized. Aim for medium-rare to medium doneness (beef will cook more later).
• Transfer cooked beef to a plate. Repeat with the remaining beef.

Step 3b: Finish with Butter & Garlic

• Reduce heat to medium-high. Add 1 tbsp butter to the skillet.
• Toss in the leftover minced garlic from the marinade bowl (if any) and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Return all the beef to the skillet. Toss vigorously for 1 minute to coat in the buttery garlic sauce.

4. Optional Dipping Sauce

Time: 2 minutes

• Mix juice of 2 limes, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper in a small bowl.
• Taste and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed.

5. Assemble & Serve

Time: 5 minutes

• Pile the hot, sizzling beef onto the prepared lettuce platter. Garnish with watercress (if using).
• Serve immediately with dipping sauce on the side and steamed rice or crusty baguette.

Key Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cooking in batches ensures a crispy sear instead of steaming.
• High heat is critical: This dish cooks fast keep the skillet smoking hot for the best texture.
• Serve immediately: The beef is juiciest when hot, and the lettuce stays crisp

Visual Cues to Watch For

• Beef: Golden-brown crust with a pink center (for medium-rare).
• Garlic: Light golden color (don’t let it burn!).
• Sauce: Glossy coating on the beef from the butter and marinade.

Final Thoughts on Vietnamese Shaking Beef

Vietnamese Shaking Beef, or Bò lúc lắc, stands out as a dish that beautifully blends tradition with modern flavors. By following the instructions and techniques outlined, you can create a meal that honors its Vietnamese roots while adapting to your home cooking style. The key to success lies in attention to detail, from selecting the right beef cut to mastering the marinade and searing process.

Quality ingredients like soy sauce and oyster sauce play a vital role in enhancing the beef’s tenderness and flavor. Timing is equally important—ensuring each step, from marinating to cooking, is executed with care. While the dish is best enjoyed fresh, practical tips on storage and reheating allow you to savor leftovers without losing quality.

Elevate your meal by pairing the tender beef with fresh vegetables and a zesty lime sauce. This combination creates a balanced and flavorful experience, true to Vietnamese tradition. Embrace the process, experiment with new ideas, and make Shaking Beef a cherished part of your culinary repertoire. With practice, you’ll master this beloved dish, bringing joy to every meal.